Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed its answer to the Audi e-tron and BMW iX. After the EQS Sedan, EQE Sedan and EQS SUV, the EQE SUV is the fourth variant of the Mercedes-EQ, expanding the company’s presence in the fast-growing luxury EV segment. The EQE SUV will serve as a multi-purpose variant of the EQE executive saloon.
The EQE SUV is based on the large electric Mercedes-EQ platform from Stuttgart automaker. The modular drive concept enables the EQE SUV to offer maximum drive outputs of 215 kW to 300 kW of power and 858 N.m of torque and depending on the vehicle’s equipment and configuration it can travel up to 550 km. Charging from 10% to 80% takes approximately 32 minutes when using a 170 kW quick charger and the drivetrain can charge itself thanks to three levels of brake energy recuperation.
The SUV has a similar front design to the EQE sedan, with a large enclosed gloss black grille that integrates the headlamps into its winged shape and vertical air intakes on the outer edges of the front bumper. Flush-mounted door handles and an angular rear window sit below a subtle spoiler. Full-width LED taillights will come standard on all the SUV models.
The interior of the SUV is almost identical to the sedan, featuring the same massive MBUX Hyperscreen that houses three large screens under a single piece of glass, and a floating transmission tunnel and will be available in five different colour-coordinated themes.
The EQE SUV is immersed in a progressive and luxurious colour scheme of warm and cool tones that emphasize sculptural and sensual design. Mercedes believes the hybrid trim elements bring together the warmth of wood with the technical coolness of real aluminium. Traditional materials and colours give the interior a special atmosphere. Modern delicate NEOTEX structure combined with nubuck leather and high-tech neoprene can be found on the instrument panel and the armrest. According to Mercedes-Benz, the new SUV is one of the most spacious representatives of its class.
The general standard safety equipment of the EQE SUV includes Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package with reversing camera and Speed Limit Assist. The status and activity of the systems are shown in a full-screen view in the assistance display located on the driver display.
Along with the main models, Mercedes also announced the first battery-electric SUV from its AMG performance unit. The EQE AMG will be Mercedes-AMG’s first all-electric SUV, set to launch in 2024, featuring a sportier exterior design, several interior changes and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain.
It also comes standard with Airmatic suspension enhanced with Mercedes’ active 48-volt sway bars that counteract body roll in corners. The AMG has a standard 9.0-degree rear steering, which provides better corner turn-in and reduces the turning circle. The AMG’s variant of the EQE SUV uses the same 90,6 kW battery as the standard models, posting a 4,2-second sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV raises the bar with an output of 350 kW, 50 kW more than the Standard EQE SUV, torque stays the same at 858 N.m.
AMG notes the drivetrain becomes rear-biased in Sport and Sport+ and configures itself for maximum efficiency when the driver selects Comfort mode. The 2023 EQE SUV and AMG EQE SUV will be produced on the same assembly line as the EQS SUV in Mercedes’ Tuscaloosa Alabama plant with their batteries supplied by the Bibb County factory. Pricing hasn’t been announced for any of the vehicles but additional details will be revealed closer to the launch.
