Name: Mercedes EQA
Brand: Mercedes

The Mercedes EQA has been around for a few years, and a 2024 update has brought more range, improved infotainment software and more. It's not cheap, but it's still one of the best posh, compact electric SUVs out there, which is saying something as the competition includes the Volvo XC40 Recharge and BMW iX1.

Introduction

The Mercedes EQA is available with two batteries since its 2024 update. A 70.5kWh (usable) battery in the front-wheel drive EQA 250+, which is good for a WLTP range of up to 345 miles, or the more powerful EQA 300 and 350 4Matic models keep the 66.5kWh battery that the EQA has always had, and manage up to 266 miles to a charge according to official figure. Charging speeds peak at 100kW, taking the battery from 10 to 80 per cent charge within 30 minutes, and you can set up an account for Mercedes'Plug & Charge' membership, so that the car will automatically start charging at most public chargers without you needing to pay at the station.

You can also get the EQA with conventional petrol engines and a plug-in hybrid, but check out or review of the GLA plug-in hybrid for more on that. Here we'll be giving you the low-down on the pure electric model which - as with all electric Mercedes models - gets the 'EQ' badging.

The EQA was introduced in 2021 to take on the iX1, Volvo XC40, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Audi Q4 e-tron and Kia EV6. It's got a seriously smart interior and is really pleasant to drive - although traction can be a bit of an issue in the front-wheel drive EQA 250 models. Annoyingly, the four-wheel drive 4Matic models are usefully better to drive but they don't get the bigger battery and better efficiency of the 250, which is a real shame as a four-wheel drive EQA with a range of usefully over 300 miles would be a popular option.

Practicality and interior roominess is fine but nothing special in the EQA - it'll be comfy for a family of four, even if the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is more spacious inside. You might also want to look to the EQB, which gets the same platform and battery options as the EQA but has a much bigger boot and a seven-seat option.

If you'd rather stick with the more compact and affordable EQA, then you're not being shortchanged when it comes to quality. It's stuffed with dense-feeling materials, metal finishes and fancy touches that give it a very premium finish despite this being the cheapest electric Mercedes. And the standard infotainment and safety tech is good enough to rival any executive car from the classes above.

Verdict

The Mercedes EQA has one of the best interiors in this class for infotainment and perceived quality, and with the 2024 updates it has also now got more range than its closest premium rivals from Audi and BMW. It isn't the best in class for practicality, nor for overall costs, but it is competitive on both fronts - especially if you stick with the long range EQA 250+. Ultimately, if you can find a good deal or if you just love the way the Merc looks and feels, then you can be confident that this is well-sorted, likeable and very competent electric family SUV.