Mercedes EQA 2021 review

The new all-electric Mercedes EQA SUV takes on the Volkswagen ID.4 and Volvo XC40 P8 with up to 263 miles of range
Compared with Merc’s first EQ-specific model, the smaller EQA represents quite compelling value for money. It’s an impressive package, in fact, with loads of kit, sensible and safe driving dynamics and a decent real-world range. Charging speeds are competitive if not quite class-leading, and it’s certainly not lacking the usual Mercedes sparkle inside the cabin. It doesn’t afford the same kind of space advantages that bespoke EV rivals like the Volkswagen ID.4 offer, however, so be sure this EQA will function as required before signing on the dotted line.

As a carmaker, you’ve got two choices when it comes to engineering your new EV. You can either design a bespoke electric platform from the ground up, or adapt an existing petrol or diesel model to make the battery, motor and associated hardware fit.

Mercedes chose to do the latter when launching its first electric car, the EQC, and is repeating the recipe with its new EQA. Based on the petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid-powered GLA, it’s a zero-emissions SUV designed to take on cars like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Volvo XC40 P8.
Styling-wise, the EQA’s ties to the GLA are clear. Proportionally very similar, Mercedes has tweaked it just so, with a blanked-off grille and a full-width front light bar – just like the one you’ll find on the EQC. From the side (and indeed, the driver’s seat) you’d be hard pressed to tell the EQA and GLA apart; another full-width light bar and repositioned number plate complete the changes at the rear.
Prices for the EQA start from just £40,495 after the government’s £3k plug-in car grant (PiCG) has been taken into account. That’s significantly less than the only slightly more spacious EQC (from £65,720) and on par with some of the flashier GLA variants – representing what is quite a significant breakthrough when it comes to electric and petrol car price parity.

In line with the rest of the Mercedes range, buyers can step up from Sport to AMG Line trim, as well as add Premium and Premium Plus packs for added kit and greater luxury. You’ll need to spec your EQA with a level of hesitancy, however, as range-topping cars tip over the £50k threshold – making them exempt from the PiCG.

Basic models come well equipped, with 18-inch wheels, LED lights front and rear, plus sat-nav and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every version also gets heated Artico man-made leather throughout. Step up to AMG Line and you’ll add sportier styling, different wheels and illuminated door sills. Inside there’s a set of sports seats and some brushed aluminium trim. The Premium pack (£3,000) brings 19-inch wheels, while also adding a sliding panoramic roof and keyless go. Inside you get the augmented-reality nav system from the A-Class, as well as wireless phone charging and an upgraded sound system.
The Premium Plus pack is another £6,000, but this adds 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, an adaptive damper and a 360-degree parking camera, plus a Burmester stereo and a head-up display.
Quality, on the whole, is very good. Most of the areas you interact with on a regular basis are covered in soft-touch materials, and only lower-down on the dash will you find cheaper plastics. Those coming from larger, more expensive Mercedes models may notice some of the usual gloss black buttons have been replaced by harder-wearing satin trim, but you get the same trackpad and widescreen infotainment, giving an interior ambience befitting of the EQA’s price tag.

Of course, the EQA will not only appeal to private buyers looking to lessen their impact on the environment, the rock-bottom CO2 emissions and decent 249-263-mile (depending on spec and wheel choice) range is sure to make it a company car favourite. From April, business users running an EQA – or any EV for that matter – will pay Benefit in Kind tax of just one per cent; a GLA 250 e PHEV falls into the 11 per cent bracket, while the diesel GLA 220 d commands a 32 per cent rating.
   • Mercedes EQA 2021 review  
   • Mercedes EQA 2021 review  
   • Mercedes EQA 2021 review  
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