Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ is the sharper electric choice for Malaysian long-distance use: its 85 kWh battery is rated for 748 km, against the Mercedes-Benz EQA’s 66.5 kWh and 429 km, while 320 kW DC charging dwarfs 100 kW. It is also quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds versus 8.9 seconds. The EQA counters with an SUV body, heated memory front seats and a head-up display, but its 340-litre boot is smaller than the CLA EQ’s 405 litres. Be mindful that the CLA EQ cannot use 400V DC chargers.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ if you want 748 km of EV range, 320 kW DC charging and a 6.7-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz EQA if you prefer an SUV body with heated memory front seats, a head-up display and lower RM160 annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ RM274,888; Mercedes-Benz EQA RM296,888.
- EV range: Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ 748 km; Mercedes-Benz EQA 429 km.
- DC charging rate: Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ 320 kW; Mercedes-Benz EQA 100 kW.
- Performance: Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ 268 hp and 6.7 seconds to 100 km/h; Mercedes-Benz EQA 188 hp and 8.9 seconds.
- Boot space: Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ 405 litres; Mercedes-Benz EQA 340 litres.
- Road tax per year: Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ RM260; Mercedes-Benz EQA RM160.
CLA EQ
- 748 km EV range from an 85 kWh battery.
- 320 kW DC charging and 6.7-second 0-100 km/h pace.
- 405-litre boot and 360-degree camera.
- RM260 annual road tax versus the EQA's RM160.
- No heated memory front seats or head-up display.
- No compatibility with 400V DC chargers.
EQA
- SUV body with five doors.
- Heated, memory-equipped power front seats and head-up display.
- Lower RM160 annual road tax.
- 429 km range versus the CLA EQ's 748 km.
- 100 kW DC charging versus the CLA EQ's 320 kW.
- Costs more yet has a smaller 340-litre boot.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM274,888✓ | RM296,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM260 | RM160✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | MMA platform, 800V architecture; no 400V DC charger compatibility | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 268 hp✓ | 188 hp |
| Motor Torque | 335 Nm | 375 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 85 kWh✓ | 66.5 kWh |
| EV Range | 748 km✓ | 429 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11.0 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 320 kW✓ | 100.0 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Two-speed Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Two-speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 2 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mercedes-Benz |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.7 seconds✓ | 8.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h✓ | 160 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,723 mm | 4,463 mm |
| Width | 1,855 mm | 1,834 mm |
| Height | 1,468 mm | 1,620 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm | 2,729 mm |
| Weight | 1,980 kg | 2,040 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 405 litres✓ | 340 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/40R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/35R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Alloys | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Alloys | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Comfort Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtains, Driver Knee and Centre | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Evasive Steering Assist | Yes, Active Brake Assist |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Traffic Sign Recognition, Curve Speed Reduction, Emergency Stop Assist, Parking AEB, Evasive Steering Assist. MB.Drive Assist (Level 2, adds lane centring and auto lane change) is a subscription: RM169/month (first month free), RM1,690/12 months or RM4,059/36 months incl. service tax | Pre-Safe, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Multibeam LED with Adaptive High Beam and Illuminated Star DRL | Adaptive LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED with Starry Motif | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Sports Seats, Artico Faux Leather with Dinamica Microfibre | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Heated |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic, with Heat-rejection Coating (no sunshade) | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | 64-colour Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | MBUX Superscreen: 10.25" Cluster + Twin 14" Touchscreens, MB.OS, 8 Speakers, Qi Wireless Charging | Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10.25" Touchscreen, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Distronic Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Hands-free Powered Boot Lid | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes, with Park Assist | Yes, Parallel and Perpendicular |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | MBUX Interior Assistant, Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | Battery warranty 8 years/160,000 km | 8 Years/160,000 km Warranty for Traction Battery |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used CLA EQ & EQA for sale
CLA EQ vs EQA FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ or Mercedes-Benz EQA better?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ is better for range, charging and performance, with 748 km, 320 kW DC charging and a 6.7-second 0-100 km/h time. Choose the Mercedes-Benz EQA for its SUV body, heated memory seats and head-up display.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz EQA costs RM22,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ.
Which Mercedes-Benz EV charges faster?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ charges faster on DC power, rated at 320 kW against the Mercedes-Benz EQA’s 100 kW. Both are rated for 11 kW AC charging, but the CLA EQ does not support 400V DC chargers.