U.S.-spec Mercedes EQE SUV: Everything we know in April 2023

Update: ‘First driving impressions of the Mercedes EQE SUV’ added.

The Mercedes EQE SUV, the fourth bespoke electric vehicle from the German brand, debuted on October 16, 2022. The all-rounder model variant of the EQE, as Mercedes-Benz describes it, provides a pure electric alternative to the Mercedes GLE. However, it’s a five-seater SUV with no option to have a third row of seats.

Design

The Mercedes EQE SUV is a baby EQS SUV with a similar fluidic design but smaller dimensions that make it more suitable for the city. Compared to the GLE, the softer character and contemporary design build a unique appeal for the electric car.

The EQE SUV measures 191.6 inches in length, 76.4 inches in width (with flush-fitting door handles), and 66.3 inches in height. It’s more compact than the EQE, with a 3.5-inch shorter wheelbase measuring 119.3 inches.

Dimension\Measurement	EQE SUV	GLE SUV	Difference
Length	191.5 in.	193.9 in.	-2.4 in.
Width	76.4 in.	76.7 in.	-0.3 in.
Height	66.3 in.	70.7 in.	-4.4 in.
Wheelbase	119.3 in.	117.9 in.	+1.4 in.

Front

The Mercedes GLE’s electric alternative features a low and short front section. It has a deep black faux radiator grille with a 3D star pattern, curvy headlamps with the characteristic Mercedes eyebrow DRL, an A-shaped lower air intake integrated into a simulated underguard, and black fins on the side intakes.

LED High Performance headlamps are standard, and Digital Light technology is available as an optional extra. Digital Light enables the projection of warning symbols or auxiliary markings onto the road and more coming-home/leaving animations. 1.3 million micro-mirrors help refract and direct the light of six LEDs (three in each headlamp). The resulting resolution is a whopping 2.6 million pixels, and this high resolution allows a highly precise light distribution.

Side

On the sides, the EQE SUV features 19-21″ wheels with aero-claddings, EQE branding on the A-pillars, electronically operated flush door handles (standard), and 3D chrome trim (standard)/running board (optional). Also, note the streamlined design of the A-pillar and the short overhangs. Overall, the EQE SUV bears a striking resemblance to its brother at this angle, but none compared to the GLE, just as Mercedes-Benz Group CDO Gorden Wagener indicated at the ‘Mercedes-Benz Strategy Update: The Economics of Desire’ held on May 19, 2022:

It is very different (compared) to GLE. It is much sleeker, much more sporty, much more aerodynamic, and therefore it really stands for the SUV of the future.

Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group, on the design of the EQE SUV (Mercedes-Benz Strategy Update: The Economics of Desire on May 19, 2022)

Rear

Flowing surfaces and smooth transitions dominate at the rear, in line with the fluidic theme of the exterior. A continuous light strip stretches across the width, with its technical-looking LED lights featuring the shape of a curved and illuminated 3D helix. The backup camera has been discreetly placed behind the three-pointed star, which keeps it secured and protected from dirt.

In addition to these details, we have noted that the EQE SUV has reduced panel gaps compared to gasoline-powered Mercedes SUVs. Mercedes-Benz has used extensive underbody paneling, which is one of the many aerodynamic details on the exterior. The EQE SUV has a drag coefficient of 0.25 C_d.

Interior

The interior design of the Mercedes EQE SUV is the same as that of the four-door EQE. The large electric SUV offers 39.5 inches of headroom in the front and 39.4 inches of headroom (with sliding sunroof) in the rear. The front occupants get 58.9 inches of shoulder room, which should make driving comfortable. The rear-seat passengers have 40.6 inches of legroom.

The EQE SUV offers 18.4 cu.-ft. of luggage space behind the rear seats, or 20.5 cu.-ft. if you set them in approx. 10° steeper in an optional cargo position. Folding down the rear seats gives 59.2 cu.-ft. of trunk volume. Do note that these are measurements as per VDA and the SAE figures applicable to the U.S.-spec model could be different. There’s no large engine block, but Mercedes-Benz hasn’t used the space under the hood to offer a frunk in the EQE SUV.

