The Mercedes-Benz EQ series of electric cars is steadily expanding, with the German firm having recently added another member to that family in the form of the EQA. Based on the existing GLA crossover, the EQA serves as the entry-level option for city-based consumers who are moving to EVs for the first time.

But first things first. If you expect this EV to be a performance monster, it isn’t. The powertrain nets a modest 188hp, and drive only goes to the front wheels. However, the 375Nm of torque does give it respectable pulling power compared to its rivals that are still using gasoline or diesel. Maximum speed is limited to just 160km/h to allow the EQA to eke out 486km from its 66.5kWh battery pack.

As for the exterior, you can clearly see the resemblance to the GLA in design, but with some EQ-exclusive bits such as a friendlier-looking front fascia that has been closed up to aid with aerodynamics, multi-spoke wheels with interesting bronze accents, and a snazzy-looking lightbar at the back. The interior is not far off from that of the GLA, the only difference being the blue accents in the trim pieces.

The car launches as the EQA 250 and starts with a European price of €39,950 (P2,325,000). Mercedes plans to introduce more variants in the future such as one with all-wheel drive and an ever-important long-range trim level that should be able go 498km in between charges.

It’s always interesting to see how car manufacturers, whose product lines used to be exclusively powered by fossil fuels, take on the challenge of making electric vehicles. And the EQA is one way that Mercedes-Benz can get customers to embrace alternative sources of energy.