The automotive world, as they say, is going electric as regulations around the world proceed to ban combustion engines. There are no talks of combustion engines being banned in Malaysia or the ASEAN region as of now, but there are incentives for electric vehicles (EV).

From now until 31-December 2025, EVs are tax-free (though sales tax still applies to CBU EVs) which means value wise, they offer huge bang-for-the-buck.

Also read: Tax-free EVs? MAA clarifies condition of Sales Tax exemption for EVs in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia took this opportunity to introduce the EQA (priced at RM 278,201, OTR with SST discount) and we have to say, it’s one of the easiest EVs to get used to.

Because it’s based on the Mercedes-Benz GLA, there’s a sense of familiarity in the EQA. Everything from the design to button placement are where you’d expect to find in a Mercedes-Benz. The cabin is airy, well-designed, with excellent ease of ingress and egress.

Just like any other car, you get in, push the start/stop button, select ‘drive’ and off you go. Acceleration from the 190 PS/370 Nm electric motor is smooth and linear, and doesn’t surprise you with an explosive surge of torque.

Lifting off the accelerator pedal completely and it decelerates at a predictable rate, almost like in a regular combustion-engine car. Its driving experience as a whole can be described as easy and natural.

The EQA is also a rather soothing car to drive and to be ferried in, as its cabin serenity is complimented by a calm ride that settles into the rhythms of road undulations.

All that wrapped in an exterior that’s well-proportioned. Striking, even, to a certain extent, with the full-width light strips at the front and rear.

Also read: Review: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 – The XC40 EV is objectively better, but not as likeable

More impressively, the EQA is the cheapest Mercedes in Malaysia with the full complement of ADAS that has level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability. It gets:

• Active Distance Assist Distronic (ACC)
• Extended automatic re-start in traffic jams
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Steering Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Brake Assist (AEB)
• Parking Assist Parktronic

Charging wise, the EQA has a 66.5 kWh battery that gives a WLTP range of around 402 - 429 km. The onboard charger allows up to 11 kW in terms of AC charging, while maximum DC charging is up to 100 kW, which takes just over 30 minutes to juice up the battery from 10 to 80 percent.

Also read: What is CHAdeMO and CCS? Everything you need to know about charging EVs

If you’re keen on making the switch to electric and you want something premium, do come to the WapCar Auto Show Exhibition and check out the EQA at the Hap Seng Star booth.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 launched in Malaysia – RM 278k, 190 PS/370 Nm, 429 km range

Hap Seng Star will also be displaying two other yet-to-be-launched Mercedes-Benz models at the event. One of which was recently teased by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, while the other remains a mystery.

Quizzes will be held and visitors who partipate stand a chance to win prizes.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia teases the GLC, 320 PS/700 Nm PHEV as a final hurrah?

Customers who are among the first 300 bookings made at the event will receive attractive gifts – ranging from DDPai dashcams, Trapo air purifiers, INFINITY by Harman speakers, IGL Coatings paint protection, Karcher car wash products, DK Schweizer custom leather upholstery, and more.

The first 2,000 visitors who register for the event are entitled to a welcome gift. Simply click the image above or here for the registration link.

The exhibition will be held at the outdoor piazza, from 1-3 July 2022. The nearest car park is located at Entrance C, which is right around the corner after driving past the main building.

Also read: Come to find the best new car deals at WapCar Auto Show Exhibition