Mercedes have launched their new EQE SUV electric vehicle (EV), a multi-purpose variant of the EQE executive saloon. It is one of the most spacious examples of its class yet more compact than the German carmaker’s EQE saloon. With the EQE SUV high-tech meets luxury and this is reflected in the price that starts from £73,450.
We like its efficient curves that give it a friendlier, less aggressive aesthetic than many SUVs on the market. It has a more sporty feel to it and has been designed to be user-friendly, yet remains efficient enough for long journeys with its impressive range.
Range
The modular drive concept enables the EQE electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) to offer a wide range of maximum total drive outputs from 215 to 300kW. Depending on the vehicle equipment and configuration, the European vehicles can achieve ranges of up to 367 miles (590km).
In the EQE SUV, the lithium-ion battery consists of 10 modules. In certain cases, the innovative battery management software, which was developed in-house, can be updated over-the-air (OTA).
Heat Pump
The EQE SUV features a sophisticated thermal architecture with a heat pump as standard. This makes the system work efficiently with the waste heat from the electric drive (inverter and electric motor) and also the high-voltage battery can be used to heat the interior.
This reduces drastically the draw on battery power for the heating system, thus increasing the range. Another pleasant and efficient function is pre-entry climate control. The THERMATIC automatic climate control system with two climate zones is fitted as standard. The THERMOTRONIC with four zones is available as an option.
Tailor-Made Charging Rates
Since June 2022, Mercedes me Charge has been offering three new charging tariffs in Europe that are tailored to individual driving performance. Mercedes me Charge S for occasional chargers, Mercedes me Charge M for normal chargers and Mercedes me Charge L for frequent chargers.
With the introduction of the new, transparent tariff system, customers have access in part to fixed prices that apply regardless of the operator. With the Plug & Charge function, the EQE SUV can also be conveniently charged.
Distinctive Design
The proportions of the EQE SUV combine function and aesthetics with the sporty character of the SUV. The new model, with its unmistakable purpose design, marks a turning point in its class.
The overhangs and the front-end assembly have been kept compact. The wheels in sizes from 19 to 22 inches are positioned flush with the outer edge of the body and lend a commanding stance.
Aerodynamic Fine Tuning
The EQE SUV shares some aerodynamic measures with its model brothers. The underbody with its numerous aerodynamic details plays a central role in a very good Cd value from 0.25.
This was achieved despite the large load volume and short rear overhang. The dimensional concept with the flat windscreen, sweeping roofline and indents were also important factors.
CO2-Neutral Production
Production of the EQE SUV will start at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (USA) in December. The battery factory in nearby Bibb County supplies the batteries for this model as well as for the EQS SUV.
Since this year, all of Mercedes-Benz’s own passenger car and van plants worldwide have achieved CO2-neutral production as part of their eco-balance, including the two Mercedes-Benz plants in Alabama.
Manoeuvrable and Agile
The chassis of the new EQE SUV comprises a four-link suspension at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. Due to the comparatively short wheelbase of 3030 millimetres and the corresponding suspension tuning, it feels particularly agile and manoeuvrable even with the basic set-up.
The AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping is available as an optional extra. To increase ground clearance, the vehicle level can be raised by up to 30 millimetres.
In addition to the DYNAMIC SELECT programs of ECO, COMFORT, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL, the EQE SUV models with 4MATIC also boast the OFFROAD program for off-road driving. A rear axle steering system with a maximum steering angle of 10 degrees is available as an option.
New Sound Experience
“Serene Breeze” is the name of the new, fourth soundscape that makes its debut in the EQE SUV. It offers a relaxed and natural sound. With the holistic sound staging, the paradigm shift from combustion engine to electric car becomes audible for the occupants in the Mercedes-EQ models.
A variety of soundscapes allows for an individual acoustic set-up. An optional interior driving sound is available. This adjusts adaptively to the driving style.
