Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is a battery electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz Group since December 2022. The vehicle was revealed on October 16, 2022, alongside the Mercedes-AMG performance variant. The automaker displayed the entire EQ range in the gardens of the Musée Rodin in Paris on October 16 and 17, alongside concepts that will preview the company's electric future.

The SUV follows a similar design style to the rest of the vehicles in the EQ sub-brand. The vehicle is positioned between the D-segment EQC and F-segment EQS SUV in the EQ SUV lineup, and is essentially a sport utility variant of the EQE saloon. The EQE SUV is also the battery electric equivalent to the slightly larger Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Overview
Internally designated X294, the vehicle is based on the newly-established EVA platform, which it shares with the EQE, EQS, and EQS SUV. Produced since December 2022, the vehicle is manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International factory, akin to the Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS ICE models. At 4860 mm long, it is about 60 mm shorter than the GLE, its ICE counterpart. The vehicle was designed by exterior designer Mayya Markova.

Available in four models – the EQE 300, 350+, 350 4Matic, and 500, as well as the AMG EQE 43 4Matic performance variant, with a combined output of 350 kW, a 50 kW increase over the standard EQE SUV 500. An even more powerful variant, the  AMG EQE 53 4Matic+, comes with AMG-specific motors and cooling elements that result in a power output of 460 kW. All current models were launched in 2023. Additionally, all models feature a 328-volt, 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery.

The model is a two-row, five seater vehicle. Rear-wheel drive is standard on base models, however all-wheel drive is optional on higher-end models which use the 4matic 4WD system. The AMG 53 model uses the 4matic+ system. The battery, consisting of 10 modules, are positioned below the floor. The EQE 500 had reached a drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd. The EQE SUV, as well as the EQS SUV, both run on a 400-volt battery architecture.

Features
The EQE SUV features a double wishbone suspension at the front with a multi-link setup and the rear. Rear axle steering with a maximum steering angle of 10 degrees is optional, along with wheel designs and sizes, ranging from 19- to 22-inch. All models are five-seaters and unlike the GLE, there is no third-row option. A large size 12.8-inch touchscreen runs the latest iteration of the newly-introduced MBUX software interface, which can now understand voice commands. The system also features over-the-air update capability that operates via an embedded SIM card. An extra 12.3-inch unit runs as a digital instrument panel, and a head-up display is available which features Mercedes's augmented-reality navigation system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, heated mirrors, LCD monitor, heated mirrors, the "PARKTRONIC" park assist system, and navigation with electric intelligence are all featured.

Base models feature faux-leather upholstery. The front comes standard with heating seats, and the cabin is covered in ambient lighting strips, fluently to fit with the interior design. A large panoramic sunroof is standard, however, optional features include front massaging seats, four-zone climate control, and an onboard air purifier. A heated steering wheel is also optional. With all seats up, luggage space stands at 580 L, comparing well to the W167 GLE at 630 L, especially for its shorter size. With the second row down, space stands at 1690 L, down from 2121 L compared to its ICE counterpart.

Available exterior colours are black, Emerald Green Metallic, Polar White, Selenite Grey Metallic, Twilight Blue Metallic, Cirrus Silver Metallic, Alpine Grey, Obsidian Black Metallic, Velvet Brown, and Diamond White Metallic. Colours may differ by country. Available interior colors are black with the upholstery choices of Sable Brown or Space Grey, or Neva Grey with Sable Brown upholstery. The "Strong Recuperation" mode lets the driver ride using one-pedal.

For the base model, 19-inch five-spoke wheels with black Aero accents are available. A range of 20-inch five-spoke wheels are available, including a wave pattern print, black accents, AMG wheels with Matte Grey accents, and aero wheels with the star pattern. Finally, 21-inch wheels include, five triple spoke wheels with black accents, five quad spoke wheels also with black accents, and AMG-type multispoke wheels with black accents.

Safety
The EQE SUV features an anti-lock braking system, stability control, front impact airbags, side impact airbags, overhead airbags, knee airbags, pretensioners, and security systems which detect vehicle intrusion. A back-up camera, cross-traffic alert, Parktronic, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, night vision, tire-pressure monitor, brake assist and traction control are all safety systems standard on the EQE SUV. , the EQE SUV has not been tested for Euro NCAP or ANCAP.

Design
The full-width strip lamps which are placed on both front and rear were inspired by the EQC, which was the first vehicle to be a part of the EQ Series. The vehicle features the brand's characteristic "Black Panel" radiator grille introduced on all EQ models. The front features standard full-LED headlights which are connected seamlessly by a fibre optic strip. The license plate is placed on the bumper, which lets the full-LED taillights to give a full effect. Optionally, the EQE SUV is available with a 3D star pattern. LED “High Performance” headlamps are standard, however “DIGITAL LIGHT” is optional. Exterior windows are on the vehicle’s shoulder for aerodynamic reasons, and flush-fitting door handles are optional.

Its drag coefficient of 0.251 improves aerodynamics which helps to expand range. The EQE 300 was released on September 2022 as a less powerful variant of the 350+.

Charging
Using a wallbox unit, the EQE SUV can handle a capacity of 7.4 kilowatts, and will take a 0-100% charge of around 14 hours. Using a Type 2 unit, at a capacity of 11 kW, AC charging takes 9 hours and 45 minutes. Charging via a CCS charger (Combo 2) at a capacity of up to 173 kW, fast charging will take 28 minutes.

2024 update
In 2023, for the 2024 model year, the brand has improve braking on the EQE SUV and boost energy received while regeneration. All-wheel drive models can preserve energy and boost range by turning the front motor off when not in use. The climate control system changes to a heat pump which is to improve range. The battery has been slightly changed, but range figures have not been revealed.

North America
The EQE SUV came to the US in spring 2023. Trims in the US consist of the EQE350 4Matic Premium, EQE350+ Premium, EQE350 4Matic Exclusive, EQE350+ Exclusive, EQE350 4Matic Pinnacle, EQE350+ Pinnacle, EQE500 4Matic Premium, EQE500 4Matic Exclusive, EQE500 4Matic Pinnacle. US magazine Car and Driver recommends the entry level, rear wheel drive EQE350+ Premium model as it has the longest driving range at 590 km.

United Kingdom
In the UK, available models are the 350 4Matic and 500 4Matic. Available trim levels consist of the AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus, and the Business Class. Prices range from £90,560 to £121,760.

Australia
On 10 May 2022, Mercedes-Benz had confirmed pricing for the EQE SUV in Australia. The vehicle had come to Australian showrooms in Q3 2023. The model is available in four guises consisting of the EQE300, EQE350 4Matic, EQE500 4Matic, and the AMG EQE53. The EQE 500 will be available for a limited time only. Mercedes claims the 500 model will be "highly sought after".

France
In France, available trims include the EQE 350+ Electric Art, EQE 350 4Matic Electric Art, EQE 350+ AMG Line, EQE 500 4Matic Electric Art, EQE 350 4Matic AMG Line, EQE 500 4Matic AMG Line, EQE 43 4Matic, and EQE 53 4Matic+. Prices range from €93,150 to €146,400.

India
The vehicle was launched on 15 September 2023 for India. The vehicle is the third Mercedes-EQ model in the Indian market, which the brand stated will expand from 4 models by March 2024. Models consist of the EQE 350 4Matic, 350+, 500 4Matic, 43 4Matic and 53 4Matic AMG models.