EQAlizer

The Mercedes-Benz EQA has arrived in India and it is essentially the GLA with an electric powertrain. We drove it in Jaipur to find out how it performs

- Rahul Ghosh

Mercedes-Benz has been at the forefront when it comes to electric vehicles. While it started with the absolute top-end modles going electric, it has now launched the EQA which comes in as the company's entry-level EV, slotting in below the EQB.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA is a derivative of the GLA and hence the design looks very similar. However, being electric, it gets its own set of design highlights. The grille is unique and gets intricate details along with the large Mercedes-Benz logo. The EQA also gets the company's high-performance LED light package. In profile, one can spot the new 19in 10-spoke AMG alloys and a generous ground clearance of over 200mm. At the back, the EQA looks even better thanks to the connected tail light unit and a bit of chrome embellishments. The EQA is the first model from Mercedes-EQ whose aerodynamic development has been undertaken entirely digitally. The ensuing measurements undertaken in the wind tunnel revealed a Cd value of 0.28, thereby confirming the high quality of the numerical simulation.

Among the most important aerodynamic measures are the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section, the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons, a very smooth, almost completely enclosed underbody, specially optimised aero wheels and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.