Mercedes-Benz EQA Review: Luxury EV or Just a Pretty Badge?

The Mercedes-Benz EQA promises luxury and electric power, but does it deliver thrill and value on Indian roads? Here’s my honest take.

Mercedes-Benz EQA Review: Luxury EV or Just a Pretty Badge?

AI summarized this news · Reviewed by Gear Choice

    So, I got my first look at the Mercedes-Benz EQA and honestly my first thought was Hmm what exactly is this car trying to be? It’s a luxury EV, yes, but it doesn’t scream Mercedes everywhere. And I’m saying this not from the brochure, but from over 10 years of playing around with EVs. EQA sits in this awkward middle ground.

     

    Basically, if you want a Mercedes badge and an entry into EV life without going full experimental, this is for you. But here’s the catch it also comes with some compromises.

     

    First Impressions Design

    Outside, it looks like an electric GLA. Nothing jaw-dropping. If you spot it from a distance, you might not even notice it’s electric. Some might call it subtle I call it a bit boring.

     

    Mercedes-Benz EQA Review: Luxury EV or Just a Pretty Badge?
    File Photo : Sleek and calm: Mercedes-Benz EQA exterior.

    Funny thing I was in Delhi with a dealer and asked him if people even stop to look at it. He laughed and said Mercedes fans stop. Everyone else? They check out Teslas or BMWs more. Straight talk.

     

    Driving & Range Reality

    Company claims great range. On paper, yes. But I remember another EV promising big numbers real-world range was 25% less. With the EQA, city driving is smooth. Silent. Highway? Linear acceleration, not thrilling. This car isn’t here to make you race it keeps you calm. Range depends heavily on your habits. AC, traffic, spirited driving they all chip away at that advertised number. I saw it myself on a test drive.

     

    Inside the Cabin

    Step in, and yes, it feels like a Mercedes. Dual screens, ambient lighting, that premium smell. But to me, it felt a bit dated like I’ve seen the same cabin in 2022 ICE models. Quality is good overall, but check the door pads or lower dashboard tiny corners show some cost-cutting. If you’ve been in a GLC or C-Class, you’ll feel it.

     

    Mercedes-Benz EQA Review: Luxury EV or Just a Pretty Badge?
    File Photo : Premium comfort inside the EQA.

    Software & Tech Quirks

    Real story I was at the showroom and the infotainment froze. Blank screen. Restart didn’t fix it. Exec said Sometimes it happens after an update. Luxury brand, human moment. Bugs, glitches, touch sometimes slow. Not 100% consistent. Sure, Mercedes fans say OTA updates fix it. They do. But paying this much and still dealing with software quirks? Bit annoying.

     

    Also read : Mercedes-Benz GLA Luxury Looks vs Real-World Truths You Wont Believe

     

    Charging & Indian Roads

    Owning an EV here isn’t just the car it’s about charging infrastructure. Home charging works. Highways? Public chargers? Trust me, still not fully reliable. On Mumbai-Pune, I met a luxury EV owner Car’s fine, but you need to plan your trip. That planning tires you. That’s the reality with the EQA too.

     

    Price & Brand Trust

    Not cheap. No surprise there. But are you getting the full Mercedes experience for the price? Badge is strong, yes. But EV buyers care about software, ease of charging, and real-life usability. That’s what builds trust today.

     

    Also read : Mercedes-Benz E-Class Still the Safest Luxury Sedan India Trusts?

     

    Who Should Buy EQA?

    If you’re trying a luxury EV for the first time, don’t want to experiment too much, and like Mercedes’ comfort zone, EQA is for you. But if you want excitement, cutting-edge tech, or full EV freedom, there are better options coming up fast.

     

    The EQA isn’t bad. Just calm. Safe. Reserved. Not the car that makes you rave with friends at night. And maybe that was Mercedes’ plan but not every buyer wants calm over thrill.

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    Is Mercedes-Benz EQA Review: Luxury EV or Just a Pretty Badge? the right direction?

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    What is the Mercedes-Benz EQA's positioning in the EV market?
    The EQA is positioned as a luxury EV for those who desire a Mercedes badge and an entry into electric vehicle ownership without a fully experimental approach, though it comes with some compromises.
    How is the exterior design of the Mercedes-Benz EQA described?
    The exterior design of the EQA resembles an electric GLA, described as subtle or a bit boring, and it might not immediately stand out as an electric vehicle from a distance.
    What is the real-world driving range of the EQA?
    While the company claims a great range on paper, the real-world range heavily depends on driving habits such as AC usage, traffic, and spirited driving, which can reduce the advertised number.
    How does the Mercedes-Benz EQA perform in terms of driving experience?
    City driving in the EQA is smooth and silent, while highway acceleration is linear rather than thrilling, as the car is designed to keep the driver calm.
    What is the interior cabin experience like in the EQA?
    The cabin feels like a Mercedes with dual screens, ambient lighting, and a premium smell, but it can feel a bit dated, and minor cost-cutting is noticeable in areas like door pads or the lower dashboard.
    Are there any software or tech issues with the EQA's infotainment system?
    Yes, the infotainment system can experience bugs, glitches, and slow touch response, with instances of freezing, though Mercedes fans suggest that OTA updates address these issues.
    What are the challenges of charging the EQA in India?
    While home charging works, public charging infrastructure on highways is still not fully reliable, requiring owners to plan their trips carefully, which can be a tiring aspect of EV ownership.