2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV to challenge Audi e-tron, BMW iX
2024 EQE SUV debuts with 684 HP AMG variant
Mercedes-Benz is simplifying the classification of its all-electric lineup by adding the EQ prefix to each corresponding model. Like their combustion-engine vehicles, the EQA serves as the entry-level EV, while the EQS is the flagship.
When it comes to their SUVs, the GL-class name has been ditched. Instead, they simply added “SUV” after the EQ.
Earlier this year, their flagship full-size EV SUV arrived in the form of the EQS SUV. Now, the German manufacturer has taken the wraps off the 2024 EQE SUV, which is set to take on the likes of the BMW iX and the Audi e-Tron S.
The 2024 EQE SUV is the high-riding version of the EQE sedan which was launched back in February. It's the fourth model to use the new Mercedes EVA2 modular architecture, a wholly dedicated EV platform. Its design EQE SUV is more conservative than its sedan counterpart. Barring the increased ride height, the EQE SUV is 132 mm shorter, and 11 mm thinner than the sedan. Moreover, the wheelbase is also shorter by 90mm. It does share several design cues including the glossy black grille and the ultra-thin taillights that are connected by a light bar. Except for a few lines on the hood and a crease by the rocker panel, the body surface is as smooth as its shape.
It shares the same size battery as the EQE sedan, a 90.6 kWh pack that gives it a 550-kilometer range based on the WLTP scale. That is about 110 kilometers less than the sedan’s distance and that can be attributed to the more aerodynamic shape of the EQE. Like all Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles, the EQE SUV uses the same 170-kW DC fast charger, which gives the battery an 80-percent charge in just 32 minutes. Use a plain wall socket and you will hit 100 percent in 9.5 hours.
The motor of the EQE 350+ SUV has a single, rear-mounted motor putting out 288 horsepower and 565 Nm of torque. The all-wheel drive version gets an extra motor in the front, but while it gets the same horsepower, the torque goes up to 764 Nm. If these numbers seem modest to you, get the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. It uses upgraded motors and AMG-specific inverters to produce 617 horsepower and 950 Nm of torque and has a top speed of 210 km/h. Get it with the AMG Performance package and horsepower rises to 677 while torque hits 1,000 Nm, which is good for a top speed of 240 km/h.
Optional features include an Airmatic suspension with active 48-volt sway bars (the first Mercedes-Benz model to have it) and carbon composite front rotors. Wheel sizes vary between 21 to 22 inches.
The cabin shares several features with the EQE sedan. It has a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. An optional Hyperscreen is available which replaces the infotainment system with a 17.7-inch screen and gives the front passenger a 12-3-inch touchscreen to play with. Cargo space is modest compared to rivals in the segment like the Tesla Model Y and the roomy BMW iX, but it does have more headroom compared to its sedan counterpart.
When we’ll see this here is up in the air but we’re glad Mercedes-Benz is tracking in the right direction when it comes to its lineup of sedans and SUVs.
