Ready for anything
With the five-seat and 4.86 meter SUV, Mercedes primarily wants to appeal to those customers who were previously interested in the GLE.
Once an electric platform has been developed, it usually happens in quick succession until different models are produced on it. The best example is Mercedes. The Stuttgart car manufacturer has designed the special architecture EVA2 (Electric Vehicle Architecture) for its large electric cars.
The first candidate to use this platform was the electric flagship EQS in the summer of 2021. The EQE business sedan followed this spring. The seven-seater EQS SUV will be launched at the end of the year. In May 2023, number 4 will be rolling to dealerships, the EQE SUV.
With the five-seat and 4.86 meter SUV, Mercedes primarily wants to appeal to those customers who were previously interested in the GLE. Internally, the EQE SUV is considered the “multi-purpose variant of the EQE business sedan”.
Anyone who takes a quick look at the SUV initially thinks they are looking at a somewhat shrunken EQS SUV. But a closer look reveals various differences, such as the beading on the rear fenders, the more profiled bonnet, the different headlights and wavy taillights. In addition, thicker, black side skirts and wheel arches should visually convey more robustness.
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The interior is familiar. The cockpit corresponds completely to that in the EQE sedan. As an extra, Mercedes also offers SUV customers the large-area hyperscreen, the display of which spans the entire width of the dashboard and takes the driving experience to a new level. For the first time, the front passenger can even transfer photos to a hyperscreen on their smartphone. For the market launch in May, Mercedes also wants to offer a leather-free interior, it is called “Electric Art Interior”.
close relationship
Anyone who takes a quick look at the SUV initially thinks they are looking at a somewhat shrunken EQS SUV
(Photo: http://group-media.mercedes-benz)
No surprises inside
The cockpit corresponds completely to that in the EQE sedan.
Although the EQE SUV has a wheelbase that is 9 centimeters shorter (3.03 meters) than the EQE sedan, guests on the back seat need not fear any narrowing. The electric platform still allows enough legroom here too. If only luggage is to be transported, up to 1,675 liters fit into the SUV with the rear seat backrests flat. In addition, the backrests can be locked in a vertical cargo position, which increases the trunk from 520 to 580 liters. The electrically operated tailgate is now a matter of course.
More efficiency with a heat pump
Despite the shorter wheelbase, the EQE SUV can be optionally equipped with rear-wheel steering. It not only improves handling when cornering briskly, but also significantly reduces the turning circle. In this case it is only 10.5 meters instead of 12.3. The EQE SUV even undercuts the Mercedes A-Class (11.0 meters). Stuttgart is still reluctant to provide detailed technical data. Since the EQE SUV and EQE sedan share the same platform, the performance values should be quite close to each other.
With rear-wheel drive, the EQE SUV would also have 215kW/292 hp or 265 kW/360 hp, as a 4Matic it would be up to 400 kW/544 hp. In both cases, the Stuttgart-based company uses permanently excited synchronous machines (PSM) and promises a maximum range of 550 kilometers. It remains to be seen whether this distance can be covered with a battery capacity of 90 kWh.
Greater range through efficiency
A heat pump is used for the first time in the EQE SUV. So far, the EVA2 platform has not provided for such a component.
Lots of space
If only luggage is to be transported, up to 1,675 liters fit into the SUV with the rear seat backrests flat.
Among other things, a heat pump should ensure better efficiency. It is being used for the first time in the EQE SUV. So far, the EVA2 platform has not provided for such a component.
Of course, there will also be AMG derivatives 43 and 53 for the EQE SUV. They differ in sportier add-on parts, come with black chrome and, for the first time, bear the AMG crest on the hood instead of the usual star. The top-of-the-range AMG 53 has rear-axle steering, electric roll stabilization and its own electric motors developed by AMG. More than 500 kW/680 hp can be called up for short periods, and the top speed is 240 km/h.
The EQE SUV is built in Tuscaloosa/Alabama. The variant for China is produced locally on site. Mercedes has not yet announced any prices. However, one should assume that entry into the business class of the fully electric SUV will start at at least 80,000 euros.
More: Premiere of the EQE: Mercedes hopes for the first electric bestseller