Mercedes EQE SUV unveiled with 367-mile range and 677bhp AMG variants
AMG EQE SUV: OTT BHP
Mercedes has taken the covers off the electric EQE SUV, the firm’s high-riding take on The Sunday Times’ Car of the Year 2022, the EQE saloon.
Despite being taller, the EQE SUV is actually more compact than the saloon, with the axles nearer together and a shorter overall length, though the design language is very much in keeping with Mercedes’ other EQ models with their smoothed aerodynamic shapes, glassed-off front “grille” and rear light bar.
Also like other EQ cars is the EQE SUV’s choice of powertrains. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive models are available, ranging from the 288bhp EQE 350+ and EQE 350 4Matic (two- and four-wheel drive respectively) to the 402bhp EQE 500 4Matic.
AMG power for up to 677bhp
Sitting higher still in the line-up are two performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG versions, the EQE 43 4Matic and EQE 53 4Matic+, both all-wheel drive, with the latter capable of developing up to 677bhp and 738lb ft of instant torque when the AMG Dynamic Plus package (which liberates yet more performance) is optioned.
Energy is supplied to the motors in all instances by a substantial 90.6kWh battery meaning that in its most efficient guise the EQE SUV has a huge range of 367 miles between charges, according to the official WLTP test. That range is aided by a heat pump, which draws waste heat from the electric powertrain to warm the cabin and help reduce the drain on the battery on colder days.
With a maximum DC charging speed of 170kW (the SUV shares the same 400-volt electrical architecture as the saloon), the EQE can add around 137 miles of range in 15 minutes. For AC charging, the EQE’s on-board charger can operate as standard at up to 11kW, with a 22kW charger optional.
Optional Hyperscreen inside
Inside, buyers have the option of the dashboard-spanning Hyperscreen, a band of three screens some 141cm wide comprising the driver’s instrument cluster, central touchscreen and a separate screen for the passenger.
Also found inside is a new soundscape — dubbed “Serene Breeze” — which pumps a “relaxed and natural” sound into the cabin to replace the noise of a combustion engine.
Additionally available is the Mercedes “Energising Comfort” package that combines heating, air conditioning, cabin scents and seat massage functions to soothe the driver if required.
Although the EQE SUV is shorter than the saloon, its boot, at 520 litres, is slightly bigger, but far from class leading.
Standard on the AMG models, but optional on the others, are air suspension (which can raise the ride height by up to 30mm for greater ground clearance) and rear-wheel steering that can turn the back wheels by 10 degrees, making it more manoeuvrable around town.
The AMG version of the EQE is the first time that Mercedes’ high-performance division has turned its hand to an electric SUV.
A few visual cues set the AMG models apart from its less-sporty siblings including an AMG-specific grille, a body-coloured front apron and front splitter in gloss black with a chrome trim.
The whole package sits on a set of 21in or 22in alloy wheels — bigger than those on the non-AMG EQE whose wheels start from 19 inches in diameter.
As has been the trend with Mercedes of late, an AMG badge replaces the old laurel-leaf roundel on the leading edge of the bonnet, though the three-pointed star remains in place embedded in the grille.
The interior also has more of a performance-inspired look, trimmed in grey Artico synthetic leather and a microfibre material — similar to Alcantara — with red stitching.
The steering wheel features rotary controls for adjusting the driving and chassis modes meaning that the driver doesn’t have to take their hands off the wheel to make changes.
Lots of driving modes
Speaking of chassis control, the AMG Ride Control active dampers have been sourced from the AMG GT Coupé, but recalibrated for the heftier EQE SUV.
As for the way the all-wheel-drive system distributes torque to the wheels, in the Comfort driving mode, the emphasis is on efficiency more than driving dynamics, but turning the dial up to Sport and Sport+ biases the power delivery towards the rear wheels for a more engaging drive.
Because the 4Matic+ is a variable all-wheel-drive system, the delivery of that torque is monitored up to 160 times a second and adjusted if necessary.
The EQE 53 4Matic+ can hit 62mph from a standstill in 3.5 seconds, with the EQE 43 making the same dash in 4.3sec. With both models weighing in at 2.6 tons, major stopping power is very much a requirement.
Up front, the AMG EQE gets six-piston brake callipers and 415x33mm brake discs, with single-piston brake callipers and 378x22mm brake discs at the rear — all, Mercedes says, designed to be resistive to fade and rapid wear.
Given their emphasis on dynamism and performance rather than efficiency, it’s of no surprise that the AMG models don’t achieve quite the same ranges as their less-powerful alternatives, with 303 miles between top-ups for the EQE 43 and 292 miles for the EQE 53.
EQE SUV price and on sale date
Official UK pricing for the Mercedes EQE SUV has yet to be revealed, but expect something around the £90,000 mark with a £40,000 or so premium for the AMG models based on the pricing for the EQE saloon.
The EQE SUV is expected to be launched early next summer.
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