Does it represent good value for the price? We’re not so sure.
Starting from $96,900, before on-road costs, the EQA 350 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) costs over $15,000 more the established EQA 250 front-drive version.
That’s a lot of dosh, even in the world of expensive EVs, given that’s nearly in Tesla Model 3/Y Performance, new flagship Kia EV6 GT and range-topping Hyundai Ioniq 5 Epiq (with change) territory.
These are bespoke electric vehicles in that they’re designed from the ground up to be electrified, not internal combustion engine (ICE) models modified to take electric motors and batteries, as the EQA is. It doesn’t take much imagination to see the popular GLA small-car/crossover behind the badge.
The same applies to the GLB-based EQB, which at least offers a seven-seat version in the base 250, giving it a unique selling proposition. The 350 4Matic benefits from no such advantage against its fierce volley of foes.
Additionally, the Mercedes must battle some pretty impressive yet cheaper ICE-based EV AWD rivals, including the Volvo XC40/C40 Recharge Twin fraternal twins, Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor and coming BMW iX1 xDrive30.
As the Stuttgart EV isn’t measurably ahead and is sometimes even behind these in performance, efficiency, range and charging capacity, its pricing seems needlessly steep.
Unfortunately, the 350 4Matic isn’t brimming with extra standard features to compensate, either.
Along with that second motor and AWD, your $15,200 premium over the 250 scores an AMG makeover inside and out, with an AMG Line Sports exterior treatment, 20-inch AMG alloys, AMG interior trim with synthetic leather and suede seat material, a leather AMG steering wheel, aluminium pedal covers and a top-stitched dash.
The 250’s optional 'Vision Package' is also thrown in, bringing a panoramic sunroof and surround-view camera.
You’ll also find dual keyless entry/go, electric and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, ‘Hey, Mercedes’ voice control, a wireless smartphone charger, two 10.25-inch screens (for instrumentation and multimedia touchscreen), Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital radio, satellite navigation, 10-speaker audio, ambient lighting, a powered tailgate and adaptive dampers.
On the safety front there are LED headlights with high-beam assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist and parking sensors all-round.
However, items that can dial up the glamour for potential buyers in EQA adverts, also cost thousands of dollars extra, such as a head-up display, hand gesture activation for several vehicle functions and the 'MBUX' augmented reality for navigation.
There’s a Wallbox from $1710 (before fitment) for personal parking-space charging, bringing a Type 2 AC Charger, 22kW single-phase and three-phase charging.
A free Chargefox subscription is also part of the deal. But are all these enough?