Experiencing The Mercedes EQA 250+ For One Month

Table of Contents

Overview of the Mercedes EQA 250+

In December, I had a chance to spend some time with the Mercedes EQA 250+, an electric vehicle that joined the MotorBeam fleet for one month. I drove it over 1,000 kilometers, including a memorable trip to the company’s Chakan plant for the unveiling of the G580 and EQS 450 SUVs. Here’s what my experience with this compact electric car was like.

Compact Design Perfect for City Driving

Living in Mumbai, I appreciate compact cars due to the city’s heavy traffic and tight parking spaces. The EQA has a well-proportioned design, making it easy to maneuver through the congested streets. One of the first things I did was connect my phone using wireless Apple CarPlay and adjust various settings, such as the follow-me-home lights and disabling the automatic honk when locking the car. A notable feature of the EQA is that it remembers your preferences, so you don’t need to reset everything every time you start the car.

Driving Experience and Performance

Drive Modes

The EQA offers three driving modes: Sport, Comfort, and Eco. I experimented with these modes during my initial days of driving.

Sport Mode: The car feels lively, but it also leads to unnecessary wheelspin, which can be a bit distracting.
Eco Mode: This mode makes the car feel sluggish, so I found Comfort Mode to be the most balanced for daily use.

With 180 horsepower, the EQA provides adequate power for typical driving situations, but it does have a top speed capped at 160 km/h.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking is another interesting feature of the EQA, which comes with three levels: Normal, Strong, and Max. I found that using Max regeneration in city traffic helped extend the car’s battery range. The vehicle slows down nicely when you release the accelerator, and although it might take a little getting used to, it enhances the driving experience.

Real-World Range Testing

The EQA 250+ claims a range of 560 kilometers, and I was curious to see how accurate this was during my trip from Kandivali to the Chakan plant, a distance of about 160 kilometers. Initially, I was concerned about charging the car along the way, but I managed without needing to stop for a charge.

Trip Details

Starting Point: I left home with a battery charge of 93% and a range of 501 km.
First Leg: After driving 55 km, the state of charge (SOC) dropped to 82%, with a remaining range of 435 km.
Food Court Stop: After covering 85 km, the SOC was at 73%, showing a range of 384 km.
Arrival at Chakan: I reached my destination with 53% SOC and a residual range of 253 km without charging at all.

Later, on my drive home, I encountered traffic, but the downhill sections of the route helped to increase the range again. By the time I returned home after a total of 321 km, I still had a remaining range of 150 km and 26% battery left. This experience demonstrated that a realistic range of about 400-450 km could easily be achieved with the EQA.

Charging and Running Costs

As I don’t have a home charging station, I used Jio-BP fast chargers located throughout Mumbai. The cost of charging has increased recently, going from Rs. 16 per kWh to Rs. 20 per kWh. A full charge for the EQA set me back approximately Rs. 1,400, bringing the operational cost to around Rs. 3.50 per kilometer, which is still quite reasonable for an electric vehicle.

Comfort and Features

While the EQA is a compact vehicle, it does come with some limitations. The rear seating space may not be sufficient for taller individuals, and the trunk space is somewhat limited.

Interior Quality

Comfort: The seats are comfortable and designed with a combination of fabric and leatherette.
Audio System: The Burmester audio system is a highlight, providing excellent sound quality.
Display: However, the display screen feels a bit small for modern standards.

Conclusion: Pros and Cons of the EQA 250+

My month with the EQA was enjoyable, thanks to its maneuverability, decent range, build quality, and overall comfort. However, the vehicle’s price of Rs. 70 lakh (OTR Mumbai) may be a significant barrier for many potential buyers. Given its front-wheel-drive configuration and a 70.5 kWh battery, a price range between Rs. 50-60 lakh would likely make it more appealing, especially considering the increasing competition in the electric vehicle market.

In today’s rapidly evolving environment, pricing and features are extremely vital for consumers. Despite its strengths, the higher price tag may overshadow some of the excellent qualities the EQA 250+ has to offer.

Overall, the Mercedes EQA 250+ is a solid offering for those in the market for a compact luxury electric vehicle, but potential buyers may want to weigh the costs carefully against their budget and needs.