Mercedes to Launch EQA on July 8: The Electric GLA?

Mercedes Benz is all set to expand its electric car portfolio massively in India in the next few years. After introducing the EQS, EQB, and EQE SUV, Indian customers will be showcased some entry-level EVs. It gets the moniker EQA and will be launched in India on 8th July 2024. Let's get into what all this hype is about…

What is the EQA?

Essentially, the EQA is an electric version of the GLA. It will be the facelifted EQA launched in August 2023. Mercedes plans to launch it as a fully imported CBU model. It will be one of the 6 EVs that Mercedes plans to launch in India by the end of the decade. 

An all-electric equivalent of GLA, the EQA is one of the six EV launches by Mercedes confirmed for the Indian market by the end of this decade. The EQA coming to India is the facelifted model that made its global debut in August last year. The battery-powered SUV will be offered as a fully imported CBU model.

Exteriors of  EQA

The EQA follows the electric Mercedes DNA on the front and back. The resemblance starts with the gloss back panel on the grille, the Mercedes' star pattern and a connected LED lamp at the front. The lightbar finds LED headlamps on either side. The connected tail lamps are also present at the back (We’re not a big fan of the back, honestly). The front and rear bumpers have also been slightly updated. On the side, you will find aero-specific alloy wheels and a silhouette like the GLA. 

Cabin of EQA

The inside mimics the outside in their inspiration from the Mercedes electric range. The best bits include a multiple-star pattern on the dashboard panel that is painted black in contrast. Taking centre stage are two screens, one for the driver info and the other 10.25 inch for infotainment. Cool/hot air comes from turbine-like air vents that have blue inserts. In front of the driver screen is a 3-spoke steering with all your expected functions. It also has other features like dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting with 64 colour options, and a Burmester sound system that supports Dolby Atmos. To ensure Safety, Mercedes has added multiple airbags, electronic stability control, front and rear parking sensors and ADAS to the EQA.

Powertrain of the EQA

If the International variants are considered, Mercedes has two motor options: one that generates 188 bhp and 385 Nm of torque, and the other produces 288 Bhp and 520 Nm. Powering these motors are two battery configurations: a 66.5 kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 528 km and a 70.5 kWh one with a claimed range of 560 km.

It is to be seen which of these will enter India. Which one do you think suits the Indian conditions best?

Mercedes has shown stellar sales growth the previous years. They will be taking a gamble by introducing the 6 new EV products by the end of the decade. Do you think EV products like the EQA will be able to take this growth forward when the likes of BYD are expanding in the premium segment?

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