Mercedes-Benz Eqa350 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

What's the difference?

Have you ever wished for an electric version of a high-riding hatchback, something like a Subaru XV, but with batteries and a bit more prestige?

Clearly, many luxury car buyers have, as the conceptually similar EQA 250 has proven since launching in Australia at the tail end of 2020. Mercedes-Benz can’t import enough of them.

Now, there’s a 350 4Matic version, with two electric motors, not one, all-wheel instead of just front-wheel drive, and appreciably stronger performance.

But in the two years since the EQA’s debut, the EV landscape has transformed, with Korea and China leading in innovation, disrupting the long-established order of things.

In other words, can the new 350 4Matic cut it? Read on.

ONE of the great motoring successes of the past decade has been the Mercedes-Benz GLA, catapulting the brand to unparalleled prominence in the premium small SUV field and kicking off the posh little coupe-hatch crossover craze.

Cynics might say that it is essentially a jumped-up A-Class hatchback, much like the Subaru XV is basically an Impreza in stilettos. But while the small German crossover is built on the same MFA2 platform as its smaller transverse-engined Benz brethren, no body panels are shared, granting it a distinct look and personality. Unlike the little Suby…

The H247-series GLA launched in Australia in 2020 is second-generation, featuring a longer wheelbase and appreciably more space, but a shorter overall length than the popular original from 2013. It's also substantially taller.

Here we take a long, hard look at the bestselling GLA 250 4Matic.