Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Review

The EQE SUV is the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz electric SUV range, expanding its number of EQ-branded vehicles. Somewhat confusingly, Mercedes has used the same EQE name as its electric saloon, but added the SUV suffix to indicate this is the high-riding version.

Underneath its aerodynamically optimised bodywork, the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV shares the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz EQE saloon. However, the SUV version is solely four-wheel drive, and boasts a practical interior filled with clever tech. A hatchback-style tailgate is more useful than a saloon-style boot for those who need to fill the 520-litre luggage space, too.

There is a choice of three powertrain options for the EQE SUV, ranging from ‘warm’ through to hot Mercedes-AMG performance versions. Being a family SUV, most buyers will be happy with the entry-level EQE 350 version, but there is always the lure of more power for those who want it.

Although the EQE SUV packs serious performance, its battery range is only average for the upmarket crossover class. The EQE 350 can officially cover up to 334 miles, whilst the AMG EQE 53 sees this drop to 305 miles. Charging speeds lag behind the market-leaders, too.

The level of standard equipment is impressive, with Mercedes-Benz having thrown the digital kitchen sink at fancier versions of the EQE SUV. This goes some way towards justifying its big price tag, although some of the cheaper interior materials do undermine that work a little.

There is plenty to like about the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, but there are questions to ask about the ride quality, interior finish and the middling battery range. It comes close to challenging class leaders like the BMW iX, and delivers a lesson in refinement that others would do well to emulate.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV comes with an extensive array of trim levels. Most of these are based upon the standard AMG Line model, but with additional equipment added on.

We would be inclined to avoid the entry-level AMG Line version and jump to the EQE SUV in AMG Line Premium trim. This brings extra niceties in the form of 21-inch alloy wheels, Digital Light LED headlamps, a panoramic sunroof and an integrated dashcam.

AMG Line Premium also includes a Burmester surround-sound system, a 360-degree parking camera and augmented reality for the satellite navigation.

In terms of motor options, the EQE SUV 350 should be more than sufficient for most needs. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds and comes with the best battery range of the EQE SUV lineup.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV starts at £76,870. More powerful and better-equipped versions move beyond £80,000, while highly specified EQE 500 models cost more than £100,000.

The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 starts at £115,495.

That places the EQE SUV against the BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, Polestar 3 and higher versions of the Porsche Macan Electric. The entry model is already well equipped, so there is little need to climb far up the range unless the Hyperscreen, panoramic roof, rear-axle steering or additional driver assistance are priorities.

The BMW iX is the closest rival. It feels lighter and more engaging to drive, with an exceptionally spacious interior and strong efficiency. Its styling is more divisive than the Mercedes’.

The Polestar 3 combines an attractive cabin with sharper handling and strong performance. It is less focused on outright comfort and has a smaller dealer network.

The Porsche Macan Electric is much more enjoyable to drive and can charge substantially faster. It is smaller inside and becomes expensive once options are added.

The Audi Q6 e-tron uses a newer electric platform with faster charging and a more modern electrical system. It is slightly smaller but makes good use of its interior space.

The Volvo EX90 is larger and offers seven seats. It has a calm, minimalist cabin, although it is more cumbersome and costs more in comparable specifications.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV looks a lot like the flagship EQS SUV, but does have slightly smaller proportions. Measuring 4863mm in length and 1940mm in width, the EQE SUV is certainly not a compact crossover, though.

For those in the front, this translates into plenty of space for even the tallest of drivers, aided by a flat floor. That extra width means you won’t be bashing shoulders with the front-seat passenger across the sizable centre console.

In the rear, the generous headroom and legroom continues, with space for two six-foot adults to be seated in comfort. A third adult can be squeezed into the middle seat if needed, although this is best reserved for shorter journeys to avoid any complaints.

Boot capacity in the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV stands at a respectable 520 litres with the rear seats in place. Dropping the back bench down boosts this to a considerable 1675 litres of luggage space. The loading lip is a little high, however, due to one of the electric motors being mounted underneath the boot floor.

For comparison, a BMW iX offers 500 litres of boot space, while the Audi Q8 e-tron comes up trumps with 569 litres.

The EQE SUV is 4,863mm long, making it shorter than the EQE saloon but still firmly a large luxury SUV.

Its 1,940mm body width means narrow urban roads and older car parks require care. With its mirrors extended, the car occupies more than two metres.

A height of approximately 1,685mm provides generous passenger headroom without making the body feel as tall or square as a full-size seven-seat SUV.

Infotainment inside the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is determined by how high up the model range you want to climb. Entry-level versions come fitted with a 12.8-inch portrait-orientated multimedia touchscreen, combined with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV models in AMG Line Premium Plus trim and above come with the impressive Hyperscreen infotainment display. This uses three screens that span some 56 inches across the whole dashboard, with OLED technology beneath a single glass panel.

It looks impressive, and gives the passenger their very own 12.3-inch screen as well. Should you want to spend an additional £8,000, the Hyperscreen can be added to the AMG Line Premium model, too.

