Used Mercedes EQA (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: EV is more appealing as prices drop
A full used buyer’s guide on the Mercedes EQA that has been on sale in the UK since 2021
Verdict
There are better electric cars than the Mercedes EQA, and as a new buy it isn’t that easy to recommend. But after three years, when you’re paying less than half price, things look more appealing – although lower prices don’t close the gap between the EQA and its more talented rivals. However, there’s a lot of badge appeal and the infotainment is deeply impressive, as are the digital displays. So far, reliability is good, kit is generous and refinement is excellent. What lets the EQA down are its small boot and so-so driving experience, but if you can live with those, it’s not a bad used buy at all.
As the creator of the first car way back in 1886, Mercedes felt duty-bound to embrace the electric age with a vengeance, even though companies such as Nissan, Renault and Tesla did so much earlier. Mercedes has introduced a raft of EVs since its first example in 2018, the EQC. Three years later came the more compact EQA, which was based on the bodyshell of the petrol and diesel-powered GLA Mk2 from 2020, winner of our Small Premium SUV of the Year award in 2022. The GLA undoubtedly provided a sound basis for Mercedes’ smallest EV, but has its brilliance been carried over?
History
The first EQAs arrived on UK roads in spring 2021, with only the 185bhp EQA 250 model (with a 66.5kWh battery) initially on offer. But just a few months later the range was bolstered by the 225bhp EQA 300 4Matic and 288bhp EQA 350 4Matic.
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Both of these cars used the same battery as the EQA 250, but came with dual electric motors to give four-wheel drive. But by the end of 2021 the EQA 250+ had joined the line-up, with a 70.6kWh battery that give a range of up to 330 miles.
In autumn 2023, Mercedes unveiled a facelifted EQA with a revised dash design, updated infotainment software, fresh driver-assistance systems and additional hi-fi options. Software updates were incorporated to increase the maximum range of the EQA 250+ to 346 miles.
On the road
Mercedes hasn’t put the sport into sport utility vehicle with the EQA; instead it has focused more on ride comfort and refinement.
While that’s no bad thing, body control is disappointing and the shortage of steering feel spoils the driving enjoyment, so the overall experience is one of ease rather than pleasure. Premium Plus trim adds adaptive dampers, but these don’t improve things enough to make you seek one out specially.
Which one should I buy?
The EQA 250 puts the emphasis on efficiency, whereas the EQA 350 focuses on performance. The EQA 300 strikes a balance between the two, but this is rare, so whether you want economy or grunt will dictate which model you go for.
Whatever you choose, you’ll benefit from a generous level of standard kit, with all EQAs having ambient cabin lighting, heated front seats, climate control, navigation, parking sensors front and rear, plus a rear camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-inch touchscreen, adaptive LED headlights and 18-inch alloys. AMG Line spec adds a bodykit, synthetic leather and brushed aluminium trim.
Alternatives to the Mercedes EQA
There are lots of mid-sized electric SUVs, many of which we really like. One of our favourites is the Hyundai Ioniq 5, for its comfort, practicality and stylish design. The Tesla Model Y is another cracking alternative, thanks to its roomy cabin and excellent range – attributes that are shared with the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Other EVs worth checking out include the smart-looking Volvo EX40, along with the Audi Q4 e-tron, which has an especially impressive cabin design with impressive infotainment. We’re also fans of the very refined Nissan Ariya and the good-value Skoda Enyaq, which is closely related to the Volkswagen ID.4 and the ID.5. We’d also shortlist the Kia EV6, as well as the BMW iX1.
What to look for
Peace of mind
The EQA’s battery is guaranteed for eight years or 100,000 miles. The car as a whole has a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
On the pull
It’s good news if you want to tow with your EQA, because even the EQA 250 can pull up to 1,500kg (braked). The EQA 300 and EQA 350 are both rated at 1,800kg.
On the range
The EQA 250 is officially capable of up to 263 miles. The EQA 250+ boosts this to 324 miles, while the EQA 300 and EQA 350 can do as many as 268 miles on a charge.
In a flap
The plastic charging cover lugs break easily if the flap is knocked while it’s open. Many of these mechanisms have been glued back together by owners, but if the job has been done well, it’s not a problem.
Interior
If you’re sitting up front, the EQA’s MBUX infotainment system dominates the view. It’s perhaps the best set-up on the market in terms of appealing aesthetics and intuitive design. But the EQA’s cabin appeal is much wider than this, because the materials are excellent, with one or two minor exceptions. The switchgear is user-friendly and includes physical controls for the air-con system.
The good news continues with the cabin space, because there’s plenty of head and legroom for two or three adults, although the floor is set high to accommodate the battery pack underneath. Boot space is poor, at 340 litres with the back seats in use, or 1,320 litres with them folded down.
Prices
There are lots of used EQAs to pick from. The most common powertrain is the EQA 250+, with the most popular trim level being AMG Line. The rarest is the EQA 300, because most buyers opt for the long-range EQA 250+ or the performance-focused EQA 350 4Matic.
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Running costs
All EQAs need to be serviced every 12 months or 15,000 miles. Check-ups alternate between Minor and Major, which are priced at around £260-£390 and £460 respectively. The cost of the Minor service varies according to the car’s mileage and what needs to be replaced. On top of this, you’ll have to pay £130 every other year for fresh brake fluid.
Even the entry-level EQA 250 sits in insurance group 37, while the EQA 350 sits in group 45, so expect premiums to be steep. All EQAs cost more than £40,000 new, so as well as the £195 annual cost of road tax you’ll also have to pay the £425 expensive car supplement for the first five years.
Recalls
Mercedes has recalled the EQA three times, but the first campaign was very minor. Two cars made in June 2021 were supplied without a printed owner’s manual, and instead of just handing over the manuals to the owners, a recall was issued.
A handful of EQAs and EQBs built up to November 2021 were recalled in March 2022, because the brake caliper retaining bolts hadn’t been tightened enough on the production line.
The most recent campaign was issued in May 2024, because more than 17,000 EQAs made between October 2020 and January 2024 had faulty electric power steering software, which could lead to a loss of steering altogether.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The EQA hasn’t appeared in any Driver Power surveys; none of Mercedes’ EVs have done so. In our 2024 poll there were two Mercs: the A-Class Mk4 came 39th and the E-Class Mk5 came 43rd. The same two models were the only Mercedes in our 2023 survey, when they came 31st and 27th.
In our 2024 Brands survey, Mercedes came 25th out of 32 marques, which is quite a drop from 17th place in 2023.
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