Test of the Mercedes EQE electric SUV: an exceptional, technological and expensive car

Mercedes continues to expand its range of electric vehicles by adding new models. After introducing the EQS SUV to the market a few months ago, the brand is now launching its little brother, the EQE SUV. The latter is derived from the EQE and offers superior off-road capabilities, as well as a peak power of 687 HP in its most powerful version, the AMG. In addition, it has a longer range in the WLTP cycle, reaching 565 km. We have already had the opportunity to test it and we will share our first impressions.

IN BLABLASTORE

We tested the Mercedes EQS SUV: same luxury, more space and almost as comfortable as an EQS

Interestingly, in 2018 Mercedes introduced the EQC, its first all-electric car, which was also an SUV, just like the one we're talking about today. However, the rapid evolution of technology applied to electric cars over the past five years has made the EQC obsolete, which is why it is no longer available on the market.

The new EQE SUV fits harmoniously into the classic SUV category with its body measuring 4.8 meters in length. It rests on a platform specially designed for this type of model, which allows it to have the wheels positioned high up at the ends, short overhangs and a wheelbase slightly over three meters.

The new EQE SUV follows the design concept that characterizes the Mercedes EQ range, thus setting itself apart from the brand's other combustion models. At the front, it sports a closed grille adorned with a star motif for the normal 350 and 500 versions, while the AMG version adopts a grille with vertical slats, in keeping with the tradition of Affalterbach designs.

Its aesthetics are distinguished by slightly tapered front headlights at the ends, connected by an LED light bar. The same pattern is repeated at the rear, where bright lights run across the width of the tailgate, providing a clean, smooth look, with no superfluous decorative elements except for the model letters.

The car has very sophisticated aerodynamics, with elements such as the underbody that have been streamlined to achieve an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.25. This is an excellent result, moreover, it exceeds that of the EQS SUV by 0.01, even if the latter is longer and improves this record.

Regarding the wheels, they are available from 19 inches and go up to 22 inches on the higher versions.

A quality interior where digitization reigns

The hyperscreen is optional and costs almost 9,000 euros, but the standard screen is more than enough

The interior of the Mercedes EQE SUV presents continuity with the brand's other EQ models, such as the EQS, EQE and EQS SUVs, adopting an almost identical look. You can find high quality materials, neat adjustments, as well as a marked presence of screens.

This model includes an electronic control panel located behind the steering wheel as standard, as does the vertically arranged central screen, which was first introduced in the S-Class. As an option, it is possible to choose the MBUX Hyperscreen system, measuring over 141 centimeters wide, which spans the full width of the dashboard.

In this configuration, by combining the dashboard and other sources of information in a single glass screen, the co-pilot has his own independent screen to view the content. He can thus watch a film or listen to his own music using wireless headphones, without being disturbed by other occupants.

The central console, which separates the two seats, is wide and offers two compartments. One has a sliding lid in the front, while the other looks like a double-door glove box in the back, which doubles as storage.

Below the center console there is plenty of space, although it is open. This design makes it possible to have a completely flat floor, because the batteries are arranged in this place.

The EQE SUV is produced in the United States, at the Tuscaloosa plant

Space in the rear of the vehicle is adequate for a model of this size, although we noticed that the bench seat is slightly low, requiring adults to bend their legs slightly.

The trunk has a capacity of 520 liters and has a very flat shape, which optimizes space when loading. In addition, there is a compartment located under the floor where you can store the charging cables.

Three land versions and two AMGs

The new Mercedes EQE SUV is already available for sale in Spain, with three standard versions and two high performance versions under the AMG brand. For starters, the EQE SUV 350+ is the only rear-wheel-drive version, while the others come with dual motorization for both axles.

It has a power of 292 horsepower and generates a torque of 565 Nm. In addition, it offers the greatest autonomy among all the versions, with a WLTP homologation of 565 km thanks to its lithium-ion battery with a capacity of of 90.56kWh. This battery is used in all versions of the car.

It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h.

As for the EQE SUV 350 4Matic, it is more expensive but does not have more power. It also delivers 292 hp, but with motors on both axles. This version offers higher torque, reaching 765 Nm.

It reaches a speed of 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and offers an estimated range between 459 and 558 km.

The most powerful variant, without reaching AMG level, is the EQE SUV 500 4Matic, which has 408 horsepower and 858 Nm of torque, making it a very capable car.

As expected, it registers a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds, while its top speed is the same as the other versions, reaching 210 km/h.

The rims in the photo are the largest with 22 inches

In the AMG range, there are two power levels, namely the EQE 43 4Matic and the EQE 53 4Matic+. The first model offers an output of 476 horsepower, a torque of 858 Nm and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

As you'd expect, these performance versions have reduced range, with the EQE 43 4Matic estimated at 423-530km.

As for the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+, which is the even more powerful version, it normally develops 628 horsepower, but with the AMG Dynamic Plus package and a configuration for launch control, its power peaks at 687 horsepower.

The maximum torque is extremely powerful, reaching 1000 Nm, which allows acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. In addition, it can reach a maximum speed of 240 km/h.

As for the AMG versions, the motors are different from the other versions, although they are also permanently excited synchronous motors, they are developed specifically for these versions.

Driving the Mercedes EQE SUV

We had the opportunity to drive the Mercedes EQE SUV for an hour and a half around Madrid. During this period, we were able to test its performance on motorway, interurban and urban sections.

The SUV EQE stands out first of all by its lower driving position than that of other SUVs. To settle into the seat, there is no need to straighten up, as it is low enough, which only puts it a few centimeters higher than the EQE sedan.

As a quality electric vehicle, its smooth and quiet ride sets the tone, creating an extremely pleasant feeling inside the cabin. I think these cars combine the refinement and quality of materials you would typically expect from a Mercedes with other features that are unique to electric cars, making them perhaps the most comfortable cars on the market.

The most noticeable sound comes mainly from the wind and the slight rolling noise of the tires, especially in the case of the unit we tested, equipped with the largest wheels available, measuring 22 inches.

Also, the car we tested was the 350 4Matic version, fitted with two motors, one in the front and one in the rear. It delivers 292 HP and in the case of our test it was equipped with the adaptive suspension and the steering rear axle, allowing the rear wheels to turn up to 11 degrees, which is visible to the eye. naked.

These two characteristics have a positive impact on the behavior of the car, since they manage to effectively hide the more than two and a half tons of weight of this vehicle, making it very agile and responsive.

In addition, the suspensions also manage to absorb road irregularities well, which is particularly important on models equipped with wide wheels and low profile tires, which tend to compromise comfort compared to 19, 20 tires. or 21 inches.

I think the EQE SUV is a very good electric car, but the price is very high.

As for the power, it is adequate but not excessive. Like most electric cars, it offers powerful initial acceleration, capable of sticking your head to the headrest and picking up speed more easily than similarly sized and powerful petrol cars. However, it does not stretch as much as a gasoline car with almost 300 horsepower.

It is essential to make good use of the paddles located on the steering wheel to adjust the level of energy regeneration, as there are four different levels. Depending on which one we have selected, we can recover many kilometers when we release the accelerator pedal.

Mercedes EQE SUV Price

The Mercedes EQE SUV range is currently available for sale at the previously mentioned prices. Mercedes has set a goal of selling 2,000 units of this model in a full year.