The thing with lower-power motors is that they have more scalable power lower down. What I mean it they tend to have a more linear power curve as the right pedal is pressured. They have this instant go which isn’t overwhelming and feels more controllable, unlike higher-power motors which throw the occupants’ heads back with neck-snapping torque to begin with and then only get more intense before flattening out altogether; something which happens sooner in this 140-kW motor when the pedal is pushed flat. That said, it makes for quick acceleration and easy overtaking; something particularly useful in chaotic Jaipur traffic amidst the heavy downpour which began the previous evening and did not let up at all.
The acceleration is quick and the steering wheel feel is nice. It has this mix of heft and soft-grip which feels good and comfortable. Recuperation modes are available on the paddle behind the wheel spokes with my preferred one being “strong” which comes in between “normal” and “maximum”. The ride is quite firm and the 19-inch wheels with 50-profile rubber make this very evident. It feels like an AMG Line though there was no official trim specified at the time of driving. Expect a tag well below the EQB, which at Rs 77.50 lakh (ex-showroom) is a larger car with two motors which deliver more power as well as “4MATIC” drive. The Mercedes EQA feels planted but not particularly nimble in these wet conditions, delivering some wallowing and some moments of lost traction when driven dynamically. However, it’s not meant to be driven hard and the target audience will surely be more than happy with its capabilities.
The Mercedes EQA then makes for the ideal car for badge-conscious buyers seeking an electric car with a star on the bonnet. Need more space, comfort and breathing room at a lower price-point? Look to the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Need blistering performance at a similar price-point? There’s the Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD. Want that from a premium German badge, there is the BMW iX1. Want maximum safety in a similar-sized footprint as well as a choice of single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD? Volvo have the XC40 Recharge. There isn’t a shortage of options for every need these days, is there?
Need to Know – Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+
Price: Rs 66 lakh (ex-showroom)
Battery Pack: 70.5-kWh, lithium-ion
Electric Motor: 140 kW
Max Power: 190 hp
Max Torque: 385 Nm
Transmission: Single-speed, automatic, front-wheel drive
AC Charging: 7 hrs 15 mins (0-100% @ 11 kW)
DC Charging: 35 mins (10-80% @ 100 kW)
Weight: 2,055 kg
