2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV: Taking EV to All New Levels of Luxury
Denver, CO - Sometimes we think something seemingly perfect just can’t get any better. Well, apparently that’s not the case when it comes to Mercedes’ EQE lineup.
A few months ago, we were privileged enough to head to France and check out the all-new Mercedes-AMG EQE sedan. With all the performance of a real AMG vehicle, the EQE not only ate up the twisty country rounds boarding France and Switzerland, but it did it all without burning fossil fuels.
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Of course, Merc couldn’t just leave the EQ lineup with just the AMG EQE - despite the sedan being hugely practical and offering lots of space with lots of range and interior amenities.
Enter the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV that includes an AMG EQE SUV version, as well.
Taking the EQE to New Heights and Sizes
Now, unfortunately, this was just a first-look situation. We weren’t able to get behind the wheel of either EQE SUV models, but we were given thorough walk-around and were able to sit inside and explore the interior features and designs up-close.
Let’s start with the EQE SUV dimensions. Despite being called an SUV, it actually has a slightly shorter wheelbase than the EQE sedan - 9cm shorter to be exact - giving it a snub-nosed, compact look that really suits the overall design of the vehicle. Overhangs in the front and back are shorter, and it carries that coupe silhouette, despite being an SUV.
In terms of interior space, with the rear seats up, the trunk can either hold 520L or 580L depending on if the second row is pushed back or not. And with the row completely folded, that space increases to a sizeable 1,675L. Impressive for a car that looks so compact from the outside.
In the Lap of EQE Luxury
If we were impressed by the interior of the EQE sedan, the SUV takes it to another level completely. And it might just be one of the most gorgeous luxury SUV interiors we’ve seen to date.
The EQE SUV is the core of the luxury EV segment for Mercedes-Benz. While the EQS sits in the top luxury segment and the AMG versions obviously rounding it out with the sportier side of things.
Featuring a mixture of wood and aluminum trim on the inside, the EQE SUV is highly customizable with different colours options and wood trims available to choose from. The standard interior with the massive MBUX hyperscreen is completely non-leather, and the customizable ambient lighting can really personalize the look based on mood or driver.
Mercedes-Benz made a few improvements to the MBUX Hyperscreen system, and it now features the ability to show personalized photos on the screen in front of the passenger seat, allowing the owner to personalize their vehicle just that much more.
Also new for the 2023 EQE SUV is the sound system, a Dolby ATMOS. Basically, this system brings a theatre-like quality and experience to the EQE SUV. And from the outside, even with the system turned up the sound dampening ensures those around you on the road or walking by are not able to hear your musical preferences.
The EQE SUV will also be connected to the German automaker’s Mercedes Me system that allows the owner/driver of the vehicle to really start planning their journey before they leave. It allows for preconditioning to be programmed from your smartphone and can even set up parental controls for teen drivers, limiting speed and ensure the vehicle is where it’s supposed to be via tracking.
Yup, there’s a Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV
Now, in terms of models available there will be two non-AMG models available in Canada as of March 2023: The EQE 350 4MATIC SUV and the EQE 500 4MATIC SUV. Both come with standard AWD with a rear-wheel bias until the all-wheel drive is necessary.
In terms of power and performance, both feature a 400-volt architecture. That battery translates into performance ranging from 288 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque for the 350 and a jump to 402 horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque. Range for both models is above 500km. Overall impressive for a luxury SUV, to say the least.
Of course, the model we all want to know more about (and can’t wait to get behind the wheel of) is the milestone AMG EQE SUV.
For starters, the exterior of the AMG EQE SUV features the same AMG style points as the sedan, however, going forward the tristar Mercedes symbol is now replaced with the AMG crest on the hood, and the headlights display AMG on a wall or surface initially when turned on or off - a nice little touch to a vehicle that looks largely the same as its non-AMG brother (unless you know what you’re looking for). There are available 21” or 22” wheels, and optional carbon ceramic brakes (instantly recognizable since they will always be paired with the bronze calipers).
All the AMG Power - None of the Gas Prices
The real beauty about the AMG EQ vehicles is, undoubtedly the unmatched AMG performance without all the gas.
Of course, we haven’t fully experienced the AMG EQE SUV, but the numbers are titillating to say the least: 617 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque. Like the AMG EQE sedan, the SUV version also features an AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package that gives a 10% boost to the entire system resulting in a jump in horsepower to 677 and 738 lb-ft of torque. That means the AMG EQE SUV can go from 0-100km/hr in just 3.5 seconds.
The AMG EQE SUV features air suspension and an AMG-specific chassis, along with the rear-axle steering (up to 9-degrees of movement) and an electric anti-roll system which is all part of making the vehicle much more stable and comfortable on all road surfaces.
Despite being a fully electric vehicle, the AMG EQE SUV is at its core an AMG and so not only claims the driving experience but also an auditory one, as well. Mercedes engineers programed a specific AMG exhaust note that can be selected to play while driving in Sport or Sport+ modes and the sound will adjust depending on how aggressively or calmly you are driving. Mercedes even fitted the AMG EQE SUV with an external speaker so the rest of the world gets to enjoy the AMG symphony, as well. Of course, we weren’t able to hear this feature just yet, but we are curious to experience it firsthand!
Counting Down the Days Till We Can Drive It
If the EQE sedan was any indication of the direction Mercedes was planning on taking with this lineup, it’s safe to say that the SUV version is going to be just as smooth, sophisticate and sporty, despite offering more interior space. All of the numbers and features add up to create a vehicle that’s not only practical, but gorgeous to behold and a helluva lot of fun to drive, too. Tesla better start thinking about some serious physical updates …
