By Funziwe Moleme

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has an ever-expanding range of Mercedes-EQ vehicles and we recently got to spend some time with the brand’s entry-level EQ model – the EQA 250.

EQA 250 exterior and interior design

The EQA needs no one to explain its gorgeous aesthetics. Its exterior immediately impresses and it carries a futuristic look without trying too hard. We also love how it stands out from its petrol-based sibling, the GLA. Inside, you’re also greeted by Merc’s outgoing design language, and in our view, a bittersweet place to be in.

First, the bitter. There are several things we are concerned about. Firstly, we did not jump for joy when seeing piano gloss, especially in areas like the center console and upper dash where driver and passenger interact with the area. Either than showing dust and fingerprints easily – it scratches easily and is just not robust enough from the effects of the day-to-day house keys and any other objects like access cards and the myriad of things found in kids’ pockets. Another aspect that we were not smitten about are the door handles. The material and rattly nature of them is eyebrow raising and unacceptable for a car at this price point.

An attempt to make up for the quirks is Merc’s MBUX infotainment system. It is one of the best on the market. From its crisp graphics, intuitive nature that cascades from the screen to the multifunctional screen. It works extremely well and is responsive to the touch of the black-berry style button on the steering, to the touchscreen as well as the trackpad on the center console.

Driving impressions 

Piloting the EQA is a smooth and relaxing experience. The silence combined with the ride refinement is indeed a suave escapade, which is unfortunately hindered by a few aspects, like a high window line and rear view mirrors being located on the edge of the window. This means you need to look around the mirror when turning right – to avoid hitting curbs. The rear passengers will also suffer from what is a low seat. So passengers sit with their knees high up and there is not enough space for sliding one’s feet under the front seats. Boot size is also average for its category, and as this is an EV – you almost always need to carry the cables.

Our verdict

Reading back at our view of the EQA above may make it seem like an overly downbeat review. We feel a car starting at R1,169,500 should have a higher standard of execution in design and finer details and the potential buyer needs to be aware of these aspects – especially when considering the number of options for both electric and petrol/diesel available at that price point.

The purchase price displayed includes the price of a 5 year/100 000km Service Plan and Maintenance Plan which you shall be entitled to exclude from the purchase of your Vehicle.