Overview
Internally designated X294,[10] the vehicle is based on the newly-established EVA platform, which it shares with the EQE, EQS, and EQS SUV.[11] Produced since December 2022, the vehicle is manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International factory, akin to the Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS ICE models. At 4860 mm long, it is about 60 mm shorter than the GLE, its ICE counterpart. The vehicle was designed by exterior designer Mayya Markova.[12]
Available in four models – the EQE 300, 350+, 350 4Matic, and 500, as well as the AMG EQE 43 4Matic performance variant, with a combined output of 350 kW, a 50 kW increase over the standard EQE SUV 500.[4] An even more powerful variant, the AMG EQE 53 4Matic+, comes with AMG-specific motors and cooling elements that result in a power output of 460 kW.[4] All current models were launched in 2023. Additionally, all models feature a 328-volt, 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery.
The model is a two-row, five seater vehicle. Rear-wheel drive is standard on base models, however all-wheel drive is optional on higher-end models which use the 4matic 4WD system. The AMG 53 model uses the 4matic+ system. The battery, consisting of 10 modules, are positioned below the floor. The EQE 500 had reached a drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd.[13] The EQE SUV, as well as the EQS SUV, both run on a 400-volt battery architecture.[14]
Features
The EQE SUV features a double wishbone suspension at the front with a multi-link setup and the rear.[15] Rear axle steering with a maximum steering angle of 10 degrees is optional, along with wheel designs and sizes, ranging from 19- to 22-inch. All models are five-seaters and unlike the GLE, there is no third-row option. A large size 12.8-inch touchscreen runs the latest iteration of the newly-introduced MBUX software interface, which can now understand voice commands. The system also features over-the-air update capability that operates via an embedded SIM card. An extra 12.3-inch unit runs as a digital instrument panel, and a head-up display is available which features Mercedes's augmented-reality navigation system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, heated mirrors, LCD monitor, heated mirrors, the "PARKTRONIC" park assist system, and navigation with electric intelligence are all featured.
Base models feature faux-leather upholstery. The front comes standard with heating seats, and the cabin is covered in ambient lighting strips, fluently to fit with the interior design. A large panoramic sunroof is standard, however, optional features include front massaging seats, four-zone climate control, and an onboard air purifier. A heated steering wheel is also optional. With all seats up, luggage space stands at 580 L, comparing well to the W167 GLE at 630 L, especially for its shorter size. With the second row down, space stands at 1690 L, down from 2121 L compared to its ICE counterpart.
