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

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.

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.

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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saurabh jha Saurabh Jha? Man, that guy basically eats, sleeps, and breathes cars. He’s been in the auto game for, what, over ten years now? Real nuts-and-bolts kind of dude, not just some armchair critic. You’ll catch him obsessing over a fresh set of rims one day, then nerding out about turbochargers the next. He’s reviewed probably every car you’ve ever drooled over, hit up all the big auto expos (think Geneva, Detroit, the works), and he’s always chatting up the big shots in the industry. If you want honest, no-BS takes on anything with four wheels, Saurabh’s your guy.

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