Mercedes-Benz is within the means of updating its vary of compacts, and the most recent prototype to be noticed is for the EQA compact electrical crossover.

The EQA, which is not provided within the U.S., was solely launched in 2021. The hasty replace is required as a result of the older GLA-Class, on which the EQA is predicated, is because of obtain its conventional mid-cycle replace shortly.

The up to date GLA-Class has additionally been noticed testing and is predicted to debut later this yr as a 2024 mannequin. It should turn into the brand new entry-level mannequin in Mercedes’ U.S. lineup following the demise of the A-Class on the finish of 2022, when Mercedes launched an up to date A-Class vary abroad.

The up to date EQA ought to debut about the identical time because the up to date GLA-Class, although it is not clear whether or not it is going to attain the U.S.

There’s an opportunity the EQA shall be rebranded an EQA SUV with this replace, mimicking the naming follow Mercedes makes use of for different EQ-badged SUVs, such because the EQE SUV and EQS SUV. The change would additionally liberate the EQA identify for an electrical compact sedan Mercedes has within the works.

Judging by the prototype, the up to date EQA ought to get revised designs for the grille and internals of the headlights. A brand new entrance fascia can also be doubtless, and it seems just like the internals of the taillights may also be new.

The inside is predicted to obtain a revised sprint with a brand new display screen working the most recent model of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system. The middle console can also be anticipated to be tweaked, with the present EQA’s scrolling pad prone to be dropped with this replace.

It is not clear whether or not there shall be any modifications to the powertrain lineup. Relying in the marketplace, the EQA is obtainable with 66.5- and 70.5-kwh battery choices, and the selection of single-motor front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive. Essentially the most highly effective variant has 288 hp.

Ultimately, the EQA, together with the remainder of the GLA-Class vary, will transition to Mercedes’ next-generation platform for compact vehicles. Known as the MMA, the platform has been designed to assist each hybrid and absolutely electrical autos. The primary MMA-based mannequin is predicted to be the compact sedan talked about above.

The CLA-Class and GLB-Class may also transition to the MMA platform, although the A-Class and B-Class aren’t anticipated to do the identical. Each are anticipated to be dropped after the present fashions attain the tip of their respective life cycles.