The German automaker plans to sell an all-electric lineup in every market with the infrastructure to support one by 2030. To get there, Mercedes-Benz is in the process of creating an electric counterpart to most of its gas-powered lineup.
Therefore, the EQE SUV is the electric equivalent of the GLE SUV in size and luxury, though the two share few parts. It’s one step up in grade (and price) below the opulent fullsize EQS SUV that starts at over $136,000 in Canadian dollars, though Mercedes says the EQE SUV is “more dynamic” than its super-luxury kin.
How do you feel about the EQE SUV’s “One-Bow, Cab-Forward” exterior design?
Mercedes’ electric cars look decidedly different than the brand’s gas-powered models. Whether that’s a good thing is a matter of taste. The automaker describes the EQE SUV’s exterior look as a “One-Bow, Cab-Forward” design. To our eye, it looks a bit bulbous, like someone overinflated it.
It shares the glossy, many-starred false grilled of other Mercedes electric designs. Though the automaker hasn’t published a number, there’s not a flat surface anywhere on it, which probably contributes to a low drag coefficient to assist with range.
A prominent diagonal line low on the doors and two character lines in the hood keep it from looking too curvy. Complex, many-spoked wheels lend an air of sophistication.
Do you like the Mercedes EV’s elegant, high-tech cabin?
The exterior may be a taste only some can acquire. But few will object to the interior, which looks stunning.
Early photos feature the Mercedes Hyperscreen, which turns the entire dashboard into one touchscreen surface. It will be optional. Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch central touchscreen in portrait orientation. The screens use a new logic Mercedes calls Zero Layer. It “keeps the most commonly-used applications always available in a situational and contextual way at the top of the driver’s field of vision.”
Other optional features push the luxury to extremes. They include augmented reality navigation that superimposes arrows on a digital rendering of the surrounding area. An “enhanced health and wellness system” varies climate control, lighting, and “energizing nature” sounds to keep the driver alert and calm.
An optional active fragrance system lets you choose scents to match the sound programs.
Which of the new EQE SUV’s trims and powertrains interests you?
While other markets will get rear-wheel drive versions, the all-wheel drive EQE SUV 350 4MATIC and the 500 4MATIC trims will first go on sale in Canada. Each brings an electric motor on each axle. The 350 4MATIC produces 288 horsepower, while the 500 4MATIC makes 536.
Each EQE SUV comes with a 90.6-Kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, with a driving range estimate of 550 kilometres based on European-market testing.
An AMG high-performance version will follow for the 2024 model year, with up to 677 horsepower.
All EQE SUV trims feature Mercedes’ Dynamic Select driving mode system with comfort, sport, eco, and customized individual settings. Plus, the 4MATIC versions get an off-road setting.
The optional AirMatic suspension can raise or lower ground clearance. It continuously adjusts suspension damping to match road conditions.
Safety equipment includes an advanced driver assistance package with features like smart cruise control, lane-centring, active brake assist with a cross-traffic function, and a system that can communicate and receive information about driving conditions to similarly equipped cars. That may have little utility but should become more valuable as other cars adopt the technology.
When does the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV go on sale, and for how much?
Scheduled to go on sale early in 2023, Mercedes-Benz Canada still needs to provide pricing information for the 2023 EQE SUV. We expect a starting price near midsize battery-electric SUV rivals like the Audi e-tron and BMW iX, which start in the $80,000 to $90,000 CAD range.
