Mercedes Concept Previews All-Electric Compact With 250-Mile Range

For an EV, Mercedes new Concept EQA actually looks really good.

The Mercedes-Benz Concept EQA made its debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, featuring two electric motors that delivers over 268 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. With one electric motor driving the front wheels and the other powering the rear, the Concept EQA boasts permanent all-wheel drive, helping it hit 60 mph from a standstill in around five seconds. Like other electric vehicles currently on the market, Mercedes is targeting a range of around 250 miles (400 kilometers) with the EQA, with rapid charging restoring about 62 miles (100 km) in less than 10 minutes.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

According to the German automaker, the lithium-ion battery with pouch cells being used in the concept is supplied by Daimler subsidiary Deutsche Accumotive. It features a modular design and has a model-specific total capacity of over 60 kWh.

2017 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

The EQA likely previews a future production model from the brand, but it will likely arrive after the EQC. At least year’s Paris Motor Show, Mercedes unveiled the Concept EQ, an all-electric crossover that introduced the EQ sub-brand. Certain styling elements are being used on both concepts, but the EQA tones down the sharp edges and lines for a smoother design. One nice touch is the black panel at the front that acts as a virtual radiator grille that changes its appearance based on the drive program.

The lighting on the concept is unique as well, with the automaker opting for laser fibers. According to Mercedes, the new technology “ensures homogeneous lighting of the road, and, from a design point of view, creates a three-dimensional look with precise contours.”

The concept measures 168.7 inches long, 71.3 inches wide, and 56.2 inches tall, while riding on a 107.4-inch wheelbase.

It will be interesting to see if Mercedes sticks to the two-door hatch body style, or if the company will offer two- and four-door variants. We’ll have to wait a couple more years to find out though, as the company has confirmed the EQC will be the first series-produced model and production will kick off on the crossover starting in 2019.

“Our electric initiative is gathering pace: by 2022 Mercedes-Benz Cars will have launched more than ten all-electric vehicles on the market,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “And the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQA proves that we are serious about introducing electric mobility throughout the portfolio.”

Discuss this story on our Mercedes-Benz Forum