Mercedes-Benz’s latest swing in the electric SUV segment has been revealed in the form of the EQE SUV, with a local berth scheduled for the first half of 2023.
The EQE SUV is the more practical offsider to the EQE sedan; itself the electric equivalent of the E-Class sedan. The new nameplate is positioned above the existing EQA and EQC (as well as the fresh arrival EQB) thanks to its heightened focus on technology.
The EQE SUV boasts a 3030mm wheelbase; slightly shorter than that of the EQE sedan. It’s also 132mm shorter in length and 11mm narrower than its sedan cousin, although inevitably it’s also much taller.
Unlike the EQC, the US-built EQE SUV is built on Mercedes’ scalable EV platform. Overseas, it will be offered in EQE 350+, EQE 350 4Matic, EQE 500 4Matic, AMG EQE 43, and AMG EQE 53 trims, with each making use of the same 90.6kWh battery capable of charging speeds up to 170kW.
In terms of range, Mercedes says the model is capable of up to 480-590km (WLTP) in the single-motor base variant 350+, with range in the go-faster AMG variants dropping to as little as 375-470km in the AMG EQE 53.
It’s yet to be confirmed which models are bound for New Zealand showrooms, but expect at least one AMG variant to make an appearance, and most likely the EQE 350 4Matic.
The aforementioned 350+ comes equipped with a single 215kW/565Nm motor. It’s the only rear-wheel drive trim level, with all other models coming with dual motors and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
The 350 4Matic gains a motor across its front axle, boosting torque output to 765Nm (power is unchanged at 215kW). The most powerful non-AMG grade, the EQE 500 4Matic, develops 300kW/858Nm from the same powertrain layout.
Finally there’s the AMG 43 and AMG 53, which make 350kW/858Nm and 460kW/950Nm respectively. The latter can also be optioned in some markets with the Dynamic Plus package, which further boosts output to 505kW/1000Nm.
The AMG 43 is good to hit 100km/h in a claimed 4.3 seconds, while the maxed out 53 with the Dynamic Plus package can complete the same feat in just 3.5 seconds.
The main way to discern an AMG EQE SUV from a standard model is the signature Panamericana grille. AMG grades also gain the performance arm’s signature turbine-style wheels, sized between 20-inches and 22-inches.
The AMG models also add other performance tweaks, too, including uprated brakes, four-wheel steering, air suspension, a tuned chassis, and more.
Inside, the EQE SUV features a 520L boot (similar to the EQC, and smaller than the GLE), with capacity growing to 1675L with the seats down. Unlike the EQC or GLE, though, the EQE can be had with Merc’s ‘Hyperscreen’; a series of screens that spans almost the entire width of the dashboard.
Over-the-air download functionality, Dolby Atmos audio, Intelligent Park Pilot, a satnav system that can map longer journeys to include charging stops, and full single-pedal driving are among the EQE’s other tech features.
Local spec and pricing is set to be unveiled in full at a later date.
