Mercedes EQA review
Based on the combustion-engined GLA, Mercedes' premium compact electric SUV offers up to 324 miles of range and strong refinement
Pros
- Cheapest model gets longest range
- Tech-filled cabin
- Strong refinement
Cons
- Rivals charge faster
- Small boot
- Expensive top-spec versions
| Model | Electric range | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQA 250+ | 311-324 miles | 10hrs (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 35mins (10-80%, 100kW) |
| EQA 300 4MATIC | 259-268 miles | 9hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 32mins (10-80%, 100kW) |
| EQA 350 4MATIC | 259-268 miles | 9hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 32mins (10-80%, 100kW) |
Mercedes EQA verdict
While it’s certainly not the biggest or most practical electric family SUV, what the Mercedes EQA lacks in outright space, it makes up for with a slick, premium-feeling cabin, a quiet, comfortable ride, and – in the case of the EQA 250+ – a decent range thanks to a newer, bigger battery pack. Entry-level cars represent the best value for money; even the cheapest version is quick enough and reasonably well-equipped.
Range details, specs and alternatives
Manufacturers have tended to take one of two approaches to mass-producing electric vehicles. They either adapt a platform already used for petrol and diesel-engined models, fitting it with batteries and electric motors, or else they design brand-new underpinnings from the ground up, purpose-built for electric power.
For the more affordable end of its electric-car range, Mercedes has taken the former approach. The EQA electric SUV therefore shares its basic structure with the GLA, while the larger EQB, EQC and EQV have a similar relationship to the GLB, GLC and V-Class, respectively. For now only the much pricier EQE and EQS saloons, and their high-riding SUV counterparts, utilise Mercedes’ bespoke electric-car platform.
The EQA lineup was revised in 2022, with the entry-level EQA 250 replaced by the 250+, which features a bigger 70.5kWh battery and a longer range. Prices have also gone up since the car launched, with the EQA now starting from just over £52,000, though with the basic Sport version being dropped, the standard kit list is more generous than before.
Above the EQA 250+ sits the four-wheel drive EQA 300 4MATIC and the EQA 350 4MATIC, which use a smaller 66.5kWh battery. This means a shorter range than the 250+, but the additional motor and extra power mean both are significantly faster than the basic front-wheel drive car.
There are now three levels of 'AMG Line' specification: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus. All cars get at least 18-inch wheels, front and rear LED lights, plus heated sports seats and dual 10-inch screens for the infotainment. Moving up through the range brings things like larger wheels and keyless entry, while Premium Plus variants benefit from adjustable suspension and a panoramic roof. Beware: top-spec cars cost more than £60,000.
The EQA’s pool of rivals seems to grow by the day, and now includes everything from the Volvo XC40 Recharge, Audi Q4 e-tron and recently-launched BMW iX1, to top-spec versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model Y. The Merc certainly competes when it comes to quality and refinement, but some competitors are more spacious – particularly when it comes to boot space.
For a more detailed look at the Mercedes EQA, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…
