We Spent The Weekend Driving A RM296K Mercedes-Benz EV. Here's Our Honest Review

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When Mercedes-Benz offered us the opportunity to check out their latest lineup of electric vehicles (EVs), we were more than elated. After all, EVs are paving the way for the future of automobiles in the country.

Equipped with the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQA250, we embarked on a weekend exploring not only Kuala Lumpur but also the features of the car itself.

Inside the EQA, the experience will feel familiar to anyone who has been inside a GLA. It features the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system with twin 10.25-inch instrument and infotainment displays, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Mercedes me connected services, and telematics.

Our EQA250 was outfitted with the AMG Line package, incorporating distinctive sporty elements into its interior. Upon entering the vehicle, we noticed the secure embrace of bucket seat for both the driver and the passengers. The steering wheel also received the AMG treatment, lending it a sportier and more robust appearance.

In fact, the AMG treatment extended to the exterior of the car. This included a more aggressive front bumper with a wider lower apron and slatted corner air inlets, while the rear bumper also received a sporty touch with corner outlets and highlighted diffuser fins.

The EQA250 is driven by a single asynchronous electric motor that powers the front wheels via a single-speed gearbox. This motor is rated at 190PS (equivalent to 188hp or 140kW) and generates an impressive 375Nm of torque. With this configuration, the EQA, weighing 2,040kg, can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 8.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 160km/h.

The electric motor draws power from a 420-volt lithium-ion battery, which benefits from liquid cooling and boasting a capacity of 66.5kWh. Charging this battery to its full capacity takes approximately five hours and 45 minutes, courtesy of the vehicle's onboard 11-kW AC charger equipped with a Type 2 connection.

Alternatively, for faster charging, you can use DC fast charging at up to 100kW with a CCS2 connection, which can charge the battery from 10% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in just 30 minutes. Once fully charged, you can enjoy ranges extending up to 495km, as per the WLTP cycle.

Mercedes-Benz's extensive expertise in high-voltage drive systems has resulted in the development of a comprehensive safety strategy.

In the event of a collision, the high-voltage system can be automatically deactivated, either permanently or otherwise, depending on the severity of the accident. Furthermore, as part of this thorough safety approach, the charging process will pause automatically if the vehicle detects a collision when it is stationary at a fast-charging station (DC charging).

In addition to this autonomous monitoring system, the EQA is equipped with a dedicated disconnect point that can be utilised by rescue services to shut down the high-voltage system as required.

An exclusive feature of the EQ series is the Acoustic Ambient Protection system, designed to notify pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is operating quietly. This system produces distinct Mercedes-Benz sounds outside the vehicle, particularly when travelling at speeds of up to 20km/h. It even distinguishes between forward and reverse movements for added safety.

First of all, it's an electric vehicle and the typical issue that comes with electric vehicles is range anxiety. When we drove off the Mercedes-Benz parking lot with the EQA250, we had around 350 kilometres of range left, and we were driving in Puchong to look for a nice place to have lunch before heading to the office. By the time we parked for lunch, it dropped to 300 kilometres — which was quite accurate in terms of distance — but we never felt concerned about the possibility of getting stranded.

After a long day at work, we decided to take the car to Putrajaya for an evening spin. With the audio system set up, we stretched the EQA250's legs on the highway. Driving an electric car on the highway was a treat, as the immense and instantaneous torque meant that the car had massive acceleration. However, this also meant that power consumption was rather on the higher side. Consequently, we had to ease off the accelerator once we reached Putrajaya to conserve battery power

We decided to take a more economical approach during the drive back home, which meant we finally got to see how much power we managed to regenerate through the car's regenerative braking. Fortunately, we were able to recuperate about 10 kilometres of range, showcasing the effectiveness of this energy-saving feature.

Eventually, we reached the LDP highway, and encountered late-night roadworks, not indicated on the MBUX navigator, but promptly flagged on our Waze app. This presented the perfect opportunity to test the adaptive cruise control feature, which detects the distance to the vehicle in front and adjusts the car's speed accordingly. This feature is useful for long-haul trips or traffic jams.

During the journey, the car inadvertently demonstrated another safety feature when a nearby vehicle merged into our lane, dangerously close. In response, the EQA's emergency brakes engaged, accompanied by urgent alarms. This highlights Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety, providing reassurance for everyone on board.

When we first drove the EQA, the most striking aspect was the profound silence enveloping the car. Nothing can truly prepare you for the serene and refined interior of the Mercedes-Benz EQA250.

With the lack of an internal combustion engine, there is no aural cue if the car is ready to drive, except for a small green sign that says "READY" on the screen.

The next most jarring thing is the aforementioned instantaneous acceleration. The sheer immediacy of the acceleration is intoxicating, but it might catch unprepared drivers off guard.

Lastly, regenerative braking takes some time getting used to, but once you've gotten the hang of it, you can simply drive and stop with only one pedal, which is highly efficient and really convenient.

With a petrol vehicle, it only takes a couple of minutes for you to refuel and be on your way. However, with an electric vehicle, it takes a bit of planning to ensure a smooth journey.

After driving for quite some distance, the car was left with about 50% of charge. So, we decided to stop by a PETRONAS with Gentari charging station and proceed to charge the car to at least 80%. The 42kW charger managed to charge the car to 88% in about 42 minutes, and it only cost RM24.

If you have a Mercedes-Benz outlet nearby, you can drop by and use the 100kW DC charger that is capable of fully charging the car from 0% in less than an hour.

For landed homeowners, you can also install a home charging box that you can charge the car overnight. However, for condominium or apartment owners, you might have to plan your charging sessions at the nearby public charging station and leave your car charging for a couple of hours. The handy JomCharge app lets users know the number of available charging bays, charging speed, and the price of the charging station.

So, what we can suggest to ensure a seamless journey is to charge the car — whether at a public charging station, or your home box if you own one — before setting off on a journey.

It goes without saying that driving an electric Mercedes-Benz will surely turn heads, and in a good way.

The silent car, combined with the commanding presence of the car, will surely draw attention to whoever is driving the EQA250.

The EQA250 comes with the standard four-year unlimited Mercedes-Benz Warranty. The high-voltage battery comes under warranty for eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first. Customers who opt to have the wallbox installed will receive a two-year warranty from the manufacturer.

If you don't feel like committing upfront to the EQA250, Mercedes-Benz has you covered thanks to the Drive Electric Plan by Agility+. Further details about that option can be explored here.