Facelifted Mercedes EQA has more range than a Tesla Model Y

In an effort to keep the EQA competitive in an ever-growing class, Mercedes has revealed details of a facelifted model that’s set to hit the roads in early 2024.

Don’t expect any huge, sweeping changes here – the new Mercedes EQA sits at the gentler, ‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-it’ end of the facelift spectrum. However, perhaps more relevant than the styling tweaks will be the useful increase in range Mercedes has managed to squeeze out of its smallest electric model, which is already a rival for other premium electric SUVs like the BMW iX1 and Audi Q4 e-tron.

That range now extends to 348 miles from the largest 70kWh (useable) battery pack in the EQA 250+ model – more than what’s possible in a Tesla Model Y and up from a claimed 324 miles in the current car. This is all thanks to a new set of lower-rolling resistance tyres, as well as some aerodynamic optimisation, and a range-maximisation function available to the driver (which can reduce the draw of functions such as air conditioning).

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Charging the facelifted Mercedes EQA should be easier, too. The EQA now comes with a ‘Plug & Charge’ function which, on suitable public chargers, means that you can simply plug-in and the car will begin charging immediately – just like in the aforementioned Tesla.

Other improvements for the driver include new assistance systems; there’s a better reversing camera to help whilst manoeuvring, plus the Active Lane Keep Assist function, part of the optional Driving Assistance package, should now behave more naturally than before.

As far as styling goes, the facelifted model still looks very much like the outgoing car. There are new bumpers that you’ll be hard-pressed to notice, as well as new rear light graphics. The updated front grille is a little easier to spot, though, trading the horizontal bars of before for a pattern comprising dozens of three-pointed stars.

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That same pattern can be optioned on some of the interior panels – where it also lights up – while there’s also a subtler option of open-pore wood. The new EQA also gets a new steering wheel, matching that of other recent Mercedes models, plus updated graphics for the dual-screen infotainment system.

Speaking of which, this now runs an updated version of Mercedes’ MBUX software. The upshot is a clearer interface and some improvements to the intelligent voice assistant (provided you activate online services through the Mercedes Me app).

Order books for the updated EQA (and its slightly chunkier EQB sibling, which enjoys similar updates) will open in the autumn, with the first deliveries expected in early 2024. Full pricing and specifications should be revealed in the next few months.