Mercedes-Benz EQA

EQA in brief

The EQA is Mercedes-Benz's smallest electric SUV. The body, interior, and most of the tech are borrowed from the GLA, so the EQA looks and feels like a typical compact Mercedes, but with electric powertrain, a different front end, and a continuous light strip running across the rear.

It's a comfortable car for city driving and country trips: quiet, smooth-riding, with a high-quality interior and MBUX infotainment system. Since the battery is mounted under the floor, the rear seats are slightly higher than in the GLA, and the boot is a bit smaller. A more spacious and boxy model on the same platform, which can also seat seven, is the EQB.

Early EQA and refreshed model — what's the difference

The first EQA models (2021–2023) come with a roughly 66.5 kWh usable battery. The base EQA 250 has one motor and front-wheel drive, while the EQA 300 4MATIC and EQA 350 4MATIC feature two motors and all-wheel drive. Later came the EQA 250+ with a larger, approximately 70.5 kWh battery and noticeably greater range.

The 2023 refreshed EQA gets a different front end with star-patterned grille imitation, new alloy wheels, a newer MBUX infotainment system, and a new steering wheel. The refreshed model is most often sold as the EQA 250+ with a larger battery.

In the used market, you'll mostly find early EQA 250 models. If you frequently drive out of town or to other cities, it's worth looking for an EQA 250+ or the refreshed model—the difference in daily range is noticeable.

Versions, batteries, and charging

The EQA 250 and EQA 250+ offer around 190 hp, the EQA 300 4MATIC around 228 hp, and the EQA 350 4MATIC around 292 hp. All EQA models accelerate smoothly and reasonably quickly, but four-wheel-drive versions consume a bit more energy.

According to the manufacturer's (WLTP) data, the early EQA 250 covers around 420 km, while the EQA 250+ manages roughly 500 km and more. In reality, during summer, you often need to reckon on around 300–400 km, less on the motorway. In winter, the range shortens by another roughly 20–30%, as energy is used to heat the cabin and battery. Not all EQA models have a heat pump, so it's worth checking if the specific car has one.

In Europe, the EQA is charged via a CCS2 connector. With alternating current (at home or public charging points) — usually up to 11 kW — you can top up the battery overnight. At fast-charging stations, the EQA charges up to around 100 kW: this is slower than larger Mercedes electric cars, but from 10 to 80% it typically takes around half an hour or a bit longer.

What to check when buying a used EQA

The most important thing is the battery condition. Request a battery health (SoH) check from Mercedes-Benz service, which shows the remaining capacity in percentages, or have it done before purchasing. Mercedes electric vehicle batteries usually come with an 8-year or 160,000 km manufacturer's warranty, so check how much of that is left.

Charge the car and compare the displayed range with data from similar vehicles. Test charging with both alternating and direct current to check the charging equipment and connection. Ask if all manufacturer software updates and recall work have been done.

An electric vehicle is heavier than a similar petrol car, so tyres wear out faster check them. Brake discs are used less due to regenerative braking and sometimes rust. As with other imported cars, check the history using the VIN code.

Trims and versions

Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the EQA lines and versions most commonly found in Europe.

Comparison of EQA versions

Most buyers will be happy with the EQA 250, but if you often drive further than just to work and back, it's worth looking at the EQA 250+. Opt for the four-wheel-drive versions only if you really need them — they're pricier and slightly less economical.

Frequently asked questions