Summary
The smallest electric SUV/crossover in the Mercedes-Benz family, the Mercedes-Benz EQA is essentially an all-electric version of the GLA SUV, which is the taller and beefier brother of the A-Class.
The EQA has three different powertrain options to choose from. The entry-level EQA 250 has a 67kWh battery powering a single motor to produce 188hp, while the more expensive four-wheel drive EQA 300 and 350 variants are equipped with twin motors, producing 225hp and 288hp respectively.
Officially, the Mercedes-Benz EQA has a battery range of 265 miles, which is slightly better than the figures for the BMW iX1 and Volvo EX40 (formerly called the XC40 Recharge).
While reviewers from UK media sources have found this range impressive, they also argue that the EQA’s big battery does have some drawbacks. The size of the battery means that Mercedes-Benz has had to raise the seating position, Top Gear commenting that “while headroom is fine for adults in the back, your knees are around your ears if you’re leggy. It’s like sitting on a Squatty Potty.”
The EQA’s performance has often been described as unremarkable, and the ride comfort of the EQA has not been a very praiseworthy topic with reviewers, either.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA essentially has the same cabin trim and tech as a wholesale GLA, which has also received significant praise for its interior refinement and sophisticated on-board tech.
As a result of being based on a petrol model, Carbuyer suggests that the EQA is “destined to struggle against purpose-built rivals.” But, for serial Mercedes owners who are looking to make an all-electric switch, the Daily Mirror argues that “the EQA will slip into your life easily.”
As of December 2024, the Mercedes-Benz EQA holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 72%. It scores highly for its safety rating and for having zero tailpipe emissions, but loses points for poor media review scores. Running costs are generally good – better than a combustion-engined Mercedes, but not as good as some other small EVs.
EQA highlights
- Luxurious interior
- Sophisticated on-board equipment
- Good battery range compared to others of its size
- Quiet and relaxing driving experience
- Price undercuts other premium brand EVs
EQA lowlights
- Battery limits rear space
- Rivals have better ride comfort
- Not engaging to drive
- Does not qualify for plug-in car grant
- Cheaper mainstream rivals are more impressive
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Power: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £49,750 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2021
Last updated: Spring 2024
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“You’ll be impressed with the premium feel of the Mercedes EQA, but versatile rivals offer a more complete all-electric package.”
Read review
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQA represents quite compelling value for money. It’s an impressive package, with loads of kit, sensible and safe driving dynamics and a decent real-world range.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s smooth, comfortable and prestigious but – word to the wise – unlike most electric cars Mercedes EQ models seemingly lack the facility to programme your charging times, so unless you have a timer function on your domestic wallbox you will not be able to take advantage of overnight off-peak energy tariffs.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The boot is more disappointing, and while the EQA does many things right, we think many fleets and drivers might be happier with the Audi Q4 E-Tron.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: EQA 250 Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQA in 250 guise puts forward a sensible case to join the world of EQ and EV. It lacks the flair and focus of its electric rivals, but it undercuts them.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Mercedes EQA is the brand’s baby electric SUV and one that’s destined to struggle against purpose-built rivals.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Mercedes EQA is quiet, nippy and comfortable, but isn’t as practical as hoped, and nor does it have a big enough range.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: EQA 250 AMG Line
“Although the new Mercedes-Benz EQA is described as a compact crossover, it actually feels surprisingly big and spacious and more of a sports utility vehicle, both inside and out, with a high-riding driving position and good visibility.”
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Daily Mirror
Score: 6 / 10
“If you’re a serial Merc owner wanting to go electric, the EQA will slip into your life easily.”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: EQA 250 Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes EQA is a quiet and predictable car to drive, but it’s not much fun; rivals are more engaging.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: EQA 250 AMG Line Premium Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 is a good car overall, and is much, much better than the Mercedes-Benz GLA plug-in hybrid because it has a smooth electric powertrain, as opposed to the very jerky petrol-electric powertrain of the GLA Plug-in Hybrid. However, the EQA, particularly in AMG Line Premium Plus trim, is expensive and has a shorter driving range than many rivals.” (Paul Clarke)
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Heycar
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s the first electric crossover from a premium brand, beating the Tesla Model Y to market and competing against mainstream rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed:
“The EQA has an impressive 263-mile battery range.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQA is smoothly predictable.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: EQA 250 Sport
Score: 4 / 10
“While the drivetrain is refined and provides smooth and progressive performance plus a decent on-paper range, the EQA’s premium-ness falls off quickly as you move back in the cabin and it’s far from the best-looking family SUV/crossover in the market – or even in the Mercedes range.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: EQA 250 AMG line
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s far from the most ambitious EV you can buy. Be in no doubt. But look at how the German premium giants have made their EV plays. BMW went for boldness and the i3 hasn’t sold in bulk. Audi’s e-trons and Merc’s EQs are much less radical. These are gently-does it gateway cars on the road to the electric tipping point.”
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Model reviewed: EQA 250 Sport
Score: 6 / 10
“The EQA isn’t exactly engaging to drive or quick. Its big draw is the hugely refined and reassuring feelgood ambience.”
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Which EV?
Model reviewed: EQA 250
Score: 7.1 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQA is not the most exciting EV release. That’s not a bad thing. The EQA 250 here isn’t that fast, and there are competitors with more range for less money. However, they don’t offer the Mercedes brand and plush interior. The Mercedes EQA is not a particularly special EV, and the driving experience is mediocre, but it is a comfortable and luxurious form of electric transport.” (James Morris)
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 90%
Vulnerable road users: 81%
Safety assist: 75%
Notes on safety rating
The Mercedes-Benz EQA is closely related to the A-Class and B-Class models, so its safety rating score is based on the B-Class score from when it was tested in 2019. Some additional tests were carried out by Euro NCAP where there were significant differences between the models.
The EQA scores well in all tests, but its adult and child impact scores are excellent – some of the best results ever seen in Euro NCAP testing.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of December 2024, the Mercedes-Benz EQA has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an EV) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the EQA would likely score highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it ever takes place.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of December 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-Benz EQA to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the EQA, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 302 miles | A | 255 – 346 miles | A – B |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 4.4 m/KWh | B | 3.7 – 4.9 m/KWh | A – D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 45 | D | 44 – 50 | D – F |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £250 | B |
| Year 2 | £514 | B |
| Year 3 | £857 | B |
| Year 4 | £993 | A |
| Year 5 | £1,329 | A |
| Overall | £3,943 | A |
The Mercedes-Benz EQA has affordable running costs, according to data exclusively provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.
Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is only average, but the battery is still large enough to offer a better-than-average driving range.
Insurance premiums are high for a car of this size, but servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years should be very good.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz EQA, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW iX1 | DS 3 Crossback E-Tense | Hyundai Kona Electric | Kia Niro EV | Lexus UX Electric | Mazda MX-30 | Peugeot e-2008 | Volvo EX40
The small EV SUV segment is growing rapidly, with more new cars being added on almost a monthly basis. The EQA is quite similar to the Lexus UX or Volvo EX40 in being based on an existing petrol model, rather than a dedicated electric model like the BMW iX1.
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB at The Car Expert
Buy a Mercedes-Benz EQA
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Mercedes-Benz EQA, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more
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Lease a Mercedes-Benz EQA
If you’re looking to lease a new Mercedes-Benz EQA, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a Mercedes-Benz EQA
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Car subscriptions from DriveFuze.
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