The family-sized EQE SUV range from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-EQ and Mercedes-AMG arrives with up to 539km range (NEDC), and recharging from 10% to 80% of capacity in 32 minutes via the AC- and DC-compatible on-board charging port.
Three variants are offered – the EQE 300 (priced at $134,900 manufacturer’s recommended list price), EQE 350 4MATIC ($144,900 MRLP) and Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ ($189,900 MRLP). Additionally, an EQE 500 4MATIC model ($164,900 MRLP) will be available from launch for a limited time.
Contact retailers for drive away price information, as prices include GST and any applicable LCT but exclude on road costs such as registration fees, stamp duty, CTP and the like.
All models are packed with extensive standard equipment including navigation with a handy augmented reality (AR) overlay, a panoramic sliding sunroof, a head-up display and AMG Line interior and exterior enhancements.
And they all come with two charging cables – an eight-metre cable suitable for domestic sockets, and a five-metre cable for AC-powered public charging infrastructure.
The five-seat SUV has a base architecture developed by Mercedes-EQ specifically for its range of medium and large electric vehicles, which also includes the EQE and EQS sedans, and the forthcoming EQS SUV.
The boot holds 520 litres of luggage with the back seat in place, and 1675 litres with the seats folded.
Four-link suspension at the front and independent multi-link suspension at the rear lends a particularly agile feel (Airmatic air suspension with continuously adjustable damping is optional, and standard for AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+).
Rear-axle steering can angle the rear wheels up to 10 degrees to further enhance steering inputs (such as parking and reducing the turning circle) – standard on the EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV and optional on other models.
A high safety level is delivered through driver assistance measures, along with 10 airbags, and “Pre-Safe” systems.
A heat pump takes waste heat from the inverter and electric motor to supplement the vehicle’s internal heating system, reducing draw on the onboard battery and thereby optimising achievable driving range.
An OLED central display screen is the heart of the advanced MBUX infotainment system featuring simple-to-use Zero Layer technology. A separate 12.3-inch customisable display faces the driver.
Customers can specify the optional MBUX Hyperscreen (not available on the EQE 300 model), which merges three screens almost seamlessly into a single display that spans the 141-centimetre width of the vehicle’s front fascia.
The EQE SUV greets occupants by playing a futuristic soundscape upon entering the car, which includes a choice of two soundscapes (Vivid Flux and Silver Waves) as standard on all models.
Every EQE SUV is specified with the advanced “Digital Light” package.
Charging options include a conventional 240-volt household socket, a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox (both AC charging) an AC charge station, or via faster DC charging at rapid or ultra-rapid charging stations.
More than 70% of music consumers state they listen to music mostly in a car, so a new addition to the advanced Burmester 3D surround sound system that is standard across the EQE SUV range is Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos (for compatible formats), the system linking with Apple Music and Universal Music Group.
The feature packed EQE 300 SUV belies its position as the entry model in the EQE range with a powerful e-motor mounted on the rear axle sending 180kW power and 550Nm torque to the rear wheels.
Highlights of the EQE 300 SUV standard equipment list include AMG Line interior and exterior enhancements, a panoramic sliding sunroof, a head-up display, the latest generation of the intuitive MBUX infotainment system including navigation with augmented reality, full smartphone integration and wireless charging for mobile devices, the Keyless-Go comfort package and Easy-Pack tailgate, active ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a parking package including 360-degree camera, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. Adding a further touch of class to the opulent interior is anthracite line structure lime wood trim paired with high-gloss black finishes.
Exterior highlights include 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, heat-insulating dark tinted glass, and illuminated aluminium-look running boards.
The EQE 300 SUV has an 89kWh battery pack.
The EQE 350 4MATIC SUV is powered by dual e-motors variably sending 215kW power and 765Nm torque to all four wheels via the intuitive 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, helping it get from zero to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.
A new feature is the “Transparent Bonnet” which uses a number of cameras around the vehicle to provide the driver with a precise view of the environment directly beneath and in front of the vehicle, typically obscured by the bonnet – particularly useful in low-speed situations.
The premium EQE 500 4MATIC SUV has a 90.5kWh battery pack, dual e-motors, outputs 300kW and 858Nm, getting from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.
The performance EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV has 460kW power and 950Nm torque, doing the zero to 100 km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds.
Rear-axle steering is standard, as is AMG Active Ride Control suspension with Airmatic which offers continuously adjustable damping and can raise the vehicle by 30mm to aid ground clearance.
A Nappa leather AMG steering wheel, and heated and cooled front seats are among interior highlights, while the EQE 53 has a Mercedes-AMG exterior package along with AMG “night package”, plus 22-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels and red-painted brake calipers.
The EQE 53 is also protected by the standard Guard 360° Vehicle Protection Plus package (optional on other models in the EQE SUV range), which incorporates an alarm system with tow-away protection. Drivers can also access functions through the Mercedes me Connect app such as collision detection, stolen vehicle help, and emergency key deactivation.
The AMG Dynamic Plus Package for $7400 (MRLP) combines selected driving dynamics extras such as the powerful Boost for the Race Start, an increased 240km/h top speed and the AMG Sound Experience “Performance”.
It can do the zero to 100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds.
