Reviewed: Mercedes-Benz EQE electric SUV
Priced from $199,900, the SUV has dual electric motors. Photos: Liz Dobson
When it came to the road to electrification, Mercedes-Benz took the route of adapting vehicles its customers already knew, rather than designing and producing more futuristic cars (I’m looking at you BMW i8).
Mercedes-Benz officially entered the electric vehicle market with the launch of the B-Class Electric in 2014. However, the B-Class Electric had limited production and was primarily available in certain markets.
Mercedes-Benz significantly expanded its commitment to electric mobility with the introduction of the EQC, an all-electric SUV, which was unveiled in 2018 and began production in 2019.
The EQC marked Mercedes-Benz's entry into the fully electric SUV segment and represented a more substantial effort in the company's push towards electrification.
The range for the electric performance SUV is just 432km.
Since the launch of the EQC, Mercedes-Benz has continued to develop its electric vehicle lineup, introducing additional models under its EQ brand, such as the EQA, EQB, and more. The company has expressed its commitment to further electrification and aims to offer a comprehensive range of electric vehicles across various segments in the future.
In New Zealand, Mercedes-Benz has seven electric options, including a van. The latest to join the line-up is the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC SUV.
Priced from $199,900, the SUV has dual electric motors, with a battery producing 90.5kWh. That gives it an output of 460kW of power and an impressive 950Nm of torque.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV represents a leap forward in the world of electric vehicles, blending the opulence and performance synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand with the sustainability and innovation of electric powertrains.
It has a stunning interior, including the screens across the dash.
As the latest addition to the EQ lineup, the EQE SUV brings forth a harmonious fusion of cutting-edge design, exhilarating performance, and eco-conscious engineering.
The EQE SUV has a striking design, which seamlessly marries sleek aesthetics with aerodynamic efficiency. From its dynamic LED headlights to its sculpted body lines and assertive stance, every aspect of the design exudes elegance and modernity.
The interior is a sanctuary of luxury, featuring premium materials, futuristic accents, and advanced technology. The spacious cabin offers ample room for passengers and cargo, ensuring both comfort and practicality.
Behind the wheel, the EQE SUV delivers a performance that is nothing short of exhilarating. Powered by dual electric motors, it boasts instant torque and seamless acceleration, propelling it from 0 to 100km/h in an impressive 3.7 seconds.
The EQE SUV has a striking design.
The advanced all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional traction and handling, allowing for confident maneuverability in various driving conditions. Additionally, the adaptive air suspension ensures a smooth and refined ride, enhancing the driving experience.
With the driving modes, in Comfort, it’s exactly as the name says, it’s soft enough to cruise for long distances without fatigue. In Sport and Sport+ modes, the suspension stiffens and the rear-wheel steering system sharpens up, giving the EQE an agility that is otherwise hidden and locked away until you activate it.
I drove it in many road conditions; on the motorway where it excelled with overtaking, and around town where I was grateful for such features as a 360-degree camera and parking sensors when navigating tight spaces such as supermarket car parks.
It has an output of 460kW of power and an impressive 950Nm of torque.
I also took it on country back roads where the size (4863 mm length) and weight (2580kg) plus 22in wheels impacted tight turns. This means it’s not the sharpest AMG at manouvering.
But this SUV hasn’t been created for twisting roads, it’s made for speed. And that shows in situations such as accelerating on the motorway and overtaking. It’s fast and is sure to impress your passengers, as it did mine!
When it comes to electric cars, brands go for range or torque and with the EQE 4Matic, it’s the latter. The range for the electric performance SUV is just 432km and it’s a ‘thirsty’ vehicle due to the weight and focus on power. I had to charge it twice to 100 kilometres during my seven-day test period.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC SUV is the seventh EV in New Zealand for the brand.
Factors that affected the range were using air conditioning, and I like my temperature to be at the lowest setting and blasting on me during Auckland summers. But to help reduce the impact of using air-con, you can turn on the ventilated front seats to cool you down.
What I liked about the AMG version of the EQE was the meticulously crafted interior that exudes luxury and sophistication, providing a serene environment for passengers.
It’s also a good-looking SUV, with a sleek and modern design that commands attention on the road. It has futuristic features, such as the LED headlights and large information. The Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV sets a new standard for luxury electric vehicles, offering a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and sustainability. While it may have some drawbacks, such as limited range, a high price tag and Road User Charges, the overall package is sure to impress existing customers and may even tempt others to Mercedes.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC SUV goes from 0 to 100km/h in an impressive 3.7 seconds.
