Mercedes-Benz will expand its EQ range of electric cars this Spring with the introduction of the EQA compact SUV.

Initially offered as the EQA 250, the new model will provide a range of 265 miles from its 66kWh battery.

Power is sent to the front wheels via a single electric motor. It serves up 190PS and 375Nm giving a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.9 seconds.

Additional versions with all-wheel-drive and a longer range, plus an AMG variant, are expected to be added in due course.

UK prices and specifications are yet to be released, but in Germany the EQA 250 is priced from £42,000.

Markus Schäfer, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG; responsible for Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars COO, said: "The new EQA allows us to show the way we envisage e-mobility as tailored to the needs of our customers.

“We will offer a whole family of EQA models, with output ranging from 140 through to more than 200 kW, and with front-wheel as well as all-wheel drive. And for those for whom the issue of range is particularly important, our portfolio will in due course also include a special version of the EQA with a radius of more than 500 kilometres according to WLTP.

“The EQA proves that, by using a tried and tested architecture, it is possible to achieve an excellent compromise between performance, costs and time to market."

Based on the recently launched GLA, the EQA has been given a cosmetic overhaul to set it apart with a different grille, wheels and rear lights.

More details about the new EQA are expected in the coming weeks.