Mercedes-Benz EQA electric lease deals

Leasing an EQA in the UK

Not unlike their main competitors, BMW and Audi, the Mercedes engineers had plenty of work to do in order to keep up with some of the latest electric product being produced elsewhere – an almost unknown brand, Tesla, seemingly dethroning many of the German manufacturers with its world-class Model 3. And, not unlike the competition, the Mercedes group seemed somewhat slow to transition to electric, instead electing to prioritise petrol, diesel and plug-in based engine solutions.

However, what may have been reticence (or thorough planning and investment), has now been replaced with enthusiasm. Mercedes now have in place a wide array of electric product, known as their “EQ” brand, which allows a customer looking at SUVs, saloons or people carriers to a have a fully electrified option. Mercedes are set to have the largest selection of electric vehicles for their customers compared to any other manufacturer in the world.

So what is the EQA? This small SUV is effectively a Mercedes GLA but with the subtle addition of lithium-ion batteries as opposed to the petrol or diesel (and plug-in) technology customers have been accustomed to. While not their first zero-emission option to select, the EQA quickly followed the successful and bigger SUV – the EQC. From 2021, UK personal, business and salary sacrifice leasing customers have been enjoying the Mercedes EV technology. But success is no way guaranteed in this segment, with stiff competition from the Audi Q4 e-tron, Skoda Enyaq, VW ID.4 and Volvo XC40 Recharge. The big question is - what small electric SUV should you go for?

What models and specifications are available in the EQA? The brand initially launched the EQA 250 in the following platforms:

• Sport - £45,000+ - 18” alloys, comfort suspension, easy-pack tailgate, front and rear LED lights, mirror package, privacy glass, surround lighting, ambient lighting, heated front seats, active lane assist, navigation, parking pack with rear view camera;
• AMG Line - £47,000+ - upgraded 18” alloys, AMG body styling, black grille, multifunction steering wheel, AMG sports steering and AMG floor mats; and the   
• AMG Line Premium - £50,000+ - 19” AMG alloy wheels, panoramic glass sunroof, keyless-go package, adaptive sound system and wireless charging.

However, later in 2021 further battery configurations were added in the form of the EQA 300 and 350. In relation to the EQA 250, this is a 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery with a power output of 140 kW (or 188hp) – this allows for 0-62 times of 8.9 seconds and top speeds of nearly 100mph. The later models increase the battery performance but at the cost of efficiency and range. For example, the EQA 300 offers 168 kW (228hp) and 0-62 times of 7.7 seconds, with the EQA 350 increasing this to 215 kW (292hp) and 0-62 times of 6 seconds. Additionally, if you need the 4Matic technology, then you need to select the 300 or 350. But as you will note from this synopsis, it is not accurate to say that electric SUVs are boring. Indeed, their performance is somewhat better than combustion equivalents!

But can an EQA be an ideal electric car? The key to any electric car goes beyond its badge, the aesthetics or the specification. What’s so crucial to UK EV customers is the battery technology, in terms of range and charging times. The EQA 250 offers our e-car lease customers with cold-weather ranges of 185 miles and some 250 miles in warmer climates (based on a 100% charge). The EQA can charge at a maximum of 11 kW AC for 7 hour 0-100% charging times, with the 112 kW DC paving way for 30 minute 10-80% times. What needs to be made clear to electric car customers, particularly those leasing for the first-time, is that EVs charge at different speeds (shown as AC and DC) and based on charging habits / locations, this should be used to help you reach an informed decision. Just review our unique “Living with ..” tools to make a full assessment on the EQA.

How do I lease an EQA? Whether you are a personal, business or salary sacrifice customer, the e-car lease experts have a solution for you. Simply build your vehicle, including any options, on our electric vehicle website and adjust the term, initial rental and annual mileage to suit your circumstances. From low-mileage to high-mileage contracts, or no initial rental (no deposit) to big initial rental payment solutions, the e-car lease team have you covered. And you have complete confidence that you are working with the UK’s leading electric car experts.