The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV will start at $77,900, with prices climbing to nearly six figures for the most luxurious model. In what may be a first for Mercedes-Benz, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) models carry the same prices.

Not the EQE, the EQE SUV. Confused Yet?

If the name confuses you, you’re not alone. It takes too long to explain, but here we go.

Mercedes is going electric with a plan to sell nothing but electric vehicles (EVs) in countries that build EV infrastructure by 2030.

To achieve this, the German automaker is building an electric equivalent for each of its gas-powered cars. Alongside the gas-powered super-luxury S-Class, there’s an electric EQS. The gas-powered E-Class has an EQE electric twin — fraternal twin. They don’t quite look alike but fill similar roles in the lineup.

After introducing the electric sedans, Mercedes is unveiling an SUV version of each. So the EQE SUV shares its name with the EQE sedan but is an SUV. It’s something like an electric cousin to the GLE… you know what? Forget it.

It’s a 2-row electric luxury SUV from a family that reuses names as George Foreman’s family does. Without a chart and 90 days of lessons, no one can tell who’s who.

Exceptional Interior, Three Power Levels

It has an exceptionally well-crafted interior but an oddly bulbous exterior that looks like you should let some air out of your SUV before it pops. We haven’t had the chance to drive it yet, but it shares most of the parts that make it go with the EQE sedan. Our test driver found it “serene” to drive and “far more agile than you might expect.”

Three powertrain options will be offered: 350+, 350 4Matic, and 500 4Matic.

The RWD 350+ puts out 288 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque. The AWD 350 4Matic matches it with 288 horsepower but puts out 564 pound-feet of torque. The 500 4Matic is also AWD, with 536 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque, plus rear-wheel steering for better maneuverability.

However, buyers of the 350 4Matic can subscribe to more horsepower for an annual fee.

Each of the three comes in three trim levels.

Premium is the base level but is plenty luxurious, with a Burmester sound system, a surround-view camera system, and a power tilt and slide panoramic sunroof.

Exclusive adds augmented reality navigation, active ambient lighting, and a driver assistance package with automatic lane change.

The top-of-the-line Pinnacle adds quad-zone climate control and Mercedes’ unique variable-fragrance Air Balance system. Its Energizing Comfort program uses massaging seats, fragrances, ambient lighting, and climate controls to execute spa-like routines to relax both driver and passengers.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Pricing:

Mercedes also charges a mandatory $1,150 destination charge on all EQE SUVs.

Some versions of the EQE SUV may qualify for a federal electric vehicle tax credit. Mercedes plans to build the vehicle in Alabama. Electric SUVs built in North America may qualify for the credit if priced at $80,000 or under. However, the IRS has not yet included the vehicle on its list of qualifying models, so we can’t be certain the tax credit applies. Tax credits are also subject to certain income limits.

Model
MSRP

EQE 350+ SUV Premium
$77,900

EQE 350 4MATIC SUV Premium
$77,900

EQE 500 4MATIC SUV Premium
$89,500

EQE 350+ SUV Exclusive
$80,000

EQE 350 4MATIC SUV Exclusive
$80,000

EQE 500 4MATIC SUV Exclusive
$91,600

EQE 350+ SUV Pinnacle
$83,850

EQE 350 4MATIC SUV Pinnacle
$83,850

EQE 500 4MATIC SUV Exclusive
$95,450

 

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