As the world’s governments push for an electric automobile fleet, automakers continue to transform their fleets, with Mercedes-AMG offering up its first all-electric performance SUV in the form of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV.
It’s the fourth electric Mercedes-AMG electric vehicle following the full-size EQS and midsize EQE sedans, and the full-size EQS SUV. However, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV provides swift, silent fun.
Overview
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is the new range-topping EQE SUV model, an electric performance SUV from Mercedes-AMG. It’s a line that currently includes the EQE 350 SUV starts at $77,900 with 288 horsepower and 279 miles of range. For the same price, you can get the 350 4Matic with all-wheel drive rather than rear-wheel drive, but range drops to 253 miles. There’s also an EQE 500 4Matic SUV with 402 hp and 269 miles of range, starting at $89,500. All EQE SUVs use a 90.6-kWh battery with the exception of the base model, which uses an 89-kWh battery.
Mercedes-AMG has not released the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV’s range nor its price.
Exterior
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV subtly exudes its AMG cred stylistically with vertical slats on its front fascia that imitate the signature AMG grille on non-electric AMG models, while an AMG badge replaces the Mercedes-Benz badge on its hood, although the three-point star is still centered on this EV’s face.
There are also body-colored side moldings, wider rubber on the AMG-specific wheels, and a body color rear fascia with the aerodynamically optimized diffuser and longitudinal fins along with taillights. An AMG Night Package with elements in black and black chrome is optional.
But all-in-all, this is a subtle re-do visually, perfect for those drivers who prefer to lie low.
Interior
Being an EQ, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV’s interior is overwhelmed by its massive Hyperscreen, a massive amoeba-shaped piece of glass that houses the instrument cluster, MBUX infotainment system and a passenger-side display. In some respects, it overwhelms the AMG-specific detailing, which includes AMG sport seats with MB-Tex upholstery with microfiber and red stitching, or Nappa leather seating. The cabin features the AMG badge embossed into the headrests, a flat-bottomed AMG Performance Nappa leather steering wheel, AMG sport pedals, AMG floor mats, illuminated door sill panels and black microfiber trim with red stitching.
Certainly, material quality is first-rate, as you’d expect, providing sporty, if plush, environment. The cabin proves roomier than its sedan sibling, which should attract more buyers, at least those who aren’t anti-SUV.
Powertrain
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV places an electric motor on each axle to provide a combined 617 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque. Order the AMG Dynamics Plus Package and you’ll get launch control, which the company dubs “Race Start,” which briefly increases the SUV’s power output to 677 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.
With Race start enabled, 60 mph comes up in 3.4 seconds, thanks to a 90.6-kWh battery made from 360 pouch cells. Using that mode raises output to 110% and 677 hp according to the automaker, up from 100% and 617 hp in Sport+ mode, 90% and 555 hp in Sport mode, 80% and 493 hp in Comfort mode and 60% and 308 hp in Slippery mode.
It can be recharged at up to 170kW using DC fast chargers, yielding about 100 miles of range in about 15 minutes, according to the automaker.
The powertrain mates to a four-link front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, augmented with AMG wheel carriers, suspension links, and anti-roll bars with greater rigidity. Rear-axle steering is standard, allowing for a steering angle of up to 9 degrees, which keeps the turning radius to 35.8 feet, according to Mercedes-Benz.
As you might suspect, it’s fitted with AMG Ride Control and an adaptive damping system and active roll stabilization. Finishing the package are 21- and 22-inch Michelin Pilot Sport EV MO1 tires.
Safety and Technology
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have crash-tested the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. But the vehicle does come with the automaker’s typical array of driver assistance systems.
The EQE’s infotainment touchscreen runs Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX software interface, although voice commands make using it far easier, as some commonly used items are buried in sub-menu upon sub-menu. Thoughtfully, the Navigation system does factor in traffic, driving style, and charging stops into its routing. The infotainment system does contain the AMG-specific AMG Track Pack, a virtual option that records more than 80 vehicle-specific data such as speed and acceleration, lap and sector times.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a wireless smartphone charging pad. A Dolby Atmos audio system is available, and well worth the cost. Its sound quality is impressive and immersive.
Driving Impressions
In effort to appease first-time EV buyers, it seems that automakers are endowing their SUVs with artificial noise when the vehicle accelerates. While that seems to eliminate of an EV’s key advantages, its silence, the one engineered for the EQE SUV doesn’t seem as objectionable as some. While we didn’t get the chance to experience truly rough roads, the EQE provided a similar experience to other EQE models, but a bit tighter and more responsive.
OK, markedly more responsive. This is the model that provides the neck-snapping acceleration and sharp steering most EV buyers will expect, with a deft ride/handling balance and stability for which the automaker is renowned.
The rear-axle steering is particularly appreciated when roads turn twisty, where its dexterity is remarkable and body roll modest. But the vehicle’s weight is always noticeable, coming in at more than 6,000 pounds with two of us aboard. Then again, classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles have always exhibited a heaviness that seems to be a part of their persona.
Yet despite its artificial soundtrack, this doesn’t feel or sound like an internal-combustion AMG, and never will. It has a different driveline, and delivers a different persona. The rough edge that ICE-powered AMGs isn’t here. But its fierceness is, even though it can transform itself back to Clark Kent from Superman, when desired.
And being an AMG, its performance is tuned for the tarmac, not the trail.
2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV Specifications
DimensionL: 192.1 inches/W: 76.4 inches/H:65.8 inches/Wheelbase: 119.3 inchesWeight5,930 poundsPowertrainDual electric synchronous motors, 1-speed automatic and all-wheel driveFuel EconomyTBAPerformance Specs677 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torquePriceTBAOn-Sale DateTBA
Wrap Up
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is an athletically graceful dance partner, one primed for the electric age. Its power and prestige, not to mention its outrageous Hyperscreen, should makes it a dominant player against the BMW iX M60 and the base Rivian R1S SUV, not to mention the Tesla Model X Dual Motor. Still, the Tesla Model X Plaid is quicker.
2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top speed of EQE SUV?
The top speed of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is 149 mph.
Is the EQE fully electric?
Yes, as is the entire Mercedes-Benz EQ line-up.
Is EQE a seven-seater?
No. All models provide room for five. There is no third-row option.
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