2024 Mercedes-Benz EQA spy shots
Mercedes-Benz is updating its compact car range, and the latest prototype spotted is of the compact electric crossover EQA.
The EQA is not on sale in the U.S. and was just launched in 2021; the old GLA-Class on which the EQA is based will soon receive its traditional mid-cycle update, so a hasty update is needed.
The updated GLA-Class has also been spotted in test runs and is expected to debut later this year as a 2024 model; following the discontinuation of the A-Class at the end of 2022 and Mercedes' introduction of the updated A-Class series overseas, the GLA-Class will be the new entry model in Mercedes' US lineup The GLA-Class will be the new entry model in Mercedes' U.S. lineup.
The updated EQA should debut at about the same time as the updated GLA-Class, but it is not clear if it will reach the US.
It is possible that the updated EQA will be rebranded EQA SUV, mimicking the naming practice Mercedes uses for other EQ badged SUVs, such as EQE SUV and EQS SUV. This change would free up the EQA name for an electric compact sedan that Mercedes is developing.
Judging from the prototype, the revised EQA should have a new grille and headlight interior design. The front mask will likely be new, and the taillight internals appear to be new as well.
On the interior, the dashboard will be changed and will feature the latest version of Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system. The center console is also expected to be tweaked, and the current EQA scroll pad will likely be eliminated with this update.
It is not clear if there will be any changes to the powertrain lineup. Depending on the market, the EQA will be available in 66.5 kwh and 70.5 kwh battery options, with a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive or dual-motor four-wheel drive. The most powerful variant has 288 hp.
Eventually, the EQA, along with the rest of the GLA-Class range, will move to Mercedes' next-generation platform for compact cars, called MMA, which is designed to support both hybrid and fully electric vehicles. the MMA-based is expected to be the aforementioned compact sedan.
The CLA and GLB classes are also expected to move to the MMA platform, but not the A and B classes. Both are expected to be discontinued after the current models complete their respective life cycles.
