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Everything you need to know about the new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

26 October 2022 - 17:02
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The smooth contours of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
The smooth contours of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
Image: Supplied

The Mercedes-Benz electric car onslaught continues with the latest EQ model. The EQE is the SUV variant of the EQE executive saloon. Think of this new entrant as the electric essence of the Mercedes-AMG GLE or, formerly, the ML-Class.

Like the saloon, the company says the 4,863mm long, 1,940mm wide and 1,686mm high SUV is available with the innovations found in the more expensive and luxurious EQS, the electric S-Class.

This equates to instrument panels and beltlines in Artico man-made leather, an AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather with silver-coloured aluminium paddles for setting various recuperation levels and AMG sports pedals.

Digital light technology which can project auxiliary markings or warning symbols onto the road is included and other highlights are Energising Air Control, the Dolby Atmos sound format and thermal heating as some standard fitments. Optionally, owners can tick off the MBUX Hyperscreen, which merges three digital display screens to create a seamlessly display that is more than 141cm wide. 

The MBUX Hyperscreen is an optional extra which gives the cabin a dazzling 141cm digital interface.
The MBUX Hyperscreen is an optional extra which gives the cabin a dazzling 141cm digital interface.
Image: Supplied

With its 3,030mm wheelbase, the EQE SUV is one of the most spacious in its class. The chassis comprises a four-link suspension at the front and an independent multilink suspension at the rear.

Optional Airmatic suspension will continuously adjust damping to increase ground clearance by up to 30mm for EQE SUV models with 4Matic all-wheel drive. These models also offer the Offroad programme with a rear axle steering system of up to 10° available, with Dynamic Select programmes of Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual modes available. 

Its maker says the modular drive, with a 10-module lithium-ion battery and over-the-air (OTA) updates, enables the EQE SUV to offer a wide range of maximum drive outputs. The power spectrum is 215kW for the EQE 350 and 300kW for the EQE 500 4MATIC. 

The new EQE SUV can be had with up to 505kW of power.
The new EQE SUV can be had with up to 505kW of power.
Image: Supplied

The AMG versions, tweaked for sportier handling, produce 350kW in EQE 53 4MATIC guise, while 505kW is on tap in the range-topping EQE 53 4MATIC. Depending on equipment and configuration, driving ranges of up to 590km can be achieved.

Wheel sizes range from 19 to 22 inches and the current generation of driving-assistance systems includes attention assist, active-brake and lane-keeping assist, parking package with reversing camera and speed-limit assist.

A further option is the Driving Assistance Plus Package, while navigation with electric intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops.

Mercedes-Benz SA, which recently began local sales of the EQB, EQC and EQS electric cars, says the EQE SUV will go on sale here in Q3 2023.


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