Mercedes-Benz EQA vs. Volvo XC40 Recharge: Complete comparison 2026

Mercedes-Benz EQA represents a luxury electric alternative to the popular GLA model, attracting buyers with its top-tier craftsmanship and renowned driving comfort. Standing against it is the popular Swedish Volvo XC40 Recharge, which you may also encounter on the market under the newer designation Volvo EX40, and which instead bets on minimalist Scandinavian design and uncompromising safety. Let's take a detailed look at how these two advanced compact electric SUVs fare in a direct comparison and which one makes more sense when choosing from the market of nearly-new used cars.

Although the Mercedes-Benz EQA and Volvo XC40 Recharge compete for customers' favor in the same category of premium compact electric SUVs, they approach exterior dimensions and overall proportions differently. While Mercedes bets on more aerodynamic and fluid shapes derived from its internal combustion engine sibling, the GLA model, Volvo sticks to its typical robust and boxy silhouette. In terms of the overall concept, this means that with the Mercedes you get a visually more elegant crossover, while the Volvo's appearance much more clearly signals a tougher affiliation with traditional SUVs, which often appeals to more conservative drivers.

Looking closely at the longitudinal dimensions, the Mercedes-Benz EQA has a slight edge. With a fixed length of 4463 mm, it is roughly 2 to 4 centimeters longer than its Swedish competitor, which measures from 4425 to 4440 mm depending on the model year and electric motor version. The German car also offers a longer wheelbase of 2729 mm, which is 27 mm more than the Volvo (2702 mm). These more generous longitudinal dimensions in the Mercedes thus represent an advantage for those who often carry adult passengers in the rear seats, while the longer wheelbase also brings slightly more confident directional stability during long highway journeys.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge, on the other hand, clearly dominates in the remaining dimensions, specifically in body width and height. With a width of 1863 mm, it is just under 3 centimeters wider than the EQA (1834 mm), and a similar difference can be found in height, where the Swedish SUV reaches up to 1652 mm compared to a maximum of 1620 mm for the Mercedes. These specific proportions make the Volvo a more airy car with excellent shoulder and head room, while the taller build ensures a better view of the surrounding traffic. On the other hand, the narrower body of the Mercedes represents a major advantage for city drivers, for whom it will be significantly easier to squeeze through narrow streets or maneuver without worry in tight underground garages.

When choosing a premium compact electric car – typically a roughly four-year-old used car – everyday practicality and trunk size play an absolutely key role. Especially if you plan to use the vehicle as the main family car for weekend trips and regular shopping, the trunk becomes one of the main decision criteria. Although the Mercedes-Benz EQA (generation 243) and Volvo XC40 Recharge (1st generation) share similar external proportions, the installation of heavy batteries into the floor platform required different compromises in the internal layout for both models. In this regard, the Swedish representative handled the task slightly better and offers families a generally more usable capacity.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA has a trunk with a basic capacity of 340 liters. The battery module itself takes up a relatively significant 100 liters compared to its internal combustion sibling (the GLA-Class). After folding down the rear backrests, which are practically split in a 40:20:40 ratio, you get a maximum space of 1320 liters. Although this volume is perfectly sufficient for a regular weekend shop or transporting sports equipment, packing for a longer family vacation may require more planning. A significant disadvantage of the Mercedes is also the complete absence of a front trunk (the so-called frunk). You therefore have to store charging cables in a dedicated space under the floor of the rear trunk, which can block access when the trunk is already fully loaded.

Conversely, the fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge offers a noticeably better 413 liters in its basic configuration (older plug-in hybrid variants from the same generation even have 460 liters). After completely folding down the seats, the maximum volume increases to 1281 liters, which slightly lags behind the Mercedes in absolute numbers, but Volvo more than compensates for this minor paper deficiency in practice. The trunk has a very regular shape, and it doesn't lack clever bag hooks, tie-downs, or a sophisticated floor divider system. However, the main advantage is primarily the additional front luggage compartment with a volume of 31 liters located under the front hood. This represents an ideal hiding place for dirty charging cables or mandatory equipment, ensuring you always have free space in the back for a few extra suitcases. From the perspective of everyday usability, the Volvo is thus a more flexible choice for active families.

