Mercedes’ electric range is now complete with the new the EQE SUV. There’s something for everyone and every budget. The proven formula is still the same : the EQE reuses the EVA2 platform found in the EQE and EQS saloons, not forgetting the EQS SUV as well. While we found the latter too bulky and massive, the EQE SUV should convince us even more. Or will it ? Let’s find out !
We’re now familiar with the soft, round lines of the Mercedes EQ range that manage to be highly efficient aerodynamically. The EQE SUV is another good example of it, so much so that it’s hard to tell it apart from its bigger brother, the EQS. It is, however, considerably more compact than the latter and even shorter than the EQE saloon. It’s still a big baby, though, weighing in at 2.6 tonnes! Yes, it’s a recurr ing theme with us, but we’re always amazed to discover the weight of these electric cars. The fact remains that this EQE SUV offers all the usual range of comfort and safety systems that are now expected and even required, on a new car.
I like it
The entry-level version is the 350 4MATIC boasting 292 bhp and a 765 Nm torque. Interesting values to which we should add the fact that it’s all-wheel drive as car features two electric motors located on the front and rear axles. The 350+ is less expensive, but there ‘s only one motor at the rear, making it a rear-wheel drive. Its engine is just as powerful, but torque is reduced to 565 Nm. The price difference between the two is €7,000 if you opt for the latter in its basic Business Line trim. Behind the wheel, you’ll enjoy the engine quietness of course, but the elevated driving position and the vehicle’s size provide an enjoyable and serene feeling on roads where selfishness and the « I don’t give a damn attitude » force us to be ever more cautious with careless drivers.
Quite clever
Even if it’s not the most expensive version available, this Mercedes EQE 350 already offers a breathtaking level of comfort and luxury. Those on the look out for cheap nasty plastics every time they get into a car will be largely disappointed here. You’ll find the usual 3 pointed star good ergonomics, with the three-spoke steering wheel and its slightly awkward buttons, the two imposing screens with multiple displays, not to mention the imposing center console packed with storage space. The seats can be adjusted in a number of ways, and you can always select a few extras to boost comfort. These include the multi-contour front seats and the Hyperscreen third screen to delight your passenger.
I don’t like it
This wonderful technological tour de force unfortunately lacks finesse : the feeling behind the wheel as well as the information sent back to the driver could be much better.No matter if it’s the steering or the brakes, there are so many electronic filters making the driver feeling no longer being in control of everything. Of course, you soon get used to the regenerative braking system and use the brake pedal less and less, leaving the EQE SUV to slow down on its own by simply lifting your foot off the accelerator. You adapt to it so well that when you get back into a conventional car afterwards, you wonder why you need to press the brake pedal…
Why I buy it
Electric vehicles are often criticized for being heavy and bulky, and the EQE SUV is no exception. Although yours truly prefers the EQE and EQS saloon versions, I must admit that getting about on a daily basis in this higher version can be delightful too. The luxurious appointments and high level of fit and finish of this entry-level version provides an wonderfully serene feeling. Obviously, BEVs being silent help it too. On-board technology will delight any self-respecting geek. As far as fuel consumption is concerned, when we took delivery of the test car, it displayed a 273 miles range which seemed very plausible. At the end of our 260 miles test, average consumption was 20.2 kWh/60 miles, using both country roads and motorways. And let’s not forget the generous space in the rear and the 520 liters boot.
Why I don’t buy it
Is it age? I could have criticized the lack of feeling behind the wheel of the EQE SUV. However, it’s never been designed or intended to set lap times in the Natoye special stage, this kind of criticism seems a little out of place. Admittedly, the vehicle’s mass is largely useless for a vehicle that will be used most of the time by a driver on his or her own. As ever with Mercedes, the RRP make sure it will be available only to a selected elite, even more so if you tick a few luxury and comfort extras. The EQE SUV 350 we tested starts from €97,647 in Luxury Line trim. The 350+ with rear-wheel drive only is available from €94,864 with the same trim level. That’s €10,000 less for a GLE 350d… (Translation: Dimitri Urbain)
