Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the sleek EQA concept today at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Mercedes-Benz EQA concept is a preview of a new small electric hatchback that will be offered under the EQ sub-brand.

Mercedes-Benz EQA concept

With its small compact exterior, the EQA concept looks more like a VW GTI than its closest competitor, the BMW i3. Mercedes-Benz says that the exterior design follows the same Sensual Purity design theme as the recent A-Class concept, where the previous sharp edges and lines have been significantly reduced. The concept’s purist design focuses on smooth surfaces and clear contours to give it a clean, yet modern look.

At the front, instead of having a conventional radiator grille, the EQA concept features a black panel with an integrated LED matrix. This black panel is a virtual radiator grille which can completely change in appearance: the EQA concept displays which drive program the driver has selected via an animated design in the virtual grille. In “Sport” mode the grille depicts a flaming wing in horizontal format, while in “Sport Plus” mode vertical struts in the style of a Panamericana radiator grille are displayed. Common to both grille variants is the illuminated central star.

Mercedes-Benz EQA concept

Mercedes-Benz has opted for laser fibers for the EQA concept’s lighting. Unlike laser diodes, where electrical energy flows into a semiconductor, here a laser-activated medium is embedded in the center of a fiber-optic cable. This new technology ensures homogeneous lighting of the road and, from a design point of view, creates a three-dimensional look with precise contours.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA concept is powered by two electric motors, one at each axle to give it all-wheel drive. The electric powertrain generates 268 horsepower and over 368 lb-ft. of torque. It will only take about five seconds for the electric hatchback to get to 60 mph and it has a driving range around 250 miles.

Source: Mercedes-Benz