Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
The new SUV from Mercedes is considered an electric spaceship.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
The new EQE SUV is the fourth Mercedes model to use the new, large electric platform from Stuttgart. The modular concept of the electric architecture is prepared for rear and all-wheel drive and can be scaled to any length. This also applies to the lithium-ion battery, which has a capacity of 89 kWh and a range of almost 600 kilometers. Alternating current is charged with 11 kW, up to 170 kW are possible with the fast charger.
The base price for the EQE 300 variant with an output of 180 kW/245 hp is 83,500 euros. The smooth body of the SUV stretches over 4.83 meters between the characteristically steep nose with the standard full LED headlights to the rear with the continuous light band. There are several reasons why the model is 9 centimeters shorter than the EQE sedan and its axles are also 9 centimeters closer.
In this way, the structure can be made a little more compact, because it should not appear so bulky and of course maintain the respectful distance to the flagship EQS. Mercedes describes the EQE SUV as a “multi-purpose alternative” with a wider range of uses than the sedan. In fact, the SUV with up to 1675 liters of luggage space and the flat loading area is much more practical than the four-door.
In addition, thanks to the somewhat more compact dimensions, it is more dynamic and of course significantly cheaper than the large EQS SUV. Whereby cheap is always relative for the brand with the star. The all-wheel drive EQE 500 with 300 kW/408 hp tops the range. Cost point: at least 100,000 euros. Depending on special requests, it can quickly become 30,000 to 40,000 euros more expensive.
Even the 1.41 meter wide hyperscreen, which stretches across the entire cockpit with three displays, costs a good 8,500 euros. This allows passengers to stream videos or watch TV on their side. To ensure that this does not distract the driver, a camera monitors his eyes. If he looks to the right for more than two seconds, the screen is dimmed.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
The EQE SUV is set to become Mercedes’ best-selling electric car.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
The more sensible investments certainly include the very comfortable air suspension and the rear-axle steering. It makes the car more agile and reduces the turning circle by almost 2 meters to 10.5 meters. For the U-turn, the big car needs a good half a meter less than a VW Golf. Wheels, spoilers, tear-off edges – everything has been optimized for aerodynamics. Tiny spoilers in the wheel arch of the front wheels bring a range of more than 13 kilometers due to the aerodynamic advantage.
And those who are content with the 19-inch aero basic wheels can travel 16 kilometers further with one battery charge than with 22-inch tires. In addition, the all-wheel drive models uncouple the front axle when the load is low. Then the front electric motor and transmission stand still and the wheels roll freely.
The other electric series will also soon have this so-called “disconnect unit”. The same goes for the new, energy-saving heat pump. It uses the waste heat from the battery to air-condition the interior. As usual with e-cars, new software can be installed “over the air”. And if you don’t tick the right box when making your purchase in the configurator, you can later buy and activate various extras such as a logbook or extended navigation with just a few mouse clicks in the Mercedes-Me-Store.
As standard, Mercedes delivers the usual armada of electronic driving aids, brakes and accelerates automatically or supports steering intervention when changing lanes. New functions are available for an additional charge. Arrows on the screen now warn of crossing traffic when approaching an intersection. If the driver wants to drive off anyway, the car brakes automatically.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
The cockpit is elegantly furnished.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
While in some e-cars it is better not to rely on the charging route planning, Mercedes usually works very well. This also applies to the EQE SUV. The system is easy to understand and intuitive and is most easily operated by voice. Simply say a destination and the route will pop up on the big screen, including loading stops and information on loading times. The system takes topography, weather and driving style into account. On the way, the route is constantly checked and adjusted if, for example, a targeted charging station is suddenly occupied. And so that the battery charges as quickly as possible, it is brought to the optimum temperature in good time on the go.
Nevertheless, 1190 euros for the 22 kW on-board charger is a good investment. Although it doesn’t do anything on the Autobahn fast chargers, it halves the charging time on most standard inner-city AC charging stations. Frequently used charging points, such as the wall box in the office, can be stored in the navigation. Then they are activated automatically as soon as the car is plugged in there. In addition, the intelligent charging software learns from the usage behavior of the customers. If the driver always starts from the same place at the same time, this is stored in the loading menu and the car is automatically air-conditioned before the next start.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
The new model is the little brother of the EQS SUV.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
With the EQE SUV, the e-program of the Stuttgart company is not over yet. The luxurious Maybach version of the EQS SUV will follow in early 2024. And since the last models of the compact electric pioneer EQC are just rolling off the assembly line, a replacement is needed in the medium term. Perhaps in the form of a sleek, electric offshoot of the next C-Class.
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