Mercedes-Benz EQA EV previewed winter testing

Lightly camouflaged images of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQA have been released ahead of the pure-electric SUV's launch in November this year.

The new pics, posted overnight, show how Benz's follow-up to the battery-powered Tesla Model Y-rival is shaping up.

Since it's heavily based on the current GLA SUV, it's perhaps no surprise that the battery version matches the small Mercedes SUV proportions but, look closer, and you'll see plenty of detail changes even a bit of camo can't hide.

Differences like the smoother front styling that suggests the EQA will come with a blanked-out front grille and only a narrow lower air intake.

It will also sport a pair of new front headlamps that features differing LED daytime running signatures.

Not seen, is the rear of the car that, again, will have a smoother design and borrow the concept's single LED light bar that will stretch across the full width of the car.

The wheels, meanwhile, have been optimised to reduce drag.

As well as the five-door EQA, an even more practical seven-seat EQB version will also be available that will help swell the EQ family to a total of seven members by 2023.

All of them will be coming to Australia.

Also in the pipeline, is a production version of the dramatic EQS flagship that will debut an all-new EV architecture that a further large SUV and smaller sports sedan are expected to be based on.

When the EQA SUV arrives later this year, it's expected to deliver a range of up to 450km.

Based on the GLA's MFAII platform, the small SUV is tipped to have a 30mm longer wheelbase and stand around 100mm taller in height to hide the raised floor in a bid to package the batteries.

Inside, raised seats should be the biggest difference over the GLA but it's thought the EQA could also have a more advanced infotainment system than the current car.

It's thought, from launch, thanks to its flexible platform the EQA could come with either a single rear-mounted motor or twin motor arrangement to provide for all-wheel drive.

With twin motors in place, the EQA should muster at least 200kW – enough to launch the battery-powered SUV to 100km/h in less than 5.0 seconds.

Expect at least three different battery options for some markets and for the EQA to operate on an 800-volt electrical system that will offer rapid recharging.