After last month’s interior teaser, Mercedes-Benz’s EQ electric division finally revealed the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, a pure electric SUV positioned between the EQB and EQS SUVs, along with its AMG version.
The EQE SUV can be interpreted as an SUV version of the already available EQE sedan, with a very similar overall appearance, only pulled up higher. Interestingly, the body and wheelbase of the EQE SUV is smaller than the EQE sedan. The declared Beijing Benz EQE SUV has a length, width and height of 4880/2032/1679mm and a wheelbase of 3030mm.
The mainline EQE SUV will be available with three electric powertrain options at launch, starting with the EQE350 Plus, which has a single 215-kilowatt motor mounted on the rear axle. This gives the EQE350 Plus 288 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, with 0 to 60 mph foot acceleration in just 6.3 seconds. The EQE350 4Matic adds a second motor to the front axle for fully variable all-wheel drive, but keeps total output at 288 horsepower. However, torque climbs to 564 lb-ft, and with the additional traction, 0 to 60 mph foot acceleration is reduced to 6.2 seconds. Finally, there is the EQE500 4Matic, which increases the power of its two motors, boosting output to 536 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque. It boasts a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.6 seconds, but like the other models has an electronic speed limit of 130 mph (approximately 209.21 km/h).
All three models are equipped with the same 90.6 kWh battery, the same as the EQE sedan. A 7.7 kW AC charger can charge the battery from 10% to 100% in 9.5 hours. With the 170 kW DC fast charging support, this charging time will be reduced to 32 minutes. Mercedes estimates that the EQE SUV will have a range of 342 miles (approximately 550.4 km) in European WLTP conditions.
The electric SUV features 19-inch wheels, while the EQE500 comes standard with 20-inch wheels, and Airmatic air suspension will be available as an option, adding 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) of ground clearance at the push of a button at speeds below 43 mph (about 69.2 km/h). The air suspension also lowers the body by 0.8 inches (approximately 20.32 mm) in Sport mode or at speeds above 75 mph (approximately 120.7 km/h) to reduce wind resistance. Rear-wheel steering is also standard on the EQE500 (optional on the EQE350).
Except for more headroom, the interior of the EQE SUV is essentially the same as the sedan version, with standard features including the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.8-inch vertical center screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Mercedes’ massive 56-inch Hyperscreen is optional, combining three displays into a single curved glass panel. In addition, MBUX supports the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant, provides fingerprint verification for up to seven separate user profiles, and supports standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity.
The EQE SUV also supports the full range of Mercedes-Benz Driver Assist Technology Suite features, including standard Pre-Collision Alert and Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring. The optional Driver Assist package adds lane change steering assist, enhanced adaptive cruise control and more.
Also released is its AMG version, the AMG EQE SUV, which reflects its performance version status through many detailed tweaks. These include the Panamerican grille, Alfauterbach logo, exclusive wheels, carbon fiber interior trim, AMG steering wheel, etc. The car’s UI also offers a more combat-oriented style.
The AMG EQE SUV features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that produces 617 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque, increasing top speed to 137 mph (about 220.48 km/h). The optional AMG Dynamic Plus package increases output to 677 hp and 738 lb-ft through its Boost function, and top speed climbs to 149 mph (approx. 239.79 km/h), while 0-60 mph acceleration is reduced to 3.4 seconds.
The AMG EQE SUV uses the same 90.6 kWh battery as the rest of the EQE SUV lineup, as well as the same AC and DC charging rates, with a WLTP range of 233 to 292 miles (approximately 469.93 km).
Pricing for the EQE SUV has not yet been announced, and more details will be revealed closer to launch. It is worth noting that the vehicle will soon be produced by Mercedes-Benz in Beijing.