When choosing a premium compact SUV, the maximum trailer weight plays an important role, especially if you plan on using the vehicle actively. Towing capacity determines not only how heavy a load you can hitch behind the car but also expands its overall practicality for leisure activities. For electrified and pure electric models on today's used car market (for vehicles approximately four years old), these values can vary significantly depending on the specific powertrain.

In the case of the Mercedes-Benz EQA (generation 243, model years 2021–2023), the basic towing capacity for the EQA 250 and EQA 250+ front-wheel-drive versions is limited to just 750 kg for a braked trailer. However, if you opt for the more powerful all-wheel-drive variants, the EQA 300 or EQA 350, the maximum permitted weight for a braked trailer rises to a very respectable 1,800 kg.

The competing Volvo XC40 Recharge (1st generation) offers slightly more confident and balanced base values in this regard. Pure electric variants with a single electric motor (Single Motor from 2022–2024), as well as older P8 models, can easily tow a braked trailer weighing 1,500 kg. More powerful Twin Motor electric versions with two electric motors, as well as the T4 and T5 plug-in hybrid powertrains, offer a maximum capacity of 1,800 kg, matching the top-tier Mercedes variants.

The differences in these figures have a fundamental impact on everyday usability. The basic 750 kg for the Mercedes is ideal for a small utility trailer, sufficient for a weekend trip to a DIY store or for mounting a tow-bar-mounted cargo box that easily provides space for several extra suitcases. In contrast, the higher capacity of 1,500 to 1,800 kg, which the electric Volvo offers even in its lower versions and the Mercedes in its top-spec models, is perfectly adequate for a longer holiday with an average-sized caravan, transporting heavier building materials, or towing a boat.

Conclusion:
While the maximum for both families of electrified vehicles is 1,800 kg for four-year-old used cars, the Volvo XC40 Recharge has a slight edge with its less powerful and more affordable powertrains. If you don't need all-wheel drive but still want to tow heavier trailers up to 1,500 kg, the Volvo will serve you reliably even in the single-motor version. For the Mercedes-Benz EQA from the same period, for anything heavier than 750 kg, you would have to go straight for the more powerful models equipped with the 4MATIC system.

Let's start with a comparison of the powertrains, which is absolutely crucial for many used car buyers. While the Mercedes-Benz EQA is positioned exclusively as a pure electric SUV with a diverse range of performance versions, the Volvo XC40 Recharge offers both fully electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants on the market for roughly four-year-old used cars. This conceptual difference plays an important role: Mercedes will appeal to drivers who are already prepared for a full transition to electromobility, benefiting from a sophisticated system and outputs ranging from 140 kW to a brisk 215 kW. Volvo, on the other hand, caters to a much wider audience with its range. While the high-performance pure electric Twin Motor versions attack with an impressive output of up to 300 kW, the presence of plug-in hybrids (T4 and T5 Recharge) represents an ideal compromise for more conservative users. They can easily combine daily electric commuting to work with worry-free weekend trips using the internal combustion engine.

Mercedes-Benz EQA

The Mercedes-Benz EQA is available on the used car market exclusively as a pure electric vehicle (BEV). The range starts with the standard EQA 250 powertrain, which provides 140 kW of power and front-wheel drive only. In terms of practicality, the EQA 250+ version (introduced in 2022) is particularly attractive on the market for roughly four-year-old vehicles. It offers the same power but, thanks to lower consumption and optimizations, provides a significantly longer real-world range on a single charge. For more demanding drivers looking for better traction in poor weather conditions, the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive versions are available – the EQA 300 and the top-of-the-line EQA 350. Interestingly, the dual-motor models use a unique combination: an asynchronous electric motor on the front axle and a permanently excited synchronous motor at the rear. This gives the top EQA 350 version a sporty system output of 215 kW and a massive torque of 520 Nm, making the EQA a surprisingly nimble car for both the city and the highway. All variants use an efficient single-speed transmission.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