Dimension\Measurement	EQE SUV	GLE SUV	Difference
Headroom (front/rear)	39.5 in./39.4 in.	38.6 in./39.6 in.	0.9 in./-0.2 in.
Legroom (front/rear)	40.6/40.6 in.	40.3 in./NA	0.3 in./NA
Load Volume (second-row seat backrests up)	18.4/20.5 cu.-ft.	33.3/39.3 cu.-ft.	-14.9/-18.8 cu.-ft.
Load Volume (second-row seat backrests folded)	59.2 cu.-ft.	74.9 cu.-ft.	-15.7 cu.-ft.

MBUX

In the U.S., Mercedes-Benz has indicated that it won’t offer the SUV with the MBUX Hyperscreen. It says that the U.S.-spec EQE SUV “is standardly equipped” with the 12.8″ OLED central display and a 12.3″ instrument cluster. For reference, the MBUX Hyperscreen setup available in Europe consists of a 12.3″ instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch OLED central display, and a 12.3″ passenger display.

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t revealed the interior of the EQE SUV for the U.S., but it has confirmed that the configurations without this feature have a slightly different center console. As you see in the picture of the base EQE (below), the U.S.-spec EQE SUV would mimic the layout of the S-Class. It should feature a free-standing digital instrument cluster and a floating portrait touchscreen.

HEPA filter

The Mercedes EQE SUV features a HEPA filter with OFI Quality Seal ZG 250-1 certificate. Located under the hood, it cleans the incoming outside air by removing fine particles (PM 2.5 to PM 0.3), microparticles, pollen, and other harmful substances. Activated carbon coating on the HEPA and cabin filter reduces sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as well as odors.

Pre-entry climate control

The Thermatic two-zone automatic climate control should be a standard fitment, and the Thermotronic four-zone automatic climate control system should be available as an option. Customers can pre-set the cabin temperature via Mercedes me or via the vehicle’s central display. It is possible to heat or cool the cabin during charging so that the energy for performing this function comes from the grid and doesn’t affect the driving range. The seat heating and seat ventilation functions should also activate as part of this process.

Acoustic Comfort Package

This optional feature reduces the cabin noise to improve comfort. This is possible by using laminated glass on the front side windows and additional insulation inside the vehicle. Various wind deflectors, covers, and seals with improved geometry on the panoramic roof are also a part of the noise reduction package.

Burmester sound system & soundscapes

A Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos sound format is standard in the U.S.-spec EQE SUV. Mercedes-Benz hasn’t detailed it, but it should be the same unit that is optionally available in the U.S.-spec EQE. Comprising 15 speakers, 15 separate amplifier channels, and 710 watts of system output, this system produces three-dimensional surround sound.

Two soundscapes are also part of the standard equipment: Silver Waves and Vivid Flux. Roaring Pulse and Serene Breeze are available to purchase and download over the air.

Active fragrancing system

The EQE SUV features an active fragrancing system as part of an Air-Balance package. Mercedes-Benz has developed a special fragrance for this model: Hibiscus and lemongrass (called No.6 MOOD hibiscus).

Specifications

Battery & Motor

The U.S.-spec Mercedes EQE SUV comes in EQE 350+, EQE 350 4MATIC, and EQE 500 4MATIC variants with a common 90.6 kWh battery pack and three different powertrains.

The EQE 350+ is a RWD variant with a single motor producing 288 hp and 417 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear. The EQE 350 and EQE 500 are AWD variants sporting two motors, with the additional unit spinning the front wheels. The EQE 350 gets 288 hp and 564 lb.-ft. of torque, while the EQE 500’s powertrain generates 402 hp and 633 lb.-ft. of torque.

Charging & range

The Mercedes EQE SUV has an AC on-board charger positioned above its rear axle. It allows charging at up to 9.6 kW. Also fitted on board is a DC fast-charging system with a charging capacity of up to 170 kW. Charging from 0 to 100% using an AC charger takes 10.75 hours and from 10 to 80% using a DC charger takes 32 minutes.

The EQE SUV gets a heat pump as part of its standard features. It reuses the heat dissipated from the inverter, electric motor, and the traction battery pack to warm up the cabin. This significantly reduces the load on the traction battery pack for the heating system, thus increasing the range.

