- Design & Features
- An ICE model ‘conversion.’
- Mercedes-AMG EQA variant incoming
- Will the Mercedes EQA arrive in the U.S.?
- 2023 Mercedes EQA FAQs
- What will be the 2023 Mercedes EQA range?
- When will Mercedes launch the 2023 EQA in the U.S.?
- What are the Mercedes EQA rivals?
Introduced in January 2021, the Mercedes EQA is a relatively new model. However, recent spy media show that it is already due for a facelift, as the company looks to keep the design aligned with new and upcoming cars from the EQ line-up. The 2023 Mercedes EQA and 2023 Mercedes GLA are both being tested on the roads in Europe, and in this story, we cover all the changes you can expect from the electric compact SUV.
Design & Features
The 2023 Mercedes EQA will feature a refreshed design with revisions concentrated at the front. As depicted in our exclusive rendering (below), it should incorporate changes inspired by higher-class Mercedes-Benz EQ models like the Mercedes EQE and Mercedes EQS SUV. Bigger and more aggressive-looking headlamps could be the visual identity of the facelifted model. Another cosmetic change could be the new deep black faux radiator grille covered with the three-dimensional star pattern, for a more premium look. Mercedes-Benz could offer new alloy wheel designs and paint options as well.
The revisions on the 2023 Mercedes EQA (rendered) will be concentrated at the front of the car, which should give it the same identity as the EQS SUV and EQE SUV. Also on offer should be new alloy wheel designs and body color options.
As for the interior of the 2023 Mercedes EQA, according to a report JESMB released on June 22, 2022, Mercedes-Benz will use new-generation steering wheels. Another interior change reported by the German blog was the usage of updated software in the MBUX system. The company may avoid fitting the new model with a touchpad, as most customers prefer using the touchscreen and voice commands these days, and for a compact model, the display is well within reach of the front seat occupants.
Video Source: YouTube/walkoARTvideos
An ICE model ‘conversion.’
Technically the Mercedes EQA is a GLA retrofitted with an electric powertrain, not a brand new EV developed from scratch like the Mercedes EQS. When Mercedes-Benz Group converted the Mercedes GLC into the EQC in 2019, it included visibly different bodywork that resulted in a sportier appearance. In the Mercedes EQA, the design wasn’t different from the GLA, which saves on time, development, and production costs. Differentiation is an aspect that the 2023 EQA will work on.
The 2023 Mercedes EQA is expected to have a new steering wheel, and may not offer the touchpad. Image source: Mercedes-Benz Group
The profile is virtually the same if you don’t count the exclusive wheel designs. At the rear, the LED tail lamps have been given a squinted look inner-ward to merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip that is not available on the Mercedes GLA. Also, the license plate is on the bumper instead of the tailgate to offer a matching look on the posterior.
Specifications
We aren’t sure about the depth of the technical changes in the EQA when it gets a facelift. Just back in May 2022, the company announced it would start using a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) instead of an asynchronous motor (ASM) in the EQA 250 from June 2022. This big change increased the WLTP range of the EQA 250 from 426 km (265 miles) to 496 km (308 miles).
The 2023 Mercedes EQA has to contend with models from mainstream brands such as the Mustang Mach-E, Ioniq 5, and the Nissan Ariya as well. Image source: Mercedes-Benz Group
What Mercedes-Benz product planners can do in the MY2023 update is introduce the 70.5 kWh battery pack in at least one of the dual-motor AWD configurations for an improved WLTP range of over 450 km. We expect the engineers also to increase the EQA’s DC fast-charging input. 100 kW will be embarrassingly low in 2023, especially in a Merc!
Below is an overview of the 2022 Mercedes EQA range (line-up) in Germany as of July 2022:
AspectSpecificationEQA 250EQA 250+EQA 300 4MATICEQA 350 4MATICDrivetrain LayoutFWDFWDAWDAWDMotor CountOneOneTwoTwoSystem Power140 kW (190 PS)140 kW (190 PS)168 kW (228 PS)215 kW (292 PS)System Torque385 Nm385 Nm390 Nm520 Nm0-100 km/h Acceleration Time8.6 seconds8.6 seconds7.7 seconds6.0 secondsTop Speed160 km/h (99 mph)160 km/h (99 mph)160 km/h (99 mph)160 km/h (99 mph)Battery Pack Capacity66.5 kWh70.5 kWh66.5 kWh66.5 kWhWLTP Range458-496 km (285-308 miles)489-531 km (304-330 miles)411-438 km (255-272 miles)411-438 km (255-272 miles)Max. Charging Power (AC)11 kW11 kW11 kW11 kWMax. Charging Power (DC)100 kW100 kW100 kW100 kWAC 10-100% Charging Time (11 kW)6.25 hours6.5 hours6.25 hours6.25 hoursDC 10-80% Charging Time32 minutes32 minutes32 minutes32 minutes
Mercedes EQA specifications in Germany (Source: Mercedes-Benz Germany)
Mercedes-AMG EQA variant incoming
A Mercedes-AMG EQA is in the pipeline, but fans may have to wait until the second generation SUV’s introduction to see the go-faster version. “An electrical platform in the direction of AMG is coming,” Mercedes-Benz Group BoM member and Chief Technology Officer (Development & Purchasing) Markus Schäfer told journalists after the Mercedes EQA’s debut, as per autocar.co.uk. “There will be performance variants of the EQA, B, S, E,” he added. The EQA could have multiple Mercedes-AMG variants like the GLA, and preliminary model details should become available next year.
Production
Global production of the 2023 Mercedes EQA at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant (Germany) could commence in the first half of next year. For China, the production of the updated model, like the current model, will take place at the BBAC (Beijing Benz Automotive Company) local plant.
Mercedes-Benz Group has allocated the EQA to the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant (Germany) and the BBAC (Beijing Benz Automotive Company) plant (China). Image source: Mercedes-Benz Group
Will the Mercedes EQA arrive in the U.S.?
A report MotorTrend filed in October 2021 discussed various upcoming Mercedes-Benz EV models, based on an interaction with Heiko Schmidt, EQ brand manager, Mercedes-Benz USA. The report didn’t mention Schmidt talking about the EQA specifically but claimed that there’s no plan for a U.S. launch. The entry-level Mercedes electric car stateside will be the Mercedes EQB which will reach dealerships in the coming weeks.
2023 Mercedes EQA FAQs
What will be the 2023 Mercedes EQA range?
The 2023 Mercedes EQA will likely deliver a WLTP range of more than 530 km (329 miles) on a full charge.
When will Mercedes launch the 2023 EQA in the U.S.?
Reports suggest that there’s no plan to launch the 2023 EQA in the U.S. The U.S. has received the larger EQB, though.
What are the Mercedes EQA rivals?
The upcoming BMW iX1 and Volvo C40 are considered EQA rivals.
Keyword: 2023 Mercedes EQA: Here’s what you can expect