The Volvo XC40 Recharge provides a significantly more diverse palette on the four-year-old used car market. A crucial fact to consider when buying a used car is that the 1.5 T4 Recharge and 1.5 T5 Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrains were permanently withdrawn from the market in early 2024 following the end of production of this generation, and the automaker switched exclusively to pure electric drive for the XC40 model line (now renamed EX40). However, within the used car market, plug-in hybrids are a great choice – both variants combine a three-cylinder combustion engine with an electric motor and rely on a smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DSG). While the standard T4 offers 155 kW of combined power, the T5 pushes the limits to a more dynamic 192 kW. If you prefer a pure electric vehicle, you have a choice between the basic Single Motor version (with 170 kW) and the brutally powerful Twin Motor all-wheel drive (often referred to by the older P8 designation). With its 300 kW and an incredible 660 Nm of torque, the Twin Motor leaves the top Mercedes models in the dust and gives the compact family SUV acceleration worthy of sports cars.

Both of these premium compact SUVs share an interesting fact – neither of them was built on a purely electric platform. Mercedes adapted its MFA2 architecture, originally intended for internal combustion engines, while Volvo used the CMA platform. For both cars, this resulted in a higher curb weight and minor compromises in interior packaging (for example, the battery placed under the floor in the EQA does not allow the rear seats to slide, a feature the internal combustion GLA version offers). Choosing the right powertrain is therefore absolutely crucial for long-term satisfaction. We focused on real-world performance, electricity consumption, owner feedback, and mechanical durability to select the most rational specifications for the market of roughly four-year-old used cars.

For the Mercedes-Benz EQA, we recommend: EQA 250 (140 kW / 190 hp)

The base front-wheel-drive version with 140 kW represents the most logical choice in the EQA model range. The battery with a usable capacity of 66.5 kWh provides a real-world range of around 350 to 400 km, which, combined with a practical consumption between 17 and 19 kWh/100 km, is more than enough for daily use. The 190 hp output creates a smooth acceleration curve and perfectly suits the calm and comfortable chassis tuning that characterizes the electric Mercedes. While the more powerful EQA 300 and 350 versions with 4MATIC all-wheel drive offer better traction, they come at the cost of a further increase in the already high weight and noticeably worse efficiency, which unnecessarily takes away precious kilometers of range.

When choosing a used EQA 250 from 2021 and 2022, pay close attention to the condition of the chassis and tire wear. A curb weight significantly exceeding 2 tons takes a heavy toll on the front axle, especially during frequent stop-and-go driving in congested cities and careless parking on curbs. Due to the intensive use of regenerative braking, we also strongly recommend checking the condition of the brake discs – if the previous owner did not brake sharply from time to time, the discs may be affected by deep corrosion and will require complete replacement. This powertrain is ideal for calmer drivers operating primarily in suburban environments who appreciate a quiet ride, a top-tier premium interior, and do not plan to tackle long highway routes with the car.

For the Volvo XC40 Recharge, we recommend: Recharge Single Motor (170 kW / 231 hp)

Although the first purely electric Volvo XC40s impressed the market with the Twin Motor version boasting a brutal 408 hp, from the perspective of buying a used car and daily practicality, we clearly recommend the more civil Single Motor version with front-wheel drive, which was added to the range at the turn of 2021 and 2022. The 170 kW (231 hp) output still ensures very brisk dynamics with instant torque delivery but is significantly easier on the wallet. With a battery of 69 kWh usable capacity, the car consistently covers over 350 kilometers in practice, has lower electricity consumption, and saves you unnecessary bills for frequent tire replacements, which the extremely powerful and heavy all-wheel-drive version suffers from.

