You shouldn't wonder whether or not Mercedes-Benz is serious about electrification. They're swinging for the fences with as many as twelve EVs (part of their new EQ line) globally over the next few years, and there are three currently for sale in the U.S.: The EQB SUV, the EQS Sedan, and the EQS SUV. There's also a new EQE Sedan that's coming soon. Mercedes-Benz is going after BMW and Audi in terms of electrification, and it's clear they're not stopping.
The latest entrant in the EQ line is called the EQE SUV (confused yet?). It's a higher-riding version of the upcoming EQE sedan. The new 2023 EQE is actually smaller than the EQS SUV, and it's more spacious than the EQE sedan. Most importantly, the EQE will get a high-performance AMG version.
What is the EQE?
The five-seat EQE isn't just another electric SUV. The Mercedes-Benz brand wants to provide customers with an alternative to the popular Audi e-tron and the new BMW iX SUVs. The EQE SUV is essentially an electric version of the GLE, but its styling is different and its exterior dimensions are shorter and lower than the GLE. It looks like a smaller EQS SUV, which makes sense given its place in the EQ lineup.
The grille-less front end is similar to the rest of the EQ models, and the body creases bear similarity to the EQS SUV. The body shoes a sloping nose, sloping roofline, and smooth front and rear fascias.The overhangs in front and rear are short, and the black and silver turbine wheels fill out the wheel wells nicely. The EQS-like styling cues such as a black panel up front and a wide LED light bar that stretches across the rear fascia. Although it's not a unique look, it is attractive.
The Futuristic Cabin
If you've recently stepped inside a modern Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you'll realize how truly opulent and techy the interior is. The EQE goes even further with a huge expansive dash that mirrors the EQE sedan's with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen as part of the MBUX infotainment system. It integrates cutting-edge navigation software that incorporates charging stops and your driving style to calculate the fastest route. It also looks pretty space-age and looks almost uninterrupted across the entire expanse of the dash. We love how the HVAC vents are set right into it.
There's also over-the-air technology lets drivers have the option of paying to activate the EQE's myriad features through the Mercedes Me store. Stuff like infotainment sounds, games, in-car animations, etc. will be accessible for download and usable by owners. It's like ordering stuff in your home, but it's for your fancy new EV. It's also additional revenue for Mercedes, wouldn't you guess.
Trim choices include an EQE 350+, 350 4Matic, and 500 4Matic. The 350+ has a single electric motor to the rear wheels with 288 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. Selecting the 350 4Matic (AWD) has two motors and bumps the torque to 564 lb-ft. The 500 4Matic has a dual-motor system that's good for 536 horsepower and 633 lb-ft. Top speed is 130 mph for all trim levels. Range is about 342 miles on the European WLTP cycle, and charging will take it from 10 to 80 percent on a DC fast charger in about 32 minutes. The EQE will hit showrooms in 2023, and pricing has yet to be announced.