2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

Overview

With its smooth, rounded appearance, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE electric SUV doesn't look like other modern crossovers, most of which are pumped up with rugged design cues. Instead, the EQE SUV leans on its aerodynamics to help maximize its driving range, which is expected to come in at up to 279 miles per charge. The EQE350 SUV comes with a 288-hp electric powertrain, while the EQE500 is more performance-oriented, with 402 horsepower on tap. The EQE SUV will join a flood of new electric SUVs when it hits the market in spring 2023. Rivals include fresh faces such as the Cadillac Lyriq and the Polestar 3, as well as Tesla's well-known Model Y. The EQE SUVs will attempt to wow buyers with technology features, including a dashboard full of digital screens and options such as rear-wheel steering and biometric driver authentication.

What's New for 2023?

Mercedes-Benz is filling its lineup with EQ-branded electric vehicles, and the EQE SUV is the latest one. It shares its platform, styling cues, and interior features with the EQE sedan, but it comes with the high-riding seating position that so many American drivers prefer.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'd stick with the entry-level EQE350+ as it's the one with the longest driving range—and more miles equals less range anxiety. Mercedes equips all models with a generous list of standard equipment, so we'd be fine sticking with the base Premium trim level which comes with a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, interior ambient lighting, a Burmester stereo system with Dolby Atmos tuning, and an array of driver-assistance features.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The entry-level EQE350+ comes with a single 288-hp motor that drives the rear axle; the all-wheel-drive EQE350 4Matic adds a second motor to provide traction for the front axle, but the total horsepower output is still 288. As a result, both will likely provide similar performance and in our testing, the EQE350 4Matic hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and the EQE500 4Matic did it in 4.2 seconds. Upgrading to the EQE500 bumps combined output of the two electric motors way up, to 402 ponies. We think that'll be enough to propel the EQE500 SUV to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. An adjustable air suspension is optional and can raise the EQE SUV by an inch for greater ground clearance; a rear-axle steering system is also available and can swing the rear wheels up to 10 degrees in either direction to aid maneuverability and handling. During our initial test drive, we got to sample a base EQE350+ with steel springs as well as EQE350 4Matic and EQE500 models with the optional air suspension, which we found delivered a tauter feel but a harsher ride. The EQE SUV is still fairly agreeable to drive, and most buyers who are shopping in this segment are likely to find it suitable. There are several different modes for setting the EQE's regenerative braking, some of which aren't easy to get used to when driving. For EV drivers in the habit of driving with just one foot, the Strong Recuperation mode allows for one-pedal driving.

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Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The EQE SUV comes with a 90.6-kWh battery pack, which should provide a driving range of about 279 miles in the most efficient rear-wheel drive EQE350+ model, according to Mercedes-Benz. The EPA says the EQE350 4Matic is good for 253 miles, and the top-dog EQE500 comes with a 269-mile range. When we tested the EQE350 4Matic on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, it outperformed its range estimate with a 260-mile result; the EQE500 4Matic managed 250 miles in the same test. When hooked up to a DC fast-charging station, Mercedes-Benz says the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 32 minutes.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA hasn't released fuel-economy estimates yet for the EQE350+ or EQE500, but the EQE350 4Matic is rated for 82 MPGe city and 79 MPGe highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the EQE350 4Matic overperformed and delivered 90 MPGe. For more information about the EQE SUV's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Like the other EQ models, the EQE SUV's cabin looks open and airy with enough passenger space for adults to sit in both the front and rear seats comfortably. All models are five-seaters as there is no third-row option here. Base models get faux-leather upholstery that is a good imitation of the real thing, but genuine hides are available as an option. The front seats come standard with heat, and the entire cabin is lit by contoured ambient lighting strips cleverly integrated into the design. A large panoramic sunroof is standard, but those seeking the utmost in luxury may want to consider adding optional features such as front massaging seats, the four-zone automatic climate-control system, and the onboard air purifier. Cargo space is decent for the luxury EV SUV class, but buyers with a strong need for hauling bulky items will find the EQE can't match the gasoline-powered GLE-class SUV in this metric.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

A large 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard and runs Mercedes-Benz's MBUX software interface, which can also recognize voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard features, and all models also come with a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Burmester stereo system. A secondary 12.3-inch display serves as a digital instrument panel, and a head-up display is available that can project driving directions via Mercedes's augmented-reality navigation system in such a way that it makes them appear like they're on the road ahead of you.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

All models come with basic driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, but Mercedes requires the addition of the optional Driver Assistance package to unlock more advanced tech such as an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature. For more information about the EQE SUV's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes warranty coverages for its current production models align with most rival luxury automakers. However, unlike BMW and Jaguar, the company doesn't provide any complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE350 4Matic SUV
Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $79,050/$91,040
Options: AMG Line Exterior package (AMG Line bumpers and black exterior accents), $2200; Exclusive Trim package (active ambient lighting, MBUX augmented reality navigation, adaptive cruise control, speed limit and traffic sign recognition, active and evasive steering assists, active lane-change assist, emergency stop assist, active blind-spot assist), $2100; 21-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, $1950; rear-axle steering, $1300; Digital Light package (Digital Light LED headlights, front LED lightband, animation and symbol projection), $1200; Acoustic Comfort package, $1100; illuminated running boards, $650; Energizing Air Control Plus, $450; ventilated front seats, $450; heated steering wheel, $250; home charging cable, $250; carpeted trunk mat, $90

POWERTRAIN
Motors: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Combined Power: 288 hp
Combined Torque: 564 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 90.6 kWh
Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 170 kW
Transmissions: direct-drive

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.4-in vented disc/14.9-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Elect
265/40R-21 105H MO-S PNCS Extra Load

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 119.3 in
Length: 191.5 in
Width: 76.4 in
Height: 66.3 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/53 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 55/14 ft³
Curb Weight: 5783 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.3 sec @ 95 mph
100 mph: 16.2 sec
130 mph: 33.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.7 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.7 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 131 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 173 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.89 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
Observed: 82 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving: 90 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 260 mi
Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 123 kW
DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 39 min

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 81/82/79 MPGe
Range: 253 mi 

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE500 4Matic SUV
Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $90,650/$106,800
Options: Pinnacle Trim Level package (Pinnacle trim, driver assistance package, digital LED headlights w/animation, head-up display, 4-zone climate control), $5950; Multicontour front seating (with rapid heating, ventilation, massage, and comfort headrests), $2350; air suspension, $1900; Alpine Grey premium paint, $1750; winter package (heated rear seats, steering wheel, windshield, and windshield washers), $1500; heat- and noise-insulating glass, $1100; illuminated running boards, $650; climate control HEPA filter, $450; 110V home charging cable, $250; energizing comfort package plus, $200; beginner and valet driving modes, $50

POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Combined Power: 402 hp
Combined Torque: 633 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 90.6 kWh
Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 170 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.4-in vented disc/14.9-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Elect
255/45R-20 M+S MO Extra Load

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 119.3 in
Length: 191.5 in
Width: 76.4 in
Height: 66.3 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/53 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 55/14 ft³
Curb Weight: 5670 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.2 sec
100 mph: 11.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.8 sec @ 107 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.8 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 182 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 374 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.82 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
75-mph Highway Driving: 84 MPGe 75-mph Highway Range: 250 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 89/91/86 MPGe
Range: 269 mi

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED 

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