When buying a used XC40 Recharge, pay attention primarily to the onboard software. The system built on the Android Automotive platform occasionally suffered from teething problems in the first years of production, such as internet connection dropouts and screen freezing. Before buying, make sure the infotainment runs smoothly and the car has undergone all available over-the-air (OTA) updates. Just like with the Mercedes, notice the tread depth of the front tires – the instant transfer of torque (330 Nm) exclusively to the front axle can wear down the tires very quickly during more aggressive starts. Overall, the Single Motor version is an excellent and reliable choice for families and daily commuting, offering the highly above-average passive safety we are accustomed to from the Swedish brand.

Official fuel or electricity consumption figures in manufacturer brochures often differ significantly from what drivers experience in daily operation. While laboratory tests have brought partial improvements in accuracy, the true reality is revealed only by mass data from users themselves. For an objective comparison, we have therefore used real-world values from the community portal Spritmonitor.de, where thousands of drivers log their refueling and charging over the long term. Given that the used car market is most interested in vehicles around four years old, we focused exclusively on the generations and powertrains of both premium models available between 2020 and 2022.

Interpretation and real-world trends

Looking at user data, it is clear that the Mercedes-Benz EQA is more efficient in terms of electricity consumption than its Swedish competitor. In practice, the base EQA 250 model stays below the 20 kWh per 100 km mark, making it a very solid and efficient companion from a cost perspective. In contrast, the Volvo XC40 Recharge, especially in its earlier dual-motor version (Twin Motor or P8) from 2020–2022, pays the price for its less aerodynamic body shape and immense power – real-world consumption here often approaches the 24 kWh/100 km mark.

An interesting comparison is provided by the plug-in hybrid versions of the Volvo (T4 and T5 Recharge). Although official figures often promise an extremely optimistic consumption of just over 2 liters, the user average on the Spritmonitor portal shows a real value of around 4.6 l/100 km. However, the well-known pitfall of all plug-in hybrids applies here: if you do not charge the car regularly at home or at work, the petrol engine will easily consume over 7 liters per 100 km with the relatively heavy SUV.

What this means for used car buyers

• City drivers and calm motorists: If you are looking for a luxury car for short commutes with reasonable running costs, the EQA 250 or the more efficient Single Motor version of the Volvo makes sense. While the Swedish model offers a slightly better sense of robustness and interior space, it requires an average of 10% more energy.
• Highway travelers: Powerful AWD versions (EQA 350 and XC40 Twin Motor) will delight lovers of uncompromising dynamics. For longer highway trips, however, their high consumption significantly limits the useful range of used cars with partially worn batteries. In the Volvo, consumption on motorways can very quickly climb well above 25 kWh/100 km.
• Finding a compromise: The plug-in hybrid XC40 Recharge represents a rational path for drivers who have a place to charge, spend most of the work week in the city, but occasionally need to set off on a longer route without any planning for charging stops.

In conclusion, overall operational efficiency should play a key role when choosing between these premium four-year-old used cars. If absolute electricity savings and more favorable operating costs in pure electric mode are your top priority, the Mercedes-Benz EQA emerges from the comparison as the clearly more rational choice. The Volvo XC40 Recharge counters with more aggressive dynamics and the presence of versatile plug-in hybrid powertrains, but its robust shape and power take a fairly clear toll in the form of a noticeably higher appetite for both types of fuel.

The used electric vehicle market has seen dynamic development in recent years, and premium compact SUVs are no exception. Focusing on roughly four-year-old cars (model years 2021 and 2022), both models represent a very attractive alternative to buying a brand-new vehicle, primarily due to the natural depreciation of their original value. But how do these two premium models compare in a direct comparison of purchase costs?

Mercedes-Benz EQA

The price range for a used EQA from 2021–2022 on the Czech and European markets most often falls between €27,000 and €36,000, depending on mileage, battery condition, and trim level.

