New Mercedes EQA saloon to take on Hyundai Ioniq 6

• Sits size-wise between A-Class and C-Class
• All-new MMA underpinnings
• Due to arrive in 2024

Mercedes is looking to expand its EQ-badged electric car range even further with an all-new model to sit below the EQE saloon. Sharing its name with the brand’s smallest plug-in SUV, the new Mercedes EQA will sit on entirely new underpinnings and will seek to be an electric alternative for both the A-Class saloon as well as the larger C-Class compact executive car.

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Our spy photographers have already spotted what we believe is the forthcoming EQA testing out on public German roads. As you can see from our exclusive images, Mercedes’ next electric car will get a streamlined silhouette – much like the larger EQE and EQS – as well as sharp styling to make it stand out against striking rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6. It will be larger than both the A-Class and the slinky CLA coupe though, sitting between them and the larger C-Class.

Mercedes has confirmed its next-generation MB.OS infotainment system will arrive in the next couple of years and it's likely this could feature in the EQA. Buyers can expect this system to be a hybrid of the setup found in the latest C-Class saloon, as well as the awe-inspiring Hyperscreen, which is available as a pricey option on higher-end Mercedes models, such as the EQS SUV.

Despite sharing its name with the EQA SUV – which is essentially an electric version of the petrol-powered Mercedes GLA – the new EQA saloon will debut the German brand’s latest ‘MMA’ underpinnings. This has been specifically designed to be able to house both electric or combustion engine powertrains, thereby hinting at a new version of the A-Class to arrive in the next couple of years, following a recent mid-life facelift.

At this stage it’s hard to hazard a guess in terms of specifications and range figures, however, rivals such as the Tesla Model 3 can travel over 360 miles on a single charge, with the EQA likely to match these figures thanks to its aerodynamic shape.

Mercedes is set to debut the MMA platform in 2024, so it’s unlikely we’ll see the EQA saloon make an official appearance before then. When the new car goes on sale, we expect it to start from around £50,000 – almost £20,000 more than an entry-level A-Class saloon costs now.

Can’t wait till 2024 for a new EV? Check out our list of the top 10 best electric family cars