Verdict
At RM296,888, the EQA costs RM72,062 less and drops annual road tax to RM160 against RM207, while its 66.5-kWh battery brings a quoted 429 km range. It is the calmer daily proposition: 340 litres of boot space, a 2,729-mm wheelbase, powered memory front seats and rear air vents. The GR Corolla is the driver’s choice, however, with 296 hp, 400 Nm, AWD and a six-speed manual delivering 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds versus 8.9 seconds. Its 213-litre boot and RM368,950 price make the compromise plain.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz EQA if you want electric running, 429 km of quoted range, more luggage room and a better-equipped daily cabin.
Pick the Toyota GR Corolla if a 296-hp AWD hot hatch with a six-speed manual and 5.3-second 0-100 km/h pace matters more than price and practicality.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz EQA RM296,888; Toyota GR Corolla RM368,950.
- Powertrain: EQA has one 188-hp, 375-Nm electric motor; GR Corolla has a 296-hp, 400-Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine.
- Performance: EQA does 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and reaches 160 km/h; GR Corolla records 5.3 seconds and 230 km/h.
- Driveline and transmission: EQA is front-wheel drive with a single-ratio automatic; GR Corolla is all-wheel drive with a six-speed manual.
- Size and luggage space: EQA is 4,463 mm long with a 2,729-mm wheelbase and 340-litre boot; GR Corolla is 4,407 mm long with a 2,640-mm wheelbase and 213-litre…
- Weight: EQA weighs 2,040 kg; GR Corolla weighs 1,475 kg.
EQA
- 66.5-kWh battery with 429 km quoted range
- 340-litre boot and 40:20:40 rear seats
- Powered memory front seats, rear air vents and auto parking
- Slower 8.9-second 0-100 km/h time against 5.3 seconds
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive
- 565 kg heavier
GR Corolla
- 296 hp and 400 Nm with a 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- All-wheel drive, six-speed manual and front/rear Torsen limited-slip differentials
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty
- 213-litre boot is 127 litres smaller
- Manual front seats and no rear air vents
- Lane-keeping gives warnings only; the EQA provides steering correction
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM296,888✓ | RM368,950 |
| Body type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160✓ | RM207 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,618 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 296 hp |
| Torque | — | 400 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 87 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 188 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 375 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 66.5 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 429 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11.0 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 100.0 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | — | 6MT |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.9 seconds | 5.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 230 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,463 mm | 4,407 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,851 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm | 1,479 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm | 2,640 mm |
| Weight | 2,040 kg | 1,475 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 50 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 340 litres✓ | 213 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Yokohama Advan Apex |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort Suspension | Torsen Limited Slip Differential Front and Rear |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Active Brake Assist | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Pre-Safe, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Heated | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Wireless Charger, 1 USB Front, 1 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10.25" Touchscreen, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 9" Touchscreen Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Auto Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Parking | 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 | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | MBUX Interior Assistant, Qi Wireless Charger | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 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 EQA & GR Corolla for sale
EQA vs GR Corolla FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQA or Toyota GR Corolla better?
The EQA is better for electric daily use, cabin equipment and luggage space. The GR Corolla is decisively better for acceleration and driver involvement, thanks to 296 hp, AWD and a six-speed manual.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota GR Corolla costs RM72,062 more than the Mercedes-Benz EQA. The EQA also has lower annual road tax, at RM160 versus RM207.
Which is quicker, the EQA or GR Corolla?
The GR Corolla is much quicker: 0-100 km/h takes 5.3 seconds, 3.6 seconds ahead of the EQA’s 8.9 seconds. Its 230 km/h top speed also exceeds the EQA’s 160 km/h.