• Prevailing engine options: The used car market is clearly dominated by the base EQA 250 version with front-wheel drive. More powerful all-wheel-drive variants (EQA 300 4MATIC and 350 4MATIC) are somewhat rarer in listings, and their price usually reliably exceeds the €33,000 mark.
• Residual value: Thanks to its design and brand popularity, the EQA holds its value relatively well; however, since their market launch, these vehicles have lost a significant portion of their original price (which often exceeded €53,000 when new).
• Buying tip: When choosing a used unit, it is worth looking for vehicles in the richer AMG Line trim. Base models can feel slightly cheaper in the interior, while the sportier version significantly improves the car's appearance and its future resale value.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

The Swedish representative attracts buyers on the used market with an even more aggressive pricing policy. Vehicles from 2021–2022 can currently be purchased for an average of €23,000 to €31,000, which is noticeably lower than its German competitor.

• Two faces of performance: In the listings, you will encounter two different concepts – the more modest Single Motor with single-axle drive and the extremely powerful Twin Motor all-wheel drive (300 kW / 408 hp).
• Opportunity for buyers: From a used car perspective, the Twin Motor variant is particularly enticing. While it was significantly more expensive when new, as a used car, you can often get it for very similar money to the weaker version. The result is a price-to-raw-performance ratio that is hard to beat on the market.
• What to watch out for: However, caution is needed with the Twin Motor variant. The extreme power and higher battery weight place an enormous load on the tires and suspension components, the condition of which should be very carefully checked by the buyer.

Overview of Estimated Used Car Prices

Even though Mercedes-Benz may initially appeal with its traditional elegance and, for some, greater luxury, the used Volvo XC40 Recharge is a strong challenger on the secondary market thanks to its more favorable price tag and much more attractive performance offering. For those interested in a four-year-old compact electric SUV, the XC40 Recharge is a pragmatic choice that will please the wallet at the time of purchase.

Both models, the Mercedes-Benz EQA and the Volvo XC40 Recharge, earned the maximum five-star rating in rigorous Euro NCAP crash tests. However, it is important to view these results in the context of the year the vehicles were tested. Euro NCAP methodology and testing protocols are constantly evolving and becoming stricter every year. For this reason, percentage scores from different years cannot be directly compared, even though both cars clearly demonstrate excellent structural strength and advanced active safety on par with modern premium vehicles.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA uses a 2019 rating, which was originally established during testing of the related B-Class and subsequently verified and approved specifically for the electric version. The car excels with phenomenal adult occupant protection, scoring 97%. It is also very strong in child protection (90%) and protection of vulnerable road users (81%), significantly aided by an active bonnet that mitigates the consequences of a potential collision with a pedestrian or cyclist. It received 75% for the functionality of its safety assistance systems.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge shares its 2018 rating with the conventional combustion version of the XC40, but with additional structural tests specific to the all-electric model. The Swedish brand, globally regarded as a pioneer in safety, also achieved 97% for adult occupant protection. Child protection was rated at 87% and protection of vulnerable road users at 71%. In terms of assistance systems, the car scored 76%, benefiting from robust autonomous braking that reliably detected pedestrians and cyclists even by the updated standards of that time.

In conclusion, both vehicles offer comprehensive and very modern safety equipment that easily meets the standards expected of roughly four-year-old used cars. The Mercedes-Benz EQA shows slightly better percentage scores in pedestrian and child occupant protection, while the Volvo XC40 Recharge maintains its strong position thanks to its traditional emphasis on accident prevention and advanced lane-keeping systems. In terms of overall safety, both SUVs are at the top of their class.

Detailed Euro NCAP Results

In addition to standard equipment, each model offers several unique features that can be decisive for the customer, with both brands approaching added value and technological innovation in their own way. While the German representative bets on a luxurious atmosphere and artificial intelligence, the Swedish competitor scores with exemplary practicality and deep integration of smart systems.