Regardless of the specification, the EQE SUV’s infotainment system works reasonably well, being responsive to inputs. Having to use a touchscreen for the climate control settings is a pain, but at least Mercedes leaves these icons constantly displayed on screen.

Satellite navigation is fitted to all models as part of the MBUX software, with loftier versions gaining an augmented reality display to aid with directions. All models above the AMG Line come with a powerful Burmester sound system, along with wireless smartphone charging. These higher-specification versions also have an integrated dashcam, and even a fingerprint scanner to protect personal data.

As an SUV costing more than £90,000, and with a three-pointed star badge on the grille, expectations for interior quality are high for the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. The reality is a little more mixed, depending on how much you want to prod and poke around the cabin.

The vast majority of the interior is made from high-end materials, with leather upholstery standard across the range. The steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather, while multi-colour ambient lighting adds to the perceived quality.

However, some of the plastics used lower down in the cabin can feel surprisingly cheap and hollow. Mercedes-Benz has used flimsy recycled plastics to line the cubbies, and the door pulls have a lack of solidity that grates a little. It is not the end of the world, but it seems at odds with the premium positioning of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV can be distilled down to three distinct powertrain options, all of which come with 4Matic four-wheel drive as standard.

Starting the range is the EQE 350, which develops 292PS and a considerable 765Nm of torque. Despite the EQE SUV weighing in at 2580kg, this entry-level powertrain can deliver a brisk 0-62mph time of just 6.6 seconds. This should be more than enough for most drivers, with the performance starting off strong, but tailing off as the speed builds.

Opting for the EQE 500 ups the power output to 414PS, along with 858Nm of torque. Despite having a larger battery, it actually weighs slightly less than the EQE 350, and benefits from a faster 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds. In the slightly surreal world of EVs this is quick, if not groundbreaking performance.

For maximum speed, the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 brings 625PS and 950Nm of torque to the party. With a kerb weight of 2690kg, there is some serious physics at work to enable this version to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. It also has a top speed of 149mph.

There is no avoiding the fact that the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is a big vehicle, with a kerb weight of more than 2500kg on all models. This is not uncommon for large, battery-powered crossovers, but naturally has an impact on the driving experience the EQE SUV can deliver.

Air suspension is standard across the EQE SUV range, and it works hard to keep body-roll in check, along with managing the worst bumps on the road. It does so admirably, and can filter out motorway imperfections well, but it can be caught out by potholes and deeper ruts. The air suspension can only do so much to control the EQE SUV’s weight, and it can feel floaty at times.

Rear-axle steering is fitted to AMG Line Premium Plus models and above, which has a noticeable effect on the EQE SUV’s handling. In short, this can see the rear wheels turn by up to 10 degrees, reducing the car’s turning circle at parking speeds.

On the open road, the rear-axle steering adds an extra level of agility and stability, although it never creates a truly sporting vehicle. Grip levels are high, allowing the EQE SUV to be hustled along with more than speed than is probably necessary for a family vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV was crash-tested by the Euro NCAP safety organisation at the end of 2023. When assessed, the EQE SUV received the maximum five-star rating for safety, accompanied by an 87 percent score for adult occupant protection. Child occupant protection was rated as 90 percent.

Standard safety equipment includes a plethora of airbags, speed limit assistance, parking sensors, a reversing camera and evasive manoeuvre support. All models above AMG Line trim come with Driver Assistance Package Plus, which adds Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and much more safety technology.    

Charging speed is a competitive business, and can make for a substantial difference in how long before you get your EV back on the road again. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is compatible with DC rapid chargers with speeds of up to 170kW. Although this is fairly quick, the rival Audi Q8 e-tron and BMW iX can use chargers with up to 350kW in speed.

Connected to a public 170kW charger, the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV should take around 32 minutes to go from 10-80 percent charge. This will certainly be the quickest charging option, but also the most expensive.

For those with the ability to install a wallbox, charging at home remains the most affordable option. The time to charge from a home wallbox will vary depending on its speed. A 22kW unit should recharge the EQE SUV in around five hours, while a standard 7.4kW wallbox will require 14 hours instead.

The EQE SUV has a three-year manufacturer warranty with no mileage limit. Its high-voltage battery is covered for 10 years or 155,000 miles, subject to Mercedes-Benz’s warranty terms and capacity conditions. The battery warranty is stronger than the eight-year cover provided by many manufacturers.

Every Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV sits in insurance group 50.

That is the highest possible rating and reflects the car’s purchase price, performance, complex electrical systems and likely repair costs. Even the EQE 350 may attract a substantial premium, while the AMG version is likely to be particularly expensive.

The standard annual rate from the second year is £200, while every EQE SUV has an official list price above the £50,000 zero-emission Expensive Car Supplement threshold.

The supplement adds £440 a year for five years from the beginning of the second year, which at current rates, brings the total annual payment during that period is £640.