Mercedes-Benz has revealed its EQA electric compact SUV – which starts deliveries in the UK this spring as an entry-level model for its EQ electric range.

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It’s based on the GLA but with an electric powertrain that will be offered in different variants to meet driver needs. The initial EQA 250 model will have a 190hp output motor and a 66.5kWh battery, giving 375Nm of torque, a 0-100km/h time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 160km/h (99mph), while WLTP range stands at 426km (265 miles). It will be priced at €47,541 (some £42k) in Germany excluding government and manufacturer incentives. Pricing in other markets is yet to be announced.

Further variants will include more powerful all-wheel-drive models with an additional electric powertrain (eATS), giving power of 282hp while there will also be a longer-range version, with the ability to cover more than 500km (311 miles) WLTP range.

The carmaker added that it believes the solution to increased range is not to keep increasing battery size but to provide systematic improvement in the efficiency of all vehicle components.

To help maximise range, the EQA will also include Navigation with Electric Intelligence, including accommodating real-time changes such as traffic updates.

Charging will take five hours 45 minutes using AC charging at a wallbox or public charging station, dropping to 30 minutes using DC rapid charging.

To support charging, drivers will be able to use Mercedes me Charge, which currently covers more than 450,000 AC and DC charging points across three countries.

Despite being an electric car, the EQA will be focused on providing the same brand experience and Mercedes says it’s worked on providing a high standard of noise and vibration comfort, supported by numerous damping measures.

It will however be clearly marked out as an electric vehicle in design – it gets the Mercedes-EQ black panel radiator grille with central star, bespoke lighting details and light-alloy wheels in a two- or three-colour design, up to 20 inches in size, in some cases with rosé gold-coloured or blue decorative trim.

“Progressive design and intuitive operation are two of the highlights of the EQA. With this car, for the first time we are offering our customers an all-electric Mercedes in the compact segment with an extensive range that ensures its viability in everyday use. As such, the new EQA is an important vehicle along our path towards the electrification of all our vehicle segments,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales.

First deliveries of the EQA will start this spring – pricing and specs for the various markets will be announced in the next few weeks.