The Mercedes EQA only started rolling out of the company’s Rastatt, Germany, plant last year, but it looks like it’s already going under the knife. Part of Benz’s rapidly growing EQ-badged electric vehicle family, the EQA subcompact crossover is the firm’s smallest EV and is based on the ICE-powered GLA. Most of the bodywork and styling is shared, but the EQA is recognizable by its horizontal strip of lights running along the trunk lid, and headlights that bleed into a smooth, flush-fitting grille.
The rest of the front end, including the headlights with their peripheral DRLs, and the lower bumper, appears unchanged. As does the rear end of this EQA, where we can clearly see the same bumper design and taillights used by current models, suggesting that Mercedes is only making small changes, rather than embarking on a full facelift. Or perhaps this development car is a stealthy test bed for the AMG-branded performance version of the EQA Mercedes has promised.
But in one of the shots, it looks like the
driver is reaching to pull a dashboard disguise sheet from the base of the
windscreen having clocked our spy photographer lurking on the outside of the
corner. Unfortunately, our man wasn’t able to get a look at the inside of the
EQA as it rolled past, but it must mean Mercedes is looking at making some changes
to the crossover’s interior, including its MBUX infotainment system, which is
likely to lose its bulky touchpad controller.
Though the EQA has been on sale in Europe
for the past year, it is not currently available in the U.S. But back in
January 2021 Mercedes said it was considering bringing the model to North
America. If that happens we suspect MB USA will skip the front-wheel drive, 188
hp 250, and focus on the 225 hp, 300 and 288 hp 350 models, both of which feature all-wheel drive. All three
version uses the same 66.5 kWh battery pack giving a minimum WLTP range of 402 km, though it’s possible Mercedes could up the capacity to coincide
with the grille and interior tweaks.
