With a promised range of nearly 500km, the new Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 is going on sale in a couple of months starting from nearly $60,000

You can just think of this as an electric GLA, but with the different design and the right amount of blue badging, the new Mercedes-Benz EQA has a name of its own. Because, why would you develop an electric compact crossover when you can just put batteries in a GLA?

As the first B-segment vehicle from the German manufacturer to go zero-emissions the EQA represents the entry-level EV in the Mercedes-Benz range, which means we’re talking about a $60,000 crossover.

At launch the only available model is the front-wheel drive EQA 250 with a 190 horsepower rating and a claimed range of up to 486km. Mercedes will extend the line-up in due time, promising all-wheel drive versions and a longer range.

Since the regular GLA just didn’t cut it, the designers of the EQA prioritised a slippery shape to lower drag resistance, with a final Cd value of 0.28 which is pretty good. In fact it’s almost as good as a 2008 Mazda 6… But you sit real nice and high.

Details include a blank grille, a closed underbody, and neat aerodynamic wheels. At the back, the light bar is something that’s supposed to characterise all Mercedes EVs, and a fibre-optic light strip connects the front headlamps too. Obviously there are blue LEDs involved otherwise how else would you know it’s electric.

Inside the EQA this demo model pictures is full appointed, with rose gold coloured trim. When it goes on sale the EQA Edition 1 additionally includes perforated leather seats, more blue highlights and plenty of safety equipment and tech on board. Customers will also be able to buy an EQA AMG Line, or spec something called Electric Art as well as the Night Package.

The new Mercedes EQA 250 will go on sale from Q2 this year as part of the company’s wider plan to roll out 10 new EVs by 2022.