You could certainly make the argument that Mercedes-Benz’s new EQE and EQS electric vehicles are starting to look like Russian dolls. The similarities between these EVs are numerous, yet at the same time, there isn’t a dud among ‘em. All of these EQ models are efficient, tech-rich and super comfortable. The new 2023 EQE SUV in no way breaks that stride.
The EQE SUV shares the majority of its mechanical bits with the EQE sedan, though it rides on a 3.5-inch shorter wheelbase and is 6.8 inches taller overall. This means the SUV looks less like a lozenge and more like an aero-focused blob. Said another way, it’s like a seven-eighths scale EQS SUV. The design isn’t all that expressive, but it’s also inoffensive—something that can’t really be said for the EQE’s chief rival, the BMW iX.
When it goes on sale this spring, the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV will initially be offered in three specs. The rear-wheel-drive EQE 350+ and all-wheel-drive EQE 350 4Matic both start at $79,050 (including $1,150 for destination), while the more powerful EQE 500 4Matic comes in at $90,650.
EQE 350: Average Power, No-Cost All-Wheel Drive
Across the board, every EQE SUV draws power from a 90.6-kilowatt-hour (kWh) Lithium-ion battery pack. In the EQE 350+, a single motor on the rear axle produces 288 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. The EQE 350 4Matic adds a second drive unit on the front axle, upping torque output to 564 lb-ft.
The performance differences between the two models are negligible, with the base EQE 350+ estimated to accelerate to 60 mph in a leisurely 6.3 seconds, compared to the 4Matic’s 6.2. Yes, the all-wheel-drive version produces significantly more torque, but at 5,635 pounds, the 4Matic model is also 335 pounds heavier than its rear-drive sibling.
Along city streets and on the highway, the driving differences between the two EQE 350 variants are imperceptible. Both have light steering and a wafty vibe, though the lack of torque from a front motor makes the rear-drive EQE 350+ a little less eager to turn in.
The standard steel-spring suspension is fine, though the ride is a little on the stiff side. An optional air suspension softens things up only slightly. Optional rear-axle steering can turn the back wheels up to 10 degrees, which is a boon for maneuverability, especially in tight parking lots.
In an effort to improve efficiency, the EQE 350 4Matic’s all-wheel-drive system is not a full-time affair. While cruising and under light throttle load, the EQE operates in a rear-wheel-drive mode, only kicking the front motor on when extra power or traction are required. Mercedes-Benz says the base EQE 350+ should be able to travel 279 miles with a full battery, while the EQE 350 4Matic is rated at 253.
Both variants—as well as the EQE 500—only accept DC charging speeds of up to 170 kW, which might be a long-term bummer in a world where 200 kw and above is quickly becoming the norm. Assuming the DC fast charger you plug into works as advertised, the EQE SUV’s battery can theoretically go from a 10% to 80% state of charge in as little as 32 minutes.
EQE 500: Quicker, but Not Necessarily Better
The EQE 500 SUV uses the same mechanical setup as the EQE 350 4Matic, but the electric motors deliver more power. Here, the SUV makes 402 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque, allowing this 5,665-pound variant to hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard on the EQE 500, as are goodies like the aforementioned 10-degree rear axle steering and larger 20-inch wheels, a size up from the 350’s 19s.
You can definitely feel the additional power of the EQE 500 on the road, but it doesn’t drastically change the SUV’s overall demeanor. This EV still prioritizes a smooth, drama-free experience over an exciting drive, but there’s more oomph for passing slower-moving traffic and authoritatively pulling away from stoplights. Range doesn’t take a massive hit if you opt for the EQE 500, either; it’s estimated to go 269 miles on a full charge.
Like the EQE 350, the EQE 500 has three levels of regenerative braking, which you can toggle through using the steering wheel-mounted paddles. Confusingly, using the left (down) paddle actually increases the amount of regeneration, while right (up) decreases the intervention.
As in the larger EQS SUV, if you choose to drive with strong regen, the EQE will automatically move the brake pedal to mimic the amount of brake force being automatically applied. If that sounds disconcerting, it is. Plus, once you do hit the brake pedal with your foot, stopping force is inconsistent and difficult to modulate. It makes a strong case for driving without heavy regenerative braking.
The Full Benz Interior Experience
All EQE SUVs can seat five passengers, and both front- and backseat riders will enjoy ample head- and legroom. Visibility out the front is mostly good, but the thick A-pillars somewhat hinder your view while cornering. As you’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz, the interior fit and finish is impeccable, and lots of interesting wood and metal trim options are available, highlighted by a rainbow of ambient colors.
Like the larger EQS SUV, you can order an EQE SUV with Mercedes’ tri-screen, dashboard-spanning Hyperscreen infotainment setup. But every EQE still comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch portrait-oriented central display.
Both of these work great; the gauges are colorful and reconfigurable, and the latest generation of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment software has an easy learning curve. Augmented reality navigation overlays are optional, and make finding the right turn in congested city centers a breeze. If you don’t opt for Hyperscreen, you’re still getting a rich tech experience.
Driver-assistance technology is also in high supply, with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist and a 360-degree camera system all standard. Unfortunately, full-speed adaptive cruise control costs extra. But hey, at least Mercedes throws in its new rad-sounding Burmester 3D Dolby Atmos stereo for free.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: Playing It Down the Middle
The electric vehicle space is booming, with new competitors launching every year. For now, the EQE SUV’s primary rivals are the Audi Q8 e-tron and BMW iX. (OK, Tesla stans, you could make the argument for the Model X, but it’s both closer in size to the EQS SUV and not nearly as luxurious as either Benz) The EQE SUV sort of splits the difference between its German classmates, offering more luxury than the Audi but much less interesting—and polarizing—exterior and interior design than the BMW. The iX is much more entertaining to drive, too.
Soon, Mercedes-Benz will offer a hotter AMG version of the EQE SUV, with 677 hp, 22-inch wheels, slightly bolder styling and all the bells and whistles standard. That sounds great on paper, but given the EQE’s focus on serenity and daily livability above all, the AMG treatment seems somewhat unnecessary.
This is also why we recommend sticking with either the EQE 350+ or EQE 350 4Matic instead of the EQE 500. Sure, the 500’s extra power is nice, but performance isn’t why you buy one of these SUVs. You buy it because it’s plush, full of tech and relatively efficient—traits we’ve come to expect from all Mercedes EVs.
Mercedes-Benz provided lodging and meals to enable us to bring you this first-person report. Although Forbes Wheels sometimes participates in manufacturer-hosted events, our coverage is independent, unbiased and aimed at offering consumers an objective view of every vehicle we test.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect availability of the Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen display.