By Otsile Kadiege 

Mercedes-Benz’s ever-growing EQ range welcomes a new family member called the EQE SUV. The newcomer is the fourth model after the two EQS and EQE Saloons as well as the EQS SUV and like the rest of the EQ range the EQE SUV is based on the brand’s new all-electric platform and has a claimed driving range of up to 590km.

Family face

When it comes to design, EQ vehicles are quite easy to spot thanks to its purpose design cues which have filtered across the EQ range. Exterior highlights of the EQE SUV upfront are a blanked out grille connecting with the headlights with Digital Light technology and a sporty front bumper reminiscent of the EQE saloon. 

It’s side profile is minimalist with a sharp crease on the lower section of the front and rear doors. More highlights include flush door handles, slim contrasting wheel arches and wheel sizes from 19- to 22-inches.

Minimalism continues at the rear where the only noteworthy design features are an LED lightstrip and contrasting lower bumper. The exterior dimensions of the new EQE SUV are: 4863/1940/1686 millimetres (length/width/height) and a 3030 millimetres wheelbase which is 9 millimetres shorter than the EQE saloon.

Luxurious spaceship

Like its EQ siblings, the new EQE SUV boasts a modern, high-tech interior. Highlights include a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a large moonroof, prominent ambient lighting and a digitalised cockpit thanks to a large, integrated instrument cluster (12.3-inch) and infotainment displays (12.8-inch) running on the latest MBUX system. Customers can also opt for a 12.3-inch MBUX Hyperscreen with intelligent, camera-based blocking logic that recognises if the driver is looking toward the front passenger display.

On the luxury front the new EQE SUV is immersed in a progressive and luxurious color scheme of warm and cool tones that emphasize the sculptural and sensual design. For example, warm, modern sable brown is combined with techy-looking neva grey and biscaya blue/black. The color rose gold, derived and evolved from the electric coil, emphasizes the design of the vent band and is used as a contrasting color.

Neotex structure, which can be found on the instrument panel and the armrest, combines the look of nubuck leather and high-tech neoprene giving the interior a special atmosphere. 

EQE SUV driver assistance 

The current generation of driving assistance systems includes numerous functions that support the driver. The general standard equipment of the EQE SUV includes Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package with reversing camera and Speed Limit Assist. 

The status and activity of the systems are shown in a full-screen view in the assistance display in the driver’s display. Further options are available in the Assistance Package and also the Driving Assistance Plus Package.

Electric driving range

The new EQE SUV is powered by a 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Depending on the vehicle equipment and configuration, the European vehicles can achieve WLTP ranges of up to 590 kilometres. Mercedes-Benz claims the EQE SUV takes 32 minutes to charge from 10-to-80-percent on the 170 kW DC fast charging. Mercedes-Benz also claims the EQE SUV with a 240-volt wallbox charges from 10-to-100-percent in 9.5 hours.

Electric performance

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV will be available in four model derivatives, namely the EQE 350+, EQE 350 4Matic, and EQE 500 4Matic, as well as the Mercedes-AMG EQE53 SUV (more on this in a separate article).

Powering the EQE 350+ is a single motor bolted to the rear. It develops 225kW and 565Nm. The EQE 350 4Matic develops the same power and torque and adds an additional motor at the front axle. The mighty EQE 500 4Matic with dual motors on each axle makes 400kW and 858Nm. 

All EQE SUVs have an electric drivetrain (eATS) on the rear axle. The versions with 4Matic also have an eATS on the front axle. In the 4Matic models, the Torque Shift function ensures intelligent, continuously variable distribution of drive torque between the rear and front electric motors and thus the use of the most efficient eATS in each case. The modular drive concept is said to enable high overall performance and a long range.

The chassis of the new EQE SUV comprises a four-link suspension at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. Available as an optional extra is the brand’s Airmatic suspension with ADS+ continuously adjustable damping which increases ground clearance, the vehicle level can be raised by up to 1-inch.

In addition to the Dynamic Select programs of Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual, the EQE SUV models with 4Matic offer the additional OffRoad program for off-road driving. A rear axle steering system with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees is also available as an option for great maneuverability and agility.

Availability

The new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV will be built at Mercedes-Benz’s plant in Tuscaloosa, USA. Mercedes-Benz South Africa are yet to confirm local availability.