Mercedes-Benz EQA: Premium Atmosphere and Intelligent Assistance

• Infotainment and Artificial Intelligence: The centerpiece of the car is the advanced MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system, which excels in excellent voice control and an augmented reality function for navigation. This can project navigation arrows and instructions directly onto the live image from the front camera, significantly facilitating orientation at complex intersections.
• Navigation with Electric Intelligence: A unique technological feature that takes into account not only topography and the current traffic situation but also weather and outside temperature when calculating the route. The system automatically plans optimal stops at charging stations to make the journey as fast as possible.
• Design and Comfort: The EQA offers the brand's typical and very popular ambient interior lighting with 64 colors, which can also illuminate the iconic turbine air vents. This detail creates an unmistakable luxury atmosphere on board.
• Sporty Variants: For customers looking for a more dynamic performance, the AMG Line package is available. This adds more aggressive aerodynamic shapes to the exterior and offers sports seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and specific trim in the interior.
• Assistance Systems: The car adopts many assistance systems from the manufacturer's higher classes, including advanced adaptive cruise control, which can preemptively adjust speed before curves, roundabouts, or intersections based on map data.

Volvo XC40 Recharge: Scandinavian Smartness and Google Integration

• Infotainment and Connectivity: Volvo was one of the first carmakers to deploy a system built entirely on the Android Automotive OS platform. Fully integrated Google services (Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play) mean perfect navigation with a very accurate estimate of the remaining battery capacity at the destination and support for over-the-air (OTA) vehicle updates.
• Smart Storage Solutions: The XC40 Recharge excels in everyday practicality. Unlike the Mercedes, it offers a so-called "frunk" (a 31-liter front trunk under the hood), which is ideal for storing charging cables. In the interior, you will find a removable trash bin in the center console, a folding bag hook on the glove compartment door, or large door pockets from which the speakers have disappeared.
• Drive Technology and Recuperation: The model is equipped with a sophisticated One-Pedal Drive system. This allows for acceleration and braking (down to a complete stop) using only the accelerator pedal, which, after a short adjustment period, provides an exceptionally smooth and relaxing driving experience in the city.
• Ecology and Sustainability: For its electric models, Volvo offers the option to choose a completely leather-free interior. A popular and premium-feeling alternative is upholstery made from a high-quality wool blend, which stays warm in winter and breathes in summer.
• Safety Telematics: As part of its traditional emphasis on safety, the car is equipped with the comprehensive City Safety system, which detects pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. The advanced Pilot Assist system then takes care of reliable semi-autonomous driving and lane-keeping on highways.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA will primarily appeal to drivers looking for maximum driving comfort, a luxurious interior, and top-tier on-board technology on the used car market. It is ideal as a prestigious compact SUV for daily commuting, provided a large trunk or lightning-fast charging on long trips is not your priority.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge represents a perfect choice for users who appreciate a high level of dynamics, great practicality, and minimalist Nordic design. It will serve smaller families looking for cleverly designed storage space and unrivaled safety well, while forgiving the car's slightly higher energy consumption.

Based on independent user reports, breakdown statistics, and findings from our own inspections carried out via comprehensive car check using the CarAudit service, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of these used electric cars should watch out for.

Mercedes-Benz EQA benefits from overall good workmanship and a proven concept, yet specific issues arise due to the shared platform with combustion vehicles and complex electronics.

• Electronics and sensors: Users quite often report false alarms from parking sensors, their occasional failures, or problems with external mounting. A complication for mechanics can also be missing error logs in the control units, which makes accurate fault diagnosis difficult.
• Software and infotainment: The MBUX onboard system can suffer from occasional freezes and sometimes shows relatively inaccurate estimates of remaining range. Most of these problems are solved by factory updates, so it is important to verify the current software version for a used car.
• Efficiency and battery: The high-voltage system itself and the electric motors do not show systemic defects in the first years, but due to the original combustion platform (GLA) and worse aerodynamics, owners often complain about a significant drop in real range in winter months and at highway speeds.
• Chassis and comfort: Models equipped with larger wheels and the sportier AMG Line suspension tend to have an unexpectedly stiff ride on broken roads. Owners also occasionally notice slight aerodynamic noise leaking through the windshield seal at higher speeds.

For the fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge from the first years of production, major hardware failures occur rarely, but owners are quite often troubled by teething problems with the onboard systems and charging infrastructure.

