2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA pricing and specs detailed: Tesla Model Y-rivalling premium electric SUV order books open in April

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a new entry to its EQ electric vehicle (EV) range, with the EQA 250 small SUV order books open in April for a June arrival, priced from $76,800 plus on-road costs.

This price-point puts the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 at a considerable premium over Hyundai’s Kona Electric small SUV, which is priced from $60,740, as well as Tesla’s entry-level Model 3 sedan that can now be had from $68,425. Local pricing for the similarly-sized Model Y is unknown.

The EQA 250 uses a 140kW/375Nm electric motor to drive the front wheels, matched with a 66.5kWh battery to provide 480 kilometres of driving range.

Similarly, the Hyundai Kona EV outputs 150kW/395Nm from its front-drive electric motor and offers a comparable 484km of range.

CarsGuide understands that more EQA variants will join Mercedes’ local line-up in the future, including a high-performance all-wheel-drive version, as well as a long-range option capable of covering more than 500 kilometres between charges.

When connected to a DC fast charger, the EQA 250’s battery can be filled from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes, while the optional Mercedes-Benz ‘Wallbox’ home system can achieve the same task in just over four hours.

In a recent press release, Mercedes-Benz reiterated that the home-installed Wallbox will charge the EQA 250 considerably faster than will a domestic socket.

Notably, Mercedes-Benz EQA customers will receive a Chargefox subscription that provides unlimited access to ‘selected’ Ultra-Rapid and Rapid chargers for three years.

The EQA shares much with the conventionally powered GLA small SUV, upon which it is based, though there are a number of exterior touches denoting its all-electric status.

Distinguishing the electric vehicle is a unique full LED lighting package with blue accents, a black panel grille, chrome front-and-rear aprons and futuristic 19-inch wheels, among other minor styling elements.

A familiar interior design also borrows from its GLA stablemate, in this case standard with a twin 10.25-inch screens, one for instrumentation and the other for the multimedia system with Apply CarPlay, Android Auto and various other connectivity options.

Also standard is a wireless charger, heated and powered front seats, pre-entry climate control, 'Artico' upholstery, a sports steering wheel and a powered tailgate.

Driving characteristics are bolstered by adjustable suspension damping and a dynamic steering mode, while a strong driver-assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and blind-spot monitoring, and park assist as standard.

For an extra $7300 added to the sticker price, Mercedes-Benz will offer an Edition 1 package which adds an AMG Line body kit with 20-inch wheels, as well as more premium interior appointments.