Verdict
The RM28,000 gap is not trivial: the EQA costs RM296,888 but brings 429 km of EV range from its 66.5-kWh battery, 11-kW AC and 100-kW DC charging, plus RM160 annual road tax. The XC40 at RM268,888 is the quicker, more practical choice, reaching 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and carrying 460 litres versus 340 litres. Its 263-hp, 390-Nm hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive and 49-litre tank suit buyers who cannot charge regularly. The EQA is the cleaner fit for a home-charging routine; the Volvo gives more pace and luggage room for less money.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz EQA if you can charge at home or work and want 429 km EV range, a head-up display and RM160 annual road tax.
Pick the Volvo XC40 if you need all-wheel drive, a 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time and a 460-litre boot at a lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz EQA RM296,888; Volvo XC40 RM268,888.
- Powertrain: EQA has one 188-hp, 375-Nm electric motor; XC40 has a 263-hp, 390-Nm 1,969-cc petrol-hybrid powertrain.
- 0-100 km/h: EQA 8.9 seconds; XC40 6.4 seconds.
- Driveline: EQA front-wheel drive; XC40 all-wheel drive.
- Boot space: EQA 340 litres; XC40 460 litres.
- Road tax: EQA RM160 per year; XC40 RM428 per year.
EQA
- 429 km EV range from a 66.5-kWh battery
- 11-kW AC and 100-kW DC charging
- Head-up display and contactless powered boot
- RM28,000 dearer
- Slower 8.9-second 0-100 km/h time
- 340-litre boot is 120 litres smaller
XC40
- 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time with all-wheel drive
- 460-litre boot and space-saver spare tyre
- Five-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty
- RM428 annual road tax versus RM160
- No EV range or charging capability
- No head-up display
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM296,888 | RM268,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160✓ | RM428 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 263 hp |
| Torque | — | 390 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | — | 82 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 | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | Geartronic Automatic Transmission |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.9 seconds | 6.4 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.7 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 180 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 50 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,463 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,863 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm | 1,658 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 2,040 kg | 1,875 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 49 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 340 litres | 460 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy | 19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy | 19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort Suspension | Sport Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Power safety lock for rear door |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Active Brake Assist | Yes, City Safety with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian, Cyclist and Large Animal Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Pre-Safe, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projectors | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Heated | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C | 2 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient 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" Portrait Android Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes, Parallel and Perpendicular | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| 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 | 8-year/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty |
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 & XC40 for sale
EQA vs XC40 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQA or Volvo XC40 better?
Choose the EQA for a charge-at-home EV routine, 429 km range and lower RM160 road tax. Choose the XC40 for faster acceleration, all-wheel drive and 120 litres more boot space.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz EQA costs RM28,000 more than the Volvo XC40.
Which has the larger boot?
The Volvo XC40 has the larger boot at 460 litres, compared with 340 litres in the Mercedes-Benz EQA. That is a 120-litre advantage for the Volvo.
