REDEFINED SUV LUXURY

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

SPACE, COMFORT AND CONNECTIVITY

Mercedes ramps up its range of large EV models with this EQE SUV. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

If you're planning to switch out of a large combustion-engined Mercedes SUV any time soon in favour of a full-battery model, then this is the car the brand wants you to look at, the EQE SUV. Obviously based on the EQE EV saloon, it faces tough Crossover segment competition but delivers much of the elegant luxury you get in the company's top EQS SUV is a slightly more accessible package.

Background

The EQE SUV. Of all the large fully electric models Mercedes has recently introduced on its latest second-generation Electric Vehicle Architecture platform, this one is the most important. When the S-Class-sized EQS and E-Class-sized EQE saloons were introduced, we were told each would have a separate SUV derivative. Sure enough, the EQS SUV arrived in mid-2022 to compete in Range Rover SUVIP territory. And was followed a few months after by our subject here, the EQE SUV.

This model has a far tougher task, taking on accomplished bigger volume large-sized EV players like the Jaguar I-PACE, the BMW iX, the Audi E-tron quattro and the Polestar 3. Mercedes sees it as an electric version of its combustion GLE SUV and a different kind of car to its other large full-battery models. The idea is to aim at younger customers, but with pricing pushing up towards six figures, they'll need to be successful people.

Driving Experience

All variants use the same 90.9kWh battery and there's a choice of rear or four wheel drive formats. As with the EQE saloon, things kick off with an EQE SUV 350+ variant with a 288bhp rear-mounted motor, which is linked to single-speed transmission and powered by a 10-cell 90.6kWh battery offering up to 367 miles of range. That drops to 346 miles with the 350 4MATIC 4WD version of the same model, which has the same output. There's also a more powerful EQE SUV 500 4MATIC derivative with 402bhp. In addition, customers are also offered a couple of 4MATIC Mercedes-AMG sporting models. Choose either the AMG EQE 43, which makes 62mph in 4.3s en route to 130mph and offers 303 miles of range. Or the AMG EQE 53, which can offer 617bhp, makes 62mph in under 4s en route to 137mph and can manage up to 292 miles of range.

It's more relevant here though to concentrate on the mainstream models, all of which come with adaptive damping, with air suspension optional. An 'off road' mode is standard, but don't expect this car to have too much off piste ability. Likely owners will be more interested in optional tarmac-orientated dynamic tools like electromechanical roll stabilisation and four-wheel steering, which can turn the rear wheels by up to 10-degrees (or 9-degrees on AMG models). Owners may also like the now-wider range of selectable drive sounds; 'Serene Breeze' is the latest option, which Mercedes claims sounds 'relaxed and natural'.

Design and Build

It's very possible that if you were familiar with large Mercedes EVs, you might mistake this EQE SUV for its EQS SUV showroom stablemate. Look more closely and you might spot this more affordable model's more heavily sloped roof line and more angled tailgate, both possible because this smaller design doesn't have to accommodate a third seating row.

Inside, as with the EQS models, there's a choice of two different dashboard layouts. The most sophisticated uses the brand's ultra-wide Hyperscreen, a 56-inch curved display with three screens, one for the driver, one for the passenger and one in the centre. As you'd expect, there's a slightly higher seating position than you'd get in an EQE saloon. And a more spacious rear seat too. There's 520-litres of boot space.

Market and Model

You're going to need to think in terms of a price starting point of around £90,000 for EQE SUV ownership; that's for the base EQE 350+ model. Obviously, you'll need significantly more for the faster Mercedes-AMG variants, which command a price premium of around £40,000. Add substantially to both these figures if, as many owners will, you want to upgrade your car with the digital MBUX Hyperscreen set-up. Other options include a head-up display unit featuring augmented reality features. Plus you'll want to leave some budget aside for the rear-axle steering set-up (standard on the 53 AMG version), which can reduce the turning circle by up to 1.8m. There's also a high efficiency particulate filter that works as part of an 'Energising Air Control' system.

Ideally, you're going to need the high spec front seat package, which gives you heating, ventilation and G-Force-defying dynamic cushion support. There's also a massaging package. You can additionally look at a large dual sunroof and, on the '350' you'll need to pay more for air suspension and the usual Burmester surround sound set-up. The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ comes with a range of AMG dynamic select drive programs - 'Slippery', 'Comfort', 'Sport', 'Sport+' and 'RACE START'.

Cost of Ownership

The 90.6kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged at speeds of up to 170kW, which allows the EQE SUV to gain around 155 miles of range in around 15 minutes. We like the clever choice of different charging programmes - 'Standard', 'Home' and 'Work', each of which allows you to pre-set things like departure time, maximum charge level and air conditioning settings. There's also a feature that Mercedes calls 'Eco-charging', which lowers the load on the battery during charging in a way that improves the longevity of the lithium-ion cells. As usual with an EV, you can lower the battery's charge state to a pre-set limit; or delay charging take advantage of off-peak electricity. As you'd expect, the battery can be replenished on the move by regenerative brake energy, a recuperation system that allows for single-pedal driving on its highest setting.

The brand says over-the-air software updates that work with the EV-specific navigation system extend the battery's life in-car as long as possible, because they determine the best heating and cooling cycles for optimal performance.

Summary

The EQE SUV hits the sweet spot in the fast-growing market for executive-level large EV Crossovers and you can expect it to out-sell all the brand's other EQE and EQS models combined. Out-selling tough rivals from Jaguar, Polestar, BMW and Audi will be a different matter, particularly as this EQE SUV is closer to the six-figure price point than we'd expected. But its very Mercedes look and feel will stand it in good stead in that regard.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Mercedes EQE SUV

PRICES: £90,000 - £130,000 {est}

CATEGORY: FULL ELECTRIC - LUXURY

INSURANCE GROUP: TBC

PERFORMANCE: {EQE 350+} 0-62mph 6.4s / Max Speed 130mph

WLTP ELECTRIC DRIVING RANGE: 367 miles {350+}

BOOT CAPACITY: [litres] 520-1675

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4863/1940/1686 mm