THE switch to electric motoring is gathering momentum at Mercedes-Benz with the arrival of the German car maker's new EQA compact SUV.

It is the first compact EV from Mercedes and prices start from £40,495 after the Government grant for plug-in vehicles.

The EQA has a range of up to 263 miles on a full charge.

Two trim levels are available initially, Sport and AMG Line with the latter priced from £41,995.

The EQA has a 66.5 kWh battery and a 100 kW DC on-board charger allowing it to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 40 minutes, and from 10 to 100 per cent in five hours and 45 minutes using an 11 kW wall box.

EQA 250 Sport models come as standard with cruise control, the Mercedes' Mirror package and Parking package with reversing camera, LED high-performance headlights with adaptive highbeam assist, a Seat Comfort package with electropneumatic four-way lumbar support for front seats and active brake assist, active lane keeping and blind spot assist among standard features.

There's also the MBUX multimedia system with widescreen cockpit - two 10-inch digital displays with touchpad - smartphone integration including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a range of Mercedes me connected services.

AMG Line trim adds AMG Line bodystyling, 20-inch alloy wheels, sports seats in Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfibre, door sills illuminated with EQA lettering, galvanised shift paddles, aluminium trim; aluminium pedals with rubber studs and AMG floor mats.

An optional Premium package - available on AMG Line only - can be added for an additional £3,000 and includes 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, electrically-operated panoramic glass sunroof, Keyless-Go Comfort package and an augmented reality navigation system; advanced sound system; and wireless charging for compatible smartphones.

A Premium Plus package includes the above equipment and adds 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, the Parking package with 360 degree camera; electrically adjustable damping suspension with speed-sensitive steering, a Burmester Surround Sound system, a head-up display and gesture control for the MBUX set up. Premium Plus costs an additional £6,000 over AMG Line.

First deliveries of the EQA are expected in the spring.