Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ A revealed in Frankfurt

Following the release of a teaser a few days prior, Mercedes-Benz has finally lifted the veils off of its latest electric vehicle show car, the Concept EQ A. With the carmaker focused on making the electric push via its EQ sub-brand, the new concept previews what will be an EV entrant in the compact class.

Appearing like a futuristic version of the A-Class, the Concept EQ A features plenty of design cues like on previous EQ concepts. Highlights include the numerous black panels, including at the front to create a “virtual radiator grille” that changes its appearance depending on the selected driving mode.

Go with ‘Sport’, and you’ll see a flaming wing in horizontal format, while in ‘Sport Plus’, vertical struts in the style of a Panamericana radiator grille are displayed like on the AMG GT C and AMG GT R.

For the headlights, Mercedes-Benz opted to use laser fibres, which it says provides a more even light distribution and a 3D look. The spiral-shaped animated graphics seen here are meant to underline the concept’s electric powertrain, and evoke the copper windings of an electric motor.

The same laser fibres are also employed in the rear, and will visualise electrical impulses just like it does at the front. As for the lights on the car’s bumpers and sides, those are LED strips that act as welcome lights or activated during a remote parking process.

Other details include an alubeam paint finish that provides contrast with the black panoramic glass roof and those panels. A set of 20-inch five twin-spoke wheels complete the look, and help to accentuate the car’s muscular wheel arches.

In terms of dimensions, the Concept EQ A measures 4,285 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, 1,428 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,729 mm. As a comparison, the current A 250 Sport is 4,299 mm long, 1,780 mm wide, 1,438 mm tall and has a 2,699 mm wheelbase.

These figures could serve as an indicator of what we might see with the next-generation A-Class, which has already been teased officially. Of course, the EQ A is merely a concept (for now), and only serves as a preview of a future production vehicle, so take this info with a pinch of salt.

Powering the EQ A are a pair of electric motors (one for each axle), offering a total system output of 268 hp (200 kW) and 500 Nm. Mercedes-Benz says the concept will sprint from 0-100 km/h in just five seconds, and will offer two drive programmes as those mentioned earlier.

The motors draw power from modular battery pack that is installed on the vehicle floor, available in capacities of over 60 kWh. Depending on the battery capacity installed, the carmaker claims a range of around 400 km, likely reserved for the largest option. Recharging the battery is done either via induction (wireless) or by plugging the car into a wallbox for rapid charging.

Along with the release of the EQ A, Mercedes-Benz also confirmed the first vehicle to be launched under its sub-brand will be the EQC, which is based on the Generation EQ from Paris last year. The “electric GLC” is set to be produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen from 2019. If these patents are any indication, there will be many more EQ vehicles on the way.

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