Mercedes EQA review

If you take the Mercedes EQA in isolation it appears to offer all you could want from an upmarket small SUV: the expected air of quality and refinement, a first-rate cabin and the all-important infotainment and tech systems that buyers demand. Plus, the EQA looks reasonable value, particularly when compared to its painfully more expensive EQC sibling.

Buyers seeking the best overall package, however, will no doubt be tempted by rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y, both of which provide more space, better range and starting prices that undercut the EQA.

If you really want the three-pointed star on your drive, then the EQA is a perfectly fine choice, but just make sure it works for your needs, and that you can live with some of its compromises before you buy.

About the Mercedes EQA

The electric revolution is rapidly gathering pace as we approach 2030, when manufacturers will no longer be permitted to sell new petrol or diesel-powered cars in the UK. Plenty of brands have now embraced electric cars, but Mercedes is fully into its stride with its battery-powered EQ SUV range that currently includes the smaller EQA and EQB, mid-size EQC, as well as the larger and more luxurious EQE SUV and EQS SUV.

Based on the combustion-engined GLA model, the all-electric EQA is similarly styled to Mercedes’ smallest SUV, with the most telling signs that you’re looking at the zero-emissions car being a blanked-off grille, full-width light bars at the front and back, and the rear number plate positioned below the tailgate.

Being so closely related to the GLA is no such a bad thing, especially as we named it our Small Premium SUV of the Year in 2022, with the in-car tech systems that also feature in the EQA being highlighted for special praise.

The EQA goes up against some serious competition in the premium electric SUV segment, namely the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volvo XC40 Recharge and Tesla Model Y. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 also boast similar level of practicality, range and performance. All these rivals bring bags of kerb appeal that make the decision for buyers even more difficult at this price point.

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Priced from around £52,000, the EQA doesn’t include an ‘entry-level’ trim, so you benefit from a decent level of standard equipment.

The Sport trim is no longer available on the price list, although if you track down a used example you'll benefit from a model that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, two 10-inch displays, a reversing camera and heated seats.

Mercedes now offers just the AMG Line specification with the option to upgrade to either the Premium or Premium Plus pack. AMG Line features the eponymous styling kit, sports seats and a multifunction sports steering wheel, while the Premium pack adds bigger wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof, an upgraded audio system and a wireless smartphone charging function. The top-of-the-range Plus pack includes electrically adjustable damping suspension with speed sensitive power steering, and is identified on the road by its 20-inch multi-spoke AMG alloys.

The EQA 300 4MATIC and 350 4MATIC versions both use a 66.5 kWh battery, delivering 225bhp and 288bhp respectively and the reassurance of all-wheel drive. Meanwhile the front-wheel drive EQA 250+ is fitted with a 70.5kWh battery, produces 187bhp and offers a maximum range of 311 miles.