THE entry-level electric vehicle from Mercedes-Benz has been announced with the EQA compact crossover being on the road this spring.

Prices are still to be announced for the UK but in Europe Mercedes says it will cost from around 47,500 euros.

Mercedes says the EQA is closely related to the GLA small SUV and will be built at its factory in Rastatt, Germany.

With a range of 301 miles, the EQA will be launched as the EQA 250 and has a rapid charging time of 30 minutes with a full charge from a wallbox taking less than six hours.

Performance data as 0 to 60mph acceleration in 8.9 seconds with a top speed restricted to 99mph.

Standard safety equipment includes active lane keeping, emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

The EQA will be fitted with Mercedes' MBUX connectivity system for navigation and infotainment while other features include LED headlights, an electrically operated tailgate and an ambient lighting system with 64 available colours.