On a full charge, the four-door EQE 350+, EQE 350 4MATIC, and EQE 500 4MATIC deliver a WLTP range of 596 km (370 miles), 551 km (342 miles), and 552 km (343 miles), respectively. The maximum EPA-est. range of U.S.-spec EQE SUV could be around 300 miles.

Plug & Charge

The EQE SUV supports “Plug & Charge,” a feature that simplifies the charging process at public charging stations. Charging starts immediately after the user plugs in the charging cable. There’s no requirement for authentication or any other step in the process. Mercedes me Charge processes the payment automatically, so, charging the EV becomes a one-step process.

Once you arrive at the charging station, the brand new feature “Plug & Charge” simplifies the complete experience: Plug in, charge, unplug – just as easy. No authentication is required and the payment automatically runs in the background without any additional hassle or action. Plug & Charge will go live with the market launch of the EQS this year.

Sajjad Khan, former Chief Technical Officer, Mercedes-Benz AG (Mercedes-Benz Strategy Update: electric drive)

Rear-axle steering

Mercedes-Benz offers a rear-axle steering system with up to 10° of steering angle as an option on the EQE SUV. This system enhances the vehicle’s maneuverability in the city by reducing its turning circle with counter-steering. On highways, same-direction rear-wheel steering would provide more stability and confidence, especially during sudden maneuvers.

Aspect\Specification	EQE SUV 350+	EQE SUV 350 4MATIC	EQE SUV 500 4MATIC
Length	191.5	191.5	191.5
Width (conventional handles/flush-fitting handles)	76.4 in./75.5 in.	76.4 in./75.5 in.	76.4 in./75.5 in.
Height	66.3 in.	66.3 in.	66.3 in.
Wheelbase	119.3 in.	119.3 in.	119.3 in.
Trunk Volume with rear seats upright (VDA)	18.4 cu. ft./20.5 cu. ft.	18.4 cu. ft./20.5 cu. ft.	18.4 cu. ft./20.5 cu. ft.
Trunk Volume with rear seats folded (VDA)	59.2 cu.-ft.	59.2 cu.-ft.	59.2 cu.-ft.
Drivetrain Layout	RWD	AWD	AWD
No. of Motors	One	Two	Two
Power	288 hp	288 hp	402 hp
Torque	417 lb.-ft.	564 lb.-ft.	633 lb.-ft.
0-60 mph Acceleration Time	6.3 seconds	6.3 seconds	6.3 seconds
Top Speed	130 mph	130 mph	130 mph
Battery Pack Energy Storage Capacity	90.6 kWh	90.6 kWh	90.6 kWh
AC Charging Power	9.6 kW	9.6 kW	9.6 kW
AC Charging Time (0-100% SoC)	10.75 hours	10.75 hours	10.75 hours
DC Charging Power	170 kW	170 kW	170 kW
DC Charging Time (10-80% SoC)	32 minutes	32 minutes	32 minutes
WLTP Range	596 km (370 mi)	551 km (342 mi)	552 km (343 mi)
EPA-est. Range (unofficially expected)	~300 miles	~275 miles	~275 miles

Production

Production of the U.S.-spec EQE SUV takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant (Alabama), which is responsible for the global production of the EQS SUV. Production of the EQS SUV at this facility started in August 2022, and the EQE SUV joined in December 2022. The batteries come from an in-house facility in Bibb County, close to the auto plant.

Variants & Price

Mercedes EQE SUV prices in the U.S. start from USD 77,900, excluding USD 1,150 destination and delivery charge. Customers can choose from three grades: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle.

EQE SUV Premium

The Premium trim includes 19-inch wheels, a 12.8-inch OLED central display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, 64-color ambient lighting, Keyless-Go Comfort Package, power tilt and sliding panoramic roof, MBUX EQ navigation services, Parking Package with Surround View System and Parktronic, Burmester Sound System and MB-Tex upholstery. The 500 4MATIC variant’s highlights in this trim exclusively include an AMG Line exterior, 10-degree rear-axle steering, and 20-inch wheels.

EQE SUV Exclusive

The Exclusive trim brings MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation, Active Ambient Light, and Driver Assistance Package including an all-new Automatic Lane Change function. All this is in addition to the features of the Premium trim.

EQE SUV Pinnacle

Digital Light package, Mercedes Star pattern logo projectors (front doors), four-zone climate control, Air Balance Package, Energizing Comfort, head-up display, 100-watt USB-C package, etc. are some of the main exclusive features of the range-topping Pinnacle trim.

