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In-depth reviews

Mercedes EQA review

Based on the combustion-engined GLA, Mercedes' premium compact electric SUV offers up to 324 miles of range and strong refinement

Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Pros

  • Cheapest model gets longest range
  • Tech-filled cabin
  • Strong refinement

Cons

  • Rivals charge faster
  • Small boot
  • Expensive top-spec versions
ModelElectric rangeWallbox charge timeRapid charge time
EQA 250+311-324 miles10hrs (0-100%, 7.4kW)35mins (10-80%, 100kW)
EQA 300 4MATIC259-268 miles9hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW)32mins (10-80%, 100kW)
EQA 350 4MATIC259-268 miles9hrs 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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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Richard is editor of DrivingElectric, as well as sister site Carbuyer.co.uk, and a regular contributor to Auto Express. An electric and hybrid car advocate, he spent more than five years working on the news and reviews desk at Auto Express and has driven almost every new car currently on sale.

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