• Software and infotainment: Early models (2020–2022) equipped with the new Google Android Automotive system suffer from screen lagging, unexpected LTE connection drops, disconnection of services like Spotify or maps, and failing over-the-air (OTA) updates.
• Powertrain and charging: Some owners have seen the "Propulsion System" error message on the display, which can put the car into limp mode and requires either a long restart of the car or a software reflash at a service center. Mention should also be made of more frequent complaints about unexpected charging interruptions or significant slowdowns in performance at public DC fast chargers.
• Chassis and brakes: In such a heavy and high-performance electric car, the front axle is under considerable strain, and in some units, thumping sounds can be heard from the MacPherson struts and their mountings on uneven surfaces. Mechanical brakes, used only minimally thanks to strong recuperation, tend to develop surface rust and can emit squeaking or popping sounds when starting off.
• Body and electronics: A typical minor defect is faulty plastic struts for the electrically operated trunk, causing the tailgate to open only halfway. Authorized service centers often resolved this problem under warranty by installing more durable metal struts. The air conditioning (HVAC) also reacted more slowly to commands after some updates.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Here are some specific points to focus on for these two models, which is why a comprehensive car inspection is always worthwhile before purchasing.

When choosing a Mercedes-Benz EQA:

• Chassis and suspension condition: The EQA is a relatively heavy vehicle built on the MFA2 platform, which was originally designed for lighter internal combustion engines. The higher weight of the batteries puts a strain on the bushings and ball joints. During the test drive, listen for any knocking or squeaking from the axles when driving over bumps. A physical inspection of the car on a lift is ideal for detecting play in the suspension.
• MBUX system updates and stability: The MBUX infotainment is very sophisticated, but in early model years (around 2021), it could occasionally freeze or lose connection with the phone. During the inspection, click through the menus thoroughly, test the navigation response speed and voice control to verify that the system does not lag and does not require immediate service intervention.
• Brake disc corrosion: Due to strong and frequent energy recuperation (regenerative braking), conventional friction brakes are used only minimally on the EQA. This can result in deep corrosion on the brake discs. Inspect them visually – if they are rusted through, they will require early replacement as they reduce braking effectiveness in emergency situations.
• Traction battery health (SOH): The battery in a used electric car represents the most valuable part. Find out how the car was charged (a predominance of DC fast charging shortens lifespan) and always request a certificate of the current battery health (State of Health).
• Heat pump and air conditioning efficiency: During the test drive, turn on both the heating and air conditioning to maximum power. Monitor how quickly the system starts up and how much the estimated range on the trip computer drops. Extreme fluctuations can indicate a refrigerant leak or a problem in the heat pump circuit.

When choosing a Volvo XC40 Recharge:

• Increased tire and axle wear: The Twin Motor version has over 400 horsepower and enormous torque. This power puts extreme strain on the front axle and tires. Carefully check the tread depth and perform sharp turns at low speed during the test drive – clicking sounds will reveal worn CV joints.
• Android Automotive system stability: Early XC40 models with this operating system often suffered from teething problems such as LTE connection drops, GPS disconnections, and occasional restarts of the center display. Verify that all OTA (Over-The-Air) updates have been performed on the vehicle and that the integrated Google Maps are working reliably.
• 12V battery condition and history: A known pain point of early production versions of the XC40 Recharge was the rapid discharge of the conventional 12V onboard battery, which can cause the car to "die" completely. Check the service history to see if the battery has already been replaced and if the relevant energy management software module has been updated.
• Vibrations at highway speeds: During the test drive, if possible, accelerate to highway speeds (110–130 km/h). Some owners have complained of subtle vibrations transmitted to the steering wheel and body. Only an independent technical inspection of the car's condition can rule out expensive drivetrain faults.
• Charging port locking mechanism: Physically check the charging connector locking mechanism. Occasionally on these models, the locking pin gets stuck due to dirt or moisture, which prevents charging from starting or, conversely, won't release the charging cable from the car.

Sources: ADAC, svetmotoru.cz, forbes.cz, hybrid.cz, autozive.cz, transport.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.