Motors: Single (350 Plus) or twin (350 4Matic) electric motors producing 288 hp for the system or twin electric motors producing 536 hp (500) or 617-677 hp (AMG); Li-ion battery with a capacity of 90.6 kWh; Rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Mercedes-Benz is fleshing out its Mercedes-EQ sub-brand with a number of new models for 2023, with the compact EQB SUV and full-size EQS SUV joining the EQS sedan and EQE sedan. But another model joining the showroom may be the most popular yet: the 2023 Mercedes-EQ EQE SUV and the 2024 AMG EQE SUV.
Yes, there’s plenty of power alphabet to try and decipher, but keep in mind that this model is the mid-size electric equivalent of the gas-powered GLE, while the larger EQS models are the equivalent of the S and GLS. As such, the EQE looks set to land the perfect spot in the luxury electric SUV market, where it competes with competitors such as the Audi e-Tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq and Tesla Model Y.
Somewhat traditionally
Off the bat, the EQE SUV has an edge over Mercedes-EQ sedans in the design department. Just like the EQS SUV, it looks much more traditional than the fast, front-cabin sedans with its polarized lines and subdued ride height. Park the EQE SUV next to the GLE and the family resemblance is clear. It’s an interesting combination of the front-end EQ and the more traditional straight, two-square shape that a typical SUV requires.
When it arrives, the EQE SUV will be available in four trim levels: the EQE350 Plus, the EQE350 4Matic, the EQE500 4Matic, and the late AMG EQE. All models will feature a 90.6 Li-ion battery pack, which should be good to charge in less than 10 hours from 10%-100% on a 240V, 32A circuit or in about 32 minutes to go from 10%-80% on a system up to 170 .
Where models will differ in drive system configurations. The 350 Plus uses a single motor mounted on the rear axle to provide 288 horsepower to the system and 417 pound-feet of torque, which is good for a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds, according to Mercedes. Moving to the 350 4Matic will give you a second engine driving the front axle for all-wheel drive capability; It generates a total of 288 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque for a 0-60 sprint of 6.2 seconds. Choosing some performance means using the EQE500 SUV, which pumps out those two engines 536 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque, dropping the 0-60 mph time to just 4.6 seconds. Do you want to perform more? You’ll have to wait for the upcoming EQE AMG, which will arrive shortly after the regular EQE SUVs. The AMG EQE uses a twin-engine and all-wheel drive system to reach 617 hp or 677 hp with the AMG Dynamic Plus package with boost function. We don’t have any range numbers for these different models; It will be close to launch.
Because the EQE SUV shares its platform with the EQE Sedan, it has many of the same mechanicals and gee-whiz features of this model, such as great rear-wheel steering (an option on some versions of the EQE SUV). The EQE SUV can set its rear wheels up to 10 degrees, creating a nimble SUV and tighter turning circle, helping it maneuver on both twisty mountain roads and narrow city streets. Also optional is the adaptive air suspension, which scans road surfaces and adjusts the vehicle’s ride characteristics as needed.
One characteristic that the EQE SUV does not have in common with the sedan is its length. It’s about 5 inches shorter overall than the EQE sedan and rides on a 3.5-inch shorter wheelbase. The SUV makes up for this length by being about 7 inches longer than the sedan, providing more room for passengers and an increase in cargo carrying capacity as well.
cabin sharing
Just like the rest of the EQE and EQS range, the EQE SUV shares a common cabin with other models. Police configurations are available: The standard setup uses a 12.8-inch, vertically oriented central touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster — but an eye-popping option is the Hyperscreen, a triple-screen setup of 56 inches under a single piece of curved glass that extends over a dash display. Both systems will run on the latest MBUX multimedia system, with virtually all vehicle functions, from climate control to navigation to the audio system, and are controlled on-screen by touch-sensitive panels.
A fingerprint scanner in the center console is standard and can be used to set up a total of seven different driver profiles, and adjust interior preferences to suit each one. Debuting the EQE SUV will be the fourth “Sound Scene,” a soundtrack played through the standard Burmester premium audio system that changes how the car sounds under acceleration and braking. The company described Serene Breeze’s sound scene as “a relaxed, natural sound” that joins Silver Waves, Vivid Flux and Roaring Pulse.
On the 350 and AMG models, the interior will be faux leather, with a leather interior standard on the 500. EQE SUV options will include a high-efficiency climate control air filter; multifunctional front seats with massage; Active ambient lighting that creates animations synchronized with the vehicle’s driving functions; navigation in augmented reality; Four-zone climate control head display; air ionization system with fragrance option; and a winter package that includes a heated steering wheel, windshield, rear seats and a windshield washer system.
Safety is the standard, more safety is extra
All EQE SUVs will come standard with electronic safety systems that include Pre-Safe, Active Safety featuring Active Brake Assist, parking sensors with surround-view cameras, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. . Additional cost features will include a driver assistance package with active distance assistance and blind spot assistance. The Pre-Safe Plus package is also optional, which essentially takes all the passive assistance systems that come standard on an EQE SUV and turns them into active systems, enabling the vehicle to avoid collisions, perform automatic parking functions and more.
Price and release date
The new 2023 Mercedes-EQ EQE SUV will hit showrooms in late 2022, according to the company, with pricing and range announced shortly before the vehicle goes on sale. The 2024 AMG EQE SUV will follow next.
