2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is a Right-Sized EV With an AMG Model

Mercedes-Benz has fired out its second dedicated all-electric EV, and this one includes an AMG performance model right from the start.

Mercedes-Benz on Sunday debuted the 2023 EQE SUV. The brand’s second electric SUV this year is, understandably, quite similar to the larger EQS SUV as well as the EQE sedan, but in a size that should make it more palatable to more customers.

How big are we talking here? The EQE SUV rocks up at 191.5 inches (4,863 millimeters), about 2.4 inches (61 mm) shorter than the GLE. Surprisingly, it’s also stubbier than the EQE sedan, and its 119.3-inch (3,030-mm) wheelbase is 3.5 inches (90 mm) shorter. It’s slightly narrower, too. Of course, the EQE SUV boasts more verticality than the traditional sedan, topping out at 66.4 inches (1,686 mm).

The design is what we’ve come to expect of the Mercedes-EQ sub-brand. Heavily optimized for aerodynamic performance, it’s a smooth shape with minimal fuss. The front end uses the familiar gloss black grille treatment, integrating the headlights and a huge three-pointed star. Around back, a full-width taillight sits in the middle of the tailgate. The rake of the rear glass splits the difference between the profiles of the GLE and GLE Coupe. Cargo capacity ranges from 18.4 to 59.2 cubic feet (520 to 1,675 liters), the latter achieved via folding the rear seats flat. Unlike the GLE or GLB, the EQE SUV is a strict five-seater.

Just like the exterior, the interior is pure EQE sedan, just with a stretch upwards. In fact, with the optional 56-inch Hyperscreen, you’d be hard-pressed to tell this apart from the EQS, either. That’s sort of what happens when a single piece of glass covers the entire dashboard. (The door panels are slightly different.) As standard, buyers will find a vertically-oriented, 12.8-inch angled touchscreen, and an additional 12.3-inch unit handling instrument cluster duty. Mercedes will offer its usual myriad material options, including a very cool natural wood with tiny three-pointed stars etched in.

Under the skin, the EQE SUV runs a fairly traditional four-link front, multi-link rear suspension setup. It will come in three flavors in the US: EQE350 Plus, EQE350 4MATIC, and EQE500 4MATIC; Canada will only offer the AWD models.

The 350 models produce 288 horsepower. The Plus uses a single electric motor operating on the rear axle, with 417 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the 4MATIC and a second motor joins the front axle, boosting torque 564 lb-ft. Both models are capable of clicking off the 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in the low-6-second range.

Above them sits the EQE500, which features more powerful motors acting on both axles. Combined output is 536 hp and 633 lb-ft, good enough for a 4.6-second dash to 60 mph (96 km/h). All three models are electronically limited to 130 mph (210 km/h). The EQE500 also features Merc’s 10-degree rear-steering, which is optional on the 350s. An air suspension, capable of raising the EQE SUV over an inch (30 mm) for off-roading, or down 0.8 inches at high speeds, is also optional.

All models utilize a 90.6-kWh battery pack, which comes with a standard heat pump. Hooked up to a DC fast charger, the EQE SUV’s maximum 170-kW charging speed translates to a 10-to-80-percent time of 32 minutes. Level 2 charging will fully replenish the battery in 9.5 hours. Merc’s European WLTP range estimates top out at 342 miles (550 km); we expect a slight dip for US figures.

Mercedes is getting right to the good stuff from day one with the EQE SUV. The AMG version of the mid-sizer is the first EV SUV from Affalterbach, and it plays from the same script as the AMG EQE sedan. The dual-motor setup is turned up to 617 hp and 701 lb-ft, or a further 677 hp and 738 lb-ft when using the Boost function of the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package.

Outside, the AMG model sets itself apart with body-color cladding, a unique “grille,” an AMG badge on the nose, and the choice of 21- or 22-inch wheels. The LED headlights also have a unique start-up animation for AMG duty. Those upsized wheels hide humongous 16.3-inch front, 14.9-inch rear steel brakes, with even larger ceramic units available. Air suspension and rear-wheel steering are both standard, though the latter is ever so slightly reduced to 9 degrees.

Inside, the AMG EQE features man-made leather and Alcantara, though you can opt for real cow hide if you so choose. The infotainment features additional AMG-specific menus and displays, as well. There are four standard drive modes plus Individual, which allows drivers to tailor suspension, drivetrain, and steering settings. We can’t forget AMG Sound Experience, which features a variety of different audio programs, including one specifically for launch control.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV will begin production at Mercedes’ Alabama plant before the end of the year. Its batteries come fro the nearby Bibb County factory. Expect pricing and North American range estimates closer to the SUV’s on-sale date.

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