Mercedes-Benz, one of the oldest automakers, has quickly adapted to the electric car market. Despite lacking the novelty of a startup, it has an advantage with actual cars ready for customers.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV sits between the EQB and EQS SUV in Mercedes’ electric lineup, targeting luxury electric SUVs like the Audi E-Tron, BMW iX, and Cadillac Lyriq. Derived from an existing sedan, the EQE SUV promises a blend of luxury and practicality, hoping to live up to the standards set by its sedan counterpart.
Built in Alabama and starting at $79,050, the EQE SUV could qualify for federal tax credits. The base model, the EQE 350 SUV, offers a choice between single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive. Additional options at launch include the Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trim levels, as well as a more powerful dual-motor EQE 500 model, with an AMG performance version on the horizon.
Visually similar to the EQS SUV, the EQE SUV’s design is more compact, but this resemblance might confuse consumers about the price differences. Both share a largely forgettable look, lacking the bold choices of the EQE and EQS sedans. However, the design contributes to an impressive drag coefficient of 0.25, reducing energy consumption for aerodynamic efficiency. Passenger space is adequate, with competitive headroom and legroom, though cargo space is less than rivals, offering 14.0 cubic feet with the seats up and 55.0 cubic feet when folded, trailing behind competitors like the BMW iX.
Inside, the EQE SUV compensates for its design shortcomings with a luxurious cabin. Influenced by the EQS SUV and EQ sedans, it features metallic trim and ambient lighting for a sophisticated look. Some European models include the Hyperscreen, a wide display across the dashboard, although the standard setup with stylish freestanding instrument clusters and a central touchscreen is also visually appealing.
Luxury amenities abound, from massaging seats to a Burmester 3D audio system with Dolby Atmos. Standard features include a 12.8-inch central touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and natural language voice recognition. Optional upgrades include a head-up display.
The infotainment system, inspired by recent Mercedes models, features a “Zero Layer” concept, displaying essential controls over a navigation map. While convenient for common functions, more specific settings still require menu navigation. The system also includes an optional augmented reality feature for enhanced navigation.
Voice recognition, activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” remains a standout feature, outperforming many competitors. The Dolby Atmos-enhanced audio system offers high-quality sound, ideal in an EV where engine noise is absent. Future models might include the Hyperscreen with additional features like Zync integration for passenger video streaming.
Safety and driver-assist features are extensive, though many are optional. Standard safety includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping, and Pre-Safe Plus to enhance crash safety.
The EQE SUV offers three powertrain options: the base EQE 350+ with a single rear motor (288 horsepower, 417 pound-feet of torque), the EQE 350 4Matic with dual motors for all-wheel drive (564 lb-ft torque), and the EQE 500 4Matic with more powerful dual motors (402 hp, 633 lb-ft torque). All use a 90.6-kWh battery pack. Mercedes states the EQE 350+ can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, with a slight decrease in time for the all-wheel drive version and 4.6 seconds for the EQE 500 4Matic. Top speeds are capped at 130 mph.
While not the quickest among rivals, with the Audi E-Tron and BMW iX showing faster acceleration, the EQE SUV aims for a calm, luxurious ride. Its 279-mile range for the single-motor EQE 350+ falls short against some competitors. Charging is efficient, with 170-kW DC fast charging achieving 10% to 80% in 32 minutes, though Level 2 charging is slower. Mercedes plans a dedicated charging network, which could improve user experience.
The EQE SUV’s warranty is consistent with other Mercedes EQ vehicles, offering a four-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a 10-year/155,000-mile battery warranty.
The EQE SUV skirts under the $80,000 federal tax credit cap, with all-wheel drive not affecting the price. However, base models miss some features, only offered in higher trims like the Exclusive or Pinnacle grades. The EQE 350+ Exclusive, priced at $81,150, offers a good balance of range and tech features, at a competitive edge over base BMW iX models. Despite having more range and better driving dynamics, the Cadillac Lyriq and Audi E-Tron face availability issues, making the EQE SUV a strong contender in the luxury EV market.
Ultimately, the EQE SUV offers luxury but lacks in some performance aspects, with its aerodynamic design yielding mixed results. Its pricing makes the more expensive EQS SUV seem redundant, presenting a valuable option for brand loyalists.