Mercedes EQE SUV Review: Premium Electric Driving Experience
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For Australian luxury EV buyers considering premium electric SUVs like the Volvo EX90, the Mercedes EQE SUV presents a compelling proposition. After extensive testing on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula roads, including wet conditions, we assess whether this high-riding EQE variant justifies its $134,900 starting price while delivering authentic Mercedes-Benz refinement.
Design and Cabin Experience
Mercedes' EQE SUV features signature EV styling with a sealed black panel grille housing the three-point star emblem, flanked by digital light headlamps connected by a light bar. Standard 21-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires enhance its road presence while aerodynamic side seals optimize efficiency.
Inside, the cabin delivers exceptional space with premium materials throughout. The AMG Line interior includes woodgrain dash inlays and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Storage solutions excel with a dual-opening center console housing USB-C ports, wireless charging, and configurable cup holders. The optional MBUX Hyperscreen (unavailable on base EQE 300) spans the dashboard, though the standard 12-inch touchscreen offers intuitive navigation with crisp graphics.
Key cabin highlights:
- Burmester 3D sound system with Dolby Atmos
- Panoramic sunroof flooding rear seats with light
- Generous rear legroom with USB-C ports
- 520L boot (smaller than ICE counterparts) with underfloor cable storage
Driving Dynamics and Performance
The rear-wheel-drive EQE 300 we tested delivers 180kW/550Nm through its single motor. Despite rainy conditions, power delivery remains confident without excessive wheelspin. Four regenerative braking modes include:
- Strong (significant deceleration on throttle lift)
- Normal
- None
- Intelligent auto mode using radar to adjust recuperation
Driving impressions reveal:
- Remarkable cabin quietness surpassing typical EV refinement
- Composed handling despite 2.5-tonne weight, with minimal body roll
- Smooth acceleration (0-100km/h in 7.3s), prioritizing seamless power over brutal launches
- Light steering ideal for urban maneuvering, though limited feedback
- Air suspension (optional) absorbs bumps effectively despite occasional sharp-edge impacts
Efficiency averaged 21.2kWh/100km during testing, slightly above Mercedes' claimed 19kWh. Higher-spec all-wheel-drive models gain an off-road driving mode for unsealed surfaces.
Technology and Charging Capabilities
The EQE SUV features a 90.5kWh battery (89.9kWh in some variants) delivering up to 539km WLTP range. Charging infrastructure support includes:
- 170kW DC fast charging (10-80% in ~32 mins)
- 11kW AC three-phase charging capability
- Dual included cables (domestic + AC public charging)
Notable tech features:
- Standard digital instrument cluster with augmented reality navigation
- Over-the-air update capability
- Comprehensive driver assists including active distance assist
Market Position and Value Assessment
Positioned against upcoming rivals like the Volvo EX90, the EQE SUV justifies its premium through exceptional cabin execution and benchmark refinement. However, key considerations include:
- Boot space trails petrol GLE-class by 85L
- No remote rear seat releases
- Hyperscreen unavailable on entry model
Model variants comparison:
| Model | Drive | Power | Price (before on-roads) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQE 300 | RWD | 180kW | $134,900 |
| EQE 350 | AWD | 215kW | $146,900 |
| EQE 500 | AWD | 300kW | $164,900 |
| AMG EQE 53 | AWD | 460kW | $189,900 |
Ownership Essentials
Immediate action checklist:
- Test drive both RWD and AWD variants for handling differences
- Verify home charger compatibility with three-phase capability
- Compare hyperscreen usability versus standard display
- Measure cargo space against family needs
- Negotiate service package inclusions
Recommended resources:
- EV-Database.org for real-world range comparisons (superior to WLTP estimates)
- PlugShare app for route planning using 170kW DC chargers
- Mercedes Me Charge for integrated payment across charging networks
Final Verdict
The EQE SUV delivers quintessential Mercedes-Benz serenity with outstanding noise isolation and ride comfort, making it ideal for daily commutes. While not the sportiest in corners, it sets a new refinement benchmark for luxury electric SUVs.
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