EQE SUV is Mercedes’ Ninth EV
Topped by a 685 HP AMG 53, Mercedes Confirms Five-model EQE SUV Range
Mercedes-EQ has added a ninth electric model to its rapidly growing electric vehicle portfolio. Due in Benz showrooms early in 2023, a new five-variant EQE SUV range will slot in below the EQS SUV later this year, in a line-up topped by the 685 HP AMG 53 4Matic+.
Up to 367 Miles on a Charge
Packing the same 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery as the EQE saloon, the SUV supports charging rates up to 170 kW. The rear-wheel drive 350+ model delivers between 298 and 367 WLTP miles of range.
Echoing Mercedes’ larger EQS SUV styling, the EQE version brings a sleeker roofline and angled tailgate. AMG models get their own Panamerica-style front grille, restyled bumpers, and unique wheel designs. At 191.4 inches long, 76.3” wide in width and 66.3” tall, the it is 10.3” lower, 10.7” narrower and 1.25” lower than the EQS version. It rides on 7-inch shorter wheelbase.
Standard cars get steel suspension with adaptive damping and optional air suspension, which is standard on the AMG models. Add electromechanical active roll stabilization and four-wheel steering with up to 10 degree turning wheels at the rear.
Rear and All Wheel Drive for EQE SUV
Priced from around $100,000, the new EQE SUV is a BMW iX rival coming in the choice of rear or all-wheel drive and three electric drivetrains. It is fourth car based on Mercedes’ second-generation Electric Vehicle Architecture EVA platform alongside the EQS saloon, EQE saloon and EQS SUV.
The base model is 288 HP 416 lb.-ft single-motor rear-wheel-drive entry level EQE 350+ SUV. Next up is the base 290 HP 148 lb.-ft dual-motor all-wheel-drive EQE 350 SUV 4Matic. And step another rung up to the 410 HP 632 lb.-ft EQE 500 SUV 4Matic. A pair of AMG models will join the range a little later next year. The 475 HP 623lb.-ft dual-motor all-wheel-drive EQE 43 SUV 4Matic is said to rush to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
The flagship is AMG-developed 625 HP 700 lb.-ft six-phase electric motor-powered 53 model. It can be bumped up to 685 HP and 737 lb.-ft by ticking the AMG Dynamic Plus Package option box. That will deliver you to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds in Race Start mode and on to a 149-mph maximum speed. EQE 53 SUV packs fully variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive to monitor drive distribution 160 times a second, and Michelin Pilot Sport EV MO1 tires.
Hyperscreen Option for Exotic EQE SUV Cabin
The five-seater features an exotic cabin and comes with the choice of two dash layouts. There’s a standard system and the high-cost flagship 55.5-inch-wide triple-display single fascia Hyperscreen. Both get ‘Hey Mercedes’ MBUX operating systems with speech command and remote software updating via an embedded SIM card.
Mercedes will build the new car alongside its EQS sibling at Plant Tuscaloosa in Alabama, USA and at JV partner BAIC’s Beijing, China facility.
Images: Mercedes-EQ