When I first got behind the wheel of the Mercedes‑Benz EQA 250+ City Edition, my immediate thought was simple: this is the perfect size for city life. Not too small, not too bulky – just right. It’s the perfect size for navigating Melbourne’s inner suburbs, narrow side streets and busy car parks without leaving you anxious about tight squeezes and potential scrapes. Plus, there’s enough space and comfort to handle weekends away with ease.
This is an electric SUV that feels considered, not compromised.
I’ll be honest, I was a little sceptical about the range at first. On paper, the EQA 250+ City Edition boasts an impressive WLTP range of up to 578km, which certainly sounds reassuring, but real-world conditions are what really matter.
So, I put it to the test.
We drove from Melbourne down to Cape Schanck for a golf weekend, cruised around the Mornington Peninsula and still made it back home with charge to spare. There was no range anxiety or mid‑trip charger hunts, just smooth sailing.
For everyday commuting and weekend escapes alike, the EQA 250+ City Edition certainly delivers.
For a compact SUV, the EQA 250+ City Edition is surprisingly practical. With one rear seat folded down, the boot easily fits two suitcases and two sets of golf clubs. That’s a big tick for anyone who needs flexibility without stepping up to a larger SUV.
Later, when I stopped by my family’s place, even the not‑so‑small‑anymore puppy had enough room in the back to stretch out comfortably.
Most importantly, the Mercedes‑Benz EQA 250+ City Edition sits below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for fuel‑efficient vehicles and is eligible for a Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption#, making it an attractive option for novated leasing.
Behind the wheel, the EQA 250+ City Edition feels exactly how a Mercedes‑Benz EV should: quiet, composed and effortlessly smooth.
The comfort suspension, paired with the 19‑inch AMG bi‑colour alloy wheels exclusive to the City Edition, soaks up Melbourne’s patchy roads remarkably well. On the freeway, it glides. Through the rolling hills and greenery of the Peninsula, it felt planted and confident. There’s a calmness to driving this car. The instant torque, refined chassis tuning and near‑silent cabin make longer journeys feel relaxed, something EVs do particularly well and Mercedes has clearly leaned into that strength.
Step inside and the cabin immediately feels luxurious with premium materials used throughout.
The expansive MBUX widescreen display stretches elegantly across the dash and has full smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). The system is slick and intuitive, enhanced by Augmented Reality Navigation that overlays directions directly the media display, which is genuinely useful in unfamiliar streets.
The ambient lighting deserves special mention. At first glance, the hundreds of glowing Mercedes‑Benz stars seemed excessive, but at night, with your chosen colour washing across the cabin, it becomes something special. It adds a sense of theatre that few rivals match. It’s almost magical and feels like you’re driving through a constellation.
The front seats are comfortable, supportive and trimmed in Artico leather and Microcut microfibre. They are electrically adjustable and heated, which is a welcome luxury for daily driving. The Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel completes a cockpit that feels thoughtfully designed rather than flashy.
Another standout feature is the panoramic glass sunroof. It floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy, open feel that makes every drive more enjoyable, especially those coastal routes.
One of my favourite features is the self-parking feature and the EQA 250+ City Edition really shines here. Press the button, drive slowly past a row of spaces, and the car does the rest. Parallel or perpendicular, it nails it. I was nervous the first few times (who isn’t?), but it’s flawless.
The 360‑degree camera and Active Parking Assist make tight spaces feel stress‑free, offering crystal‑clear visuals from multiple angles.
There’s even an auto‑exit feature for tight spots, though I chickened out the first time it asked me to engage reverse while we were close to another car. However, the tech is there if you’re braver than me.
Mercedes‑Benz has equipped the EQA 250+ City Edition with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assist tech, including:
Together, these systems quietly work in the background, adding reassurance without being intrusive, which is particularly valuable when navigating the CBD or on long highway drives.
The Mercedes‑Benz EQA 250+ City Edition isn’t just another electric SUV, it’s a well‑balanced lifestyle upgrade. For city dwellers who still love a spontaneous weekend escape, it hits the sweet spot: stylish, practical, refined and packed with loads of tech that genuinely enhances everyday driving.
Range anxiety? Forget it. This car handled Melbourne to Cape Schanck and back without breaking a sweat!
Would I drive it again? Absolutely. It’s not just a car, it’s a small slice of luxury that fits perfectly into real life.
