The EQA sits up high, offering lofty seating.

Once inside, you'll notice the solid looking and feeling doors and dash, upping the sense of quality. Very on-brand stuff here.

This is a very modern and inviting interior, with those aforementioned screens set within a large rectangular binnacle. Highlights include a trio of turbine-style air vents, along with the row of metallic toggle switches; both provide pleasing, high-quality sensory experiences.

There's a slightly trashy night-club ambience if restraint is not exercised with the (configurable) coloured light show dotting the EQA's cabin.

You wouldn’t call the EQA particularly spacious with its curvy roof, snug sports seating, high waistline, narrow glass areas and thick pillars, but even 200cm-tall people should find enough legroom up front. There’s a sense of cosiness rather than crampedness.

The driving position is superb, ahead of a set of vibrant digital instrumentation choices, but the cheap-looking plastics dotted throughout the interior won't please Mercedes traditionalists, along with the rattles that are regular companions. 

And when will that small and flimsy gear selector stalk be binned?

Our test car’s ‘Hey, Mercedes’ voice control system was erratic at best, barely providing any assistance and regularly annoying/entertaining with misunderstood responses and laughably limited functionality.

It’s also worth noting that, if you’re new to the MBUX multimedia system, taking the time to learn its many functions and capabilities is advisable, as it’s more logical and simpler than the intimidating first impression suggests. 

A deft thumb is required for the steering-wheel spoke-actuated tabs for instrument data. The central part of the screen can be swiped to access the vast array of features, including the excellent audio system and detailed vehicle control settings.

Further back, room is pretty good, unless three people are sitting across. Items to be found include deep door pockets, face-level air outlets, reading lights and a rather cheap folding armrest.

Along with that EQA 350 4Matic's second motor and AWD, the $15,200 premium over the regular EQA 250 scores an AMG makeover inside and out, with the latter's body kit, 20-inch alloys, interior trim, leather steering wheel with paddles, aluminium pedals and a top-stitched dash.

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, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, 10-speaker audio, ambient lighting, powered tailgate, adaptive dampers, panoramic sunroof and surround-view camera.

Speaking of which, 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.

The EQA 350 4Matic features an asynchronous motor and a single-speed reduction gear transmission under the bonnet, delivering 140kW of power and 385Nm of torque to the front wheels.

This is backed up by a second, permanently excited synchronous motor located on the rear axle. Combined outputs are 215kW and 520Nm.

The EQA employs a 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack fitted between the axles, with a maximum 11kW AC and 100kW DC charging capability.

The EQA 350 4Matic’s sports seats do a great job holding and caressing you in, providing excellent bracing through tight corners. 

Three’s ample (powered) adjustment, including for lumbar and lower-back areas, as well as enough support for thighs. The cushion themselves are typically firm yet comfy. And the seats look great. 

Further back, passengers sit up high, giving a wide view of what’s happening up front. The backrest is angled at just the right position, while the cushion is AOK. 

There’s not much fun to be had sitting on the raised middle bit, though, and shoulder space is seriously limited with three abreast, but otherwise, adults should find sufficient legroom and headroom – even with the panoramic sunroof fitted.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA 350 4Matic sprints from zero to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in just six seconds (6.0s) flat, on the way to a top speed of 160km/h.

Using WLTP figures, the EQA 350 4Matic’s official consumption figure is 17.9kWh/100km. Maximum range is rated at 400km.

We managed about 320km in real-world driving scenarios.

Our trip computer showed that the vehicle had consumed 20.8kWh/100km on average.