Skip to content
MotorFiable
en

Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron vs Mercedes EQA / EQB: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Mercedes EQA / EQB carries less risk than the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron: 36/100 versus 43/100 (both moderate risk). The Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Battery cell modules with a risk of overheating and fire»; the Mercedes EQA / EQB has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Internal short circuit in the high-voltage battery: fire risk, software update and battery replacement».

Risk index

Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

43

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

Mercedes EQA / EQB

36

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

11 sourcesHow we work

Is the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron reliable?

We have found no documented faults with the electric motor or the power electronics; what is on record are two precautionary high-voltage battery recalls: moisture at the connection (first 2019 units) and cell modules with a risk of overheating (built 2018-2022). Check the chassis number and the battery's state of health.[1][2][3]

See the 2 of the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron faults

Is the Mercedes EQA / EQB reliable?

The only well-documented faults in the EQA and EQB electric drivetrain are the battery recalls for fire risk (2025 and 2026, the latter with battery replacement) and a 2024 pyrofuse check. No recurring faults have been published.[4][5][6][7]

See the 2 of the Mercedes EQA / EQB faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron and Mercedes EQA / EQB
Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tronMercedes EQA / EQB
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelElectricalElectrical
Displacement——
Timing——
Power249–503 hp190–292 hp
Production2019–2025[8]since 2021[9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)43Moderate risk36Moderate risk
Documented faults22
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Battery cell modules with a risk of overheating and fire
  2. Critical severity: Moisture ingress at the battery connection on the early units (2019)
  1. Critical severity: Internal short circuit in the high-voltage battery: fire risk, software update and battery replacement
  2. Critical severity: Displaced pyrofuse housing: possible pyrotechnic fuse failure and loss of power
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • Q8 e-tron 50 / 55 and SQ8, 95 and 114 kWh gross batteries (2022-2025)[1][2][8]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • e-tron 50 quattro, 71 kWh gross battery (2020-2022)[1][2][10]
  • e-tron 55 quattro and S, 95 kWh gross battery (2019-2022)[1][2][3]
  • EQA 250, 300 4MATIC and 350 4MATIC, 69.7 kWh (2021-present)[4][5][6]
  • EQA 250+, 73.9 kWh, 190 hp (2022-present)[6][11]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

Mercedes EQA / EQB

Other comparisons

With the Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron

With the Mercedes EQA / EQB

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Audi e-tron (2018 - 2022): recall por sobrecarga térmica de la batería (alerta Safety Gate 8/2024)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published 26 February 2024 · consulted 30 October 2026
  2. Audi-Rückruf: Defekte Akkuzellen - Brandgefahr beim E-Tronauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published February 2024 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  3. Schlechter Start: Audi muss verkaufte E-Trons in die Werkstatt rufenWinFuture · General press · published 11 June 2019 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  4. Recall: Mercedes-Benz EQA (2021 - 2024) EV/Hybrid, fire (2025)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published 5 April 2025 · consulted 30 October 2026
  5. Recall: Mercedes-Benz EQA (2021 - 2024) EV/Hybrid, fire (2026)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published 8 March 2026 · consulted 30 October 2026
  6. Segunda llamada a revisión de los Mercedes EQA y EQB por riesgo de incendio. Toca cambiar la bateríaAutofácil · Motoring press · published 15 April 2026 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Recall: Mercedes-Benz EQA (2024) electronic, injury (pirofusible)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published 25 October 2024 · consulted 30 October 2026
  8. Audi e-tron (2018) - WikipediaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  9. Mercedes-Benz EQAWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  10. Gebrauchtwagen-Check Audi e-tron (GE): Günstiger als ein elektrischer Fiat Grande PandaAutoScout24 Magazin · Motoring press · published 14 March 2025 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  11. Es probable que Mercedes sustituya las baterías de los modelos EQA y EQB en Alemaniaelectrive · Motoring press · published 17 February 2026 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish