Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV revealed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its latest electric offering, the EQE SUV.

The nameplate may be familiar, considering EQE is used on Mercedes’ Saloon model.

Both the sedan and SUV share the same electric platform but the latter’s wheelbase is surprisingly shorter by 90mm. And yet, M-B says it’s one of the most spacious vehicles in its class.

Powertrain and range

A variety of electric motor options are available ranging from a 215kW unit to a 300kW version with 858Nm of torque.

The EQE SUV can travel up to 590km on a single charge.

The battery management software can also be updated over-the-air (OTA).

Mercedes-AMG has also gotten its hands on the EQE, giving it 505kW and 1000Nm of torque and fully variable all-wheel drive.

In terms of performance, the top of the range AMG EQE 53 can hit 100km/h in 3.5 seconds even with the car’s overall 2600kg weight figure.

Handling and maneuverability

The EQE features four-link suspension up front and independent multi-link suspension at the rear which are combined with Mercedes Airmatic air suspension.

Ground clearance can be raised by up to 30mm while driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual are joined by an Off Road mode to traverse rough terrain.

Rear axle steering, which can turn the rear wheels a maximum of ten degrees, is also available as an option.

Interior filled with screens

Inside the Mercedes EQE, occupants can expect to find an optional MBUX Hyperscreen which features a “zero-layer” design. This means users no longer have to scroll through submenus or give voice commands to operate it.

With the Hyperscreen and 12.3-inch passenger display fitted, three displays are merged into one which add up to 1410mm wide.

A heat pump is also included as standard which takes waste heat from the electric drive and battery and routes it into the interior when desired.

Exterior design

On the outside, it looks just as you’d expect an electric Mercedes SUV would. The front grille is now a smooth plane that leads into the car’s Digital Light headlamps while the AMG variant gets a slatted grille instead.

Wheels range from 19 to 22-inch units while front and rear body overhangs have been kept to a minimum.

Aerodynamics have been given some attention underneath the car alongside the flat windscreen and sweeping roofline to generate a drag coefficient of 0.25.

Pricing and availability

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is confirmed for New Zealand with pricing and specification set to be revealed at a later date.