With many unknowns still looming, electric vehicles are the future and the future is now. Mercedes-Benz is all in. Its expanding lineup of EVs is the same as the new status quo for many domestic and global manufacturers.
Last year, the German manufacturer debuted the EQE SUV. It’s a midsize five-passenger sport utility vehicle counterpart to the EQE sedan and was available in EQE 350, EQE 350 4Matic and EQE 500 4Matic trims. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV, the performance-tuned option, joins the lineup.
It’s the performance division’s first EV SUV and it shares a lot with the AMG EQE sedan, including its AMG-specific dual electric motors and 90.6-kWh battery pack. It’s the closest thing to a supercar that doubles with the usual SUV benefits. It hauls around family and friends and personal and business supplies. It does so as a luxury vehicle with impressive acceleration, a handsomely designed exterior and a polished, high-tech and plush interior. It’s quiet, smooth and fast.
Competition is healthy with the Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq and Tesla Model X. But the Mercedes-AMG stands alone with its stellar performance.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV has a motor at each axle. The setup provides a nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and a combined output of 617 horsepower. It rides on 21-inch tires. The AMG Dynamic Plus package increases the engine to 677 horsepower and produces a 0 to 60 mile-per-hour sprint in 3.4 seconds. The EPA estimates are 77 MPGe in city driving and 74 on the highway. The range is the SUV’s biggest downfall, an industry sub-standard 235 miles.
The EQE has an onboard charger that works up to 9.6 kW for at-home or Level 2 public charging. Mercedes reports peak power for DC fast charging is 170 kW. It’s not a top value but sufficient to charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent is slightly longer 30 minutes.
Sport utility vehicles are increasingly popular because of their good overall vision and their stuff-hauling capacities.
The latter isn’t AMG EQE SUV’s best characteristic. The rear luggage compartment is only 18.4 cubic feet with the rear seats in position, and a maximum of 59.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. It’s satisfactory for a good supply of luggage but far from the best in the category. The towing weight is 3,968 pounds with a braked trailer, and 1,653 pounds with an unbraked trailer.
Driving the EQE defines comfort. The seats are well positioned and well constructed with quality materials. All occupants have sufficient headroom and legroom. With its various driving modes, all road conditions can be negotiated without shortcomings. Mercedes makes stoic vehicles and owners buy the product because they feel safe.
Technology is another strong Mercedes-AMG trait. The EQE SUV includes the “Hyperscreen” standard. It’s a huge monitor full of the vehicle’s feature including a vast mapping surface. The advanced system is dominating and it may prove detrimental. How many ways does a vehicle have to display navigation directions? The EQE SUV has four, a head-up display, the instrument screen, a central infotainment screen, and the screen in front of the front seat passenger.
Additional comfort features include: a Burmester 3D surround sound system, power tilt/sliding panorama roof, power heated front seats with memory and a power liftgate. Seamless door handles 64-color ambient lighting, a wireless smartphone charger, biometric fingerprint scanner, and illuminated door sills add to the upscale offerings.
The vehicle’s performance leanings are further emphasized by the optional $4,000 AMG Dynamic Plus Package. It includes a boost button for a racing start, a sound performance feature and a top speed delimiter to 149 miles per hour.
Mercedes-Benz maintains a loyal following because of its enduring heritage, top craftsmanship and overall safety. The carmaker’s new EV SUV will likely impress the manufacturer’s stalwart fans.
With a long list option packages and stand-alone choices, the luxury people mover with a desire for track racing costs $132,200. It’s a hefty sum for a hefty car with a hefty persona and hefty performance.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, is the founder and senior editor of theweeklydriver.com, online since 2004. It features signups for a free newsletter and podcast. Email: james@jamesraia.com.
