Overview
With a smooth, rounded appearance the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE electric SUV doesn’t look like other modern crossovers, most of which pump themselves up with rugged design cues. Instead, the EQE SUV leans on its aerodynamics to help maximize its driving range, which is expected to come in at around 300 miles per charge. The EQE350 SUV comes with a 288-hp electric powertrain while the EQE500 is more performance-oriented, with 536 horsepower on tap. The EQE SUV will join a flood of new electric SUVs when it hits the market in early 2023; rivals include fresh faces such as the Cadillac Lyriq and the Polestar 3 as well as Tesla’s well-known Model Y. The EQE SUVs will attempt to wow with technology features, including a dashboard full of digital screens and options such as rear-wheel steering and biometric driver authentication.
What’s New for 2023?
Mercedes-Benz is filling its lineup with EQ-branded electric vehicles, and the EQE SUV is the latest one. It shares its platform, styling cues, and interior features with the EQE sedan but it comes with the high-riding seating position that so many American drivers prefer.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d stick with the entry-level EQE350+ as it’s expected to be the one with the longest driving range—and more miles equals less range anxiety. Its performance should be similar to the all-wheel drive EQE350 4Matic’s since they both make the same horsepower. Mercedes equips all models with a generous list of standard equipment, so we’d be fine sticking with the base Premium trim level. The EQE350+ Premium which comes with a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, interior ambient lighting, a Burmester stereo system with Dolby Atmos tuning, and an array of driver-assistance features.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The entry-level EQE350+ comes with a single 288 horsepower motor that drives the rear axle; the all-wheel drive EQE350 4Matic adds a second motor to provide traction for the front axle but the total horsepower output is still 288. As a result, both variants are said to provide similar performance, with the rear-wheel drive hitting 60 mph in a claimed 6.3 seconds and the all-wheel drive getting there in 6.2. Upgrading to the EQE500 bumps combined output of the two electric motors way up, to 536 ponies. That’s enough to propel the EQE500 SUV to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds according to Mercedes-Benz. An adjustable air suspension is optional and can raise the EQE SUV by an inch for greater ground clearance; a rear-axle steering system is also available and can swing the rear wheels up to ten degrees in either direction to aid maneuverability and handling. When we get a chance to test the EQE SUV ourselves, we’ll update this story with driving impressions and test results.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The EQE SUV comes with a 90.6-kWh battery pack, which should provide a driving range of about 300 miles in the most efficient rear-wheel drive EQE350+ model. When hooked up to a DC fast charging station, Mercedes-Benz says the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 32 minutes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates yet for the EQE SUV, but we’re expecting it to be slightly less efficient than the EQE sedan and on par with other similarly-sized EV SUVs such as the Jaguar I-Pace and the Polestar 3. When we get a chance, we’ll take the EQE SUV on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route and update this story with real-world results. For more information about the EQE SUV’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Like the other EQ models, the EQE SUV’s cabin looks open and airy with enough passenger space for adults to comfortably sit in both the front and rear seats. All models are five-seaters as there is no third-row option here. Base models get a faux-leather upholstery that does a good imitation of the real thing, but genuine hides are available as an option. The front seats come standard with heat, and the entire cabin is lit by contoured ambient lighting strips cleverly integrated into the design. A large panoramic sunroof is standard but those seeking the utmost in luxury may want to consider adding optional features such as front massaging seats, the four-zone automatic climate control system, and the onboard air purifier.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A large 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard and runs Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX software interface, which can also recognize voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard features, and all models also come with a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Burmester stereo system. A secondary 12.3-inch display serves as a digital instrument panel, and a head-up display is available that can project driving directions via Mercedes’ augmented-reality navigation system in such a way that it makes them appear like they’re on the road ahead of you.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
All models come with basic driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, but Mercedes requires the addition of the optional Driver Assistance package to unlock more advanced tech such as an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature. For more information about the EQE SUV’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes warranty coverages for its current production models that align with most rival luxury automakers. However, unlike BMW and Jaguar, the company doesn’t provide any complimentary maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Source: www.caranddriver.com