2023 Mercedes EQA: Here’s what you can expect [Update]

Update: ‘Interior’ section updated.

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

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 SUV and Mercedes EQS SUV. Bigger and more aggressive-looking headlamps could be the visual identity of the facelifted model. A new report by JESMB published on December 22, 2022, has releases fresh details.

JESMB writes that the EQA will sport the new deep black faux radiator grille with a new layout for the three-dimensional star pattern. Similarly, the report mentions the possibility of new graphics for the all-LED taillights of the EQA. We think that Mercedes-Benz would also offer new alloy wheel designs and paint options as well.

Spy shots from snowy Sweden, published in late February 2023, reveal test mules of the new EQA and 2024 EQB driving around with camouflage covering their front fascia and certain sections of the rear as well. Combining the German and American reports, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that Mercedes will likely offer the EQA facelift with a lightly-revised front bumper while also integrating new internal graphics for the LED taillights and the brand’s stylish ‘Black Panel’ grille.

Interior

As for the interior of the 2023 Mercedes EQA, according to a report JESMB released on June 22, 2022, the steering wheel design will be new, while the usage of an updated MBUX system (NTG7) means that Mercedes will delete the touchpad from the center console. Most customers prefer using the touchscreen and voice commands nowadays, and the display is well within reach of the front seat occupants in a compact SUV.

The new generation MBUX should come with fresh display styles: Classic, Sporty, and Discreet. New mini-games playable via the touchscreens and the touch control buttons on the steering wheel should make charging stops fun. The optional Burmester surround sound system will likely be an upgraded one with Dolby Atmos. The new EQA should offer more convenience with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, an additional USB-C port, increased USB charging ports, and backlighting for all USB ports.

Just like in the EQS SUV, the EQA will also reportedly get a fingerprint sensor, used to identify and authenticate the driver. Other additions as per the German publication include an update to the Driver Assistance Package which ropes in Active Parking Assist for easier parallel parking, Active Lane Keeping Assist with Active Steering Assist, and possibly even Remote Parking Assist.

Mercedes-Benz may introduce Trailer Manoeuvring Assist in the EQA with the facelift. This driving assistant facilitates reverse maneuvering with camera support. Customers will likely be enabling it with an OTA update even after they take the delivery of their vehicle.

Video Source: YouTube/walkoARTvideos

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).

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. The EQA 250+ variant’s WLTP range could increase to approx. 550 km (342 miles). 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:

Aspect\Specification	EQA 250	EQA 250+	EQA 300 4MATIC	EQA 350 4MATIC
Drivetrain Layout	FWD	FWD	AWD	AWD
Motor Count	One	One	Two	Two
System Power	140 kW (190 PS)	140 kW (190 PS)	168 kW (228 PS)	215 kW (292 PS)
System Torque	385 Nm	385 Nm	390 Nm	520 Nm
0-100 km/h Acceleration Time	8.6 seconds	8.6 seconds	7.7 seconds	6.0 seconds
Top Speed	160 km/h (99 mph)	160 km/h (99 mph)	160 km/h (99 mph)	160 km/h (99 mph)
Battery Pack Capacity	66.5 kWh	70.5 kWh	66.5 kWh	66.5 kWh
WLTP Range	458-496 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 kW	11 kW	11 kW	11 kW
Max. Charging Power (DC)	100 kW	100 kW	100 kW	100 kW
AC 10-100% Charging Time (11 kW)	6.25 hours	6.5 hours	6.25 hours	6.25 hours
DC 10-80% Charging Time	32 minutes	32 minutes	32 minutes	32 minutes

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 in 2024.

Production & Release Date

Global production of the 2023 Mercedes EQA at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant (Germany) should commence in the first half of the 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.

Indications are that the EQA refresh could debut alongside the GLA facelift in April 2023, before going on sale in mid-2023.

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 is the Mercedes EQB.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2023 Mercedes EQA will pack subtle design changes, efficiency improvements, an enhanced MBUX infotainment system with newer features, among other tweaks to make it all the more appealing. However, if you dislike the existing SUV, there are good chances the refreshed EV won’t impress you either, as, overall, the revisions are likely to be incremental rather than comprehensive.

2023 Mercedes EQA FAQs

Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s illustration of the 2023 Mercedes EQA