Configuration	Mercedes EQE SUV Price
EQE 350+ SUV Premium	USD 77,900
EQE 350 4MATIC SUV Premium	USD 77,900
EQE 500 4MATIC SUV Premium	USD 89,500
EQE 350+ SUV Exclusive	USD 80,000
EQE 350 4MATIC SUV Exclusive	USD 80,000
EQE 500 4MATIC SUV Exclusive	USD 91,600
EQE 350+ SUV Pinnacle	USD 83,850
EQE 350 4MATIC SUV Pinnacle	USD 83,850
EQE 500 4MATIC SUV Pinnacle	USD 95,450

Release Date

Officially, the Mercedes EQE SUV will start arriving at U.S. dealerships in Spring 2023. Based on what Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius said during a media analyst call on February 17, 2023, we think the first units could reach showrooms as early as May 2023:

The EQE SUV comes in the second quarter of this year. Received very good feedback from that. Will be a good vehicle for United States, but also for Europe and also for China.

Ola Källenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Group (Media analyst call on February 17, 2023)

In 2022, Mercedes-Benz sold 10,365 units of the EQS, 384 units of the EQE, and 1,672 units of the EQB in the U.S. The company expects approximately 50% of sales in the U.S. to come from EVs by 2030, its officials disclosed at its national dealer meeting in June 2022. According to Automotive News’ dealer source, it aims to deliver as many as 45,000 electric vehicles in 2023.

Another dealer said that Drew Slaven, Mercedes-Benz’s marketing chief in the U.S., told dealers that national ads till 2024 will focus “almost exclusively” on electric vehicle models and technology. 300+ Mercedes-Benz USA dealers have prepared themselves for the brand’s EV offensive by investing in charging infrastructure and equipment.

First driving impressions of the Mercedes EQE SUV

The American media has sampled the EQE SUV, and here are some of the observations from leading publications.

According to Stephen Edelstein of DigitalTrends, the EQE SUV’s driving characteristic doesn’t feel rushed or particularly enthusiastic compared to its competitors from either Audi or BMW. On the other hand, the reviewer found this mid-size electric SUV felt more planted and quieter than its larger EQS sibling, while the ride remained pleasant throughout. DigitalTrends also noted that the EQE SUV is slower to 60 mph than most variants of the Audi e-tron or the BMW iX.

Jonny Lieberman from MotorTrend mentioned that the interior of the EQE SUV felt smaller than that of the gas-powered GLE up front, while the button logic for accessing certain settings within the new & advanced MBUX infotainment system can be a bit tricky. Lieberman did praise the high-quality and modern interior design of the Mercedes EV, with the rear-seat space and climate-controlled massaging front seats being other highlights. However, MotorTrend found during its first drive that the EQE SUV’s body control around corners could have been better managed.

Brandon Turkus from InsideEVs noted during his first impressions of the Mercedes EQE SUV that the EV appears more compact in the metal, especially when viewed up close. And while Turkus liked the seats and lauded the comfort they provided, he found the design and functioning of the power-assisted seat controls to be in poor taste. The reviewer mentioned how the thick A-pillars obstructed his view all throughout his test drive of the EQE SUV, though he cited the overall build & material quality as one of the cabin highlights!

Steven J. Ewing from Autoblog found the handling characteristics of the new EQE SUV to be unimpressive from a sporty perspective, though he praised the luxury EV’s plush ride and cabin manners. Ewing was also impressed by the roomy-feeling interior of the electric SUV and its 64-color LED ambient lighting feature. Meanwhile, Ewing pointed out that he preferred the standard dual-screen layout over the fancier Mercedes Hyperscreen option, stating that it was more than sufficient while leaving the rest of the high-quality dashboard untouched.

TopElectricSUV says

While the Mercedes EQS SUV turned out to be an expensive piece of technology, the Mercedes EQE SUV, also backed by local production, would have the potential to appeal to a wider band of customers with more accessible pricing. With the rising popularity of high-riding vehicles, the EQE SUV should comfortably outsell the four-door EQE, and perhaps even the GLE by the end of the decade!

Mercedes EQE SUV FAQs

Featured Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Group