Written by Alan Taylor-Jones Updated: 28 September 2023

Overview

Despite launching a bewildering number of electric cars and SUVs in recent times, the Mercedes EQE SUV is at least easy to place in the range. After all, it’s effectively a taller, more practical EQE saloon that sits below the luxurious EQS models and above the EQA, seven-seat EQB and ageing EQC.

While some markets get rear-wheel drive models in relatively spartan trim levels, the UK will only get four-wheel drive twin motor versions of the EQE SUV. Initially you’ll be able to pick from the 292hp 350 4Matic or the significantly punchier 500 4Matic with 408hp. If you’re hoping for spleen-squeezing acceleration, you’ll need to look elsewhere until the AMG EQE SUV 53 rocks up with over 600hp.

Obvious rivals include the recently refreshed Audi Q8 E-Tron and the impressive BMW iX, although there are plenty of less expensive options than are similarly spacious if not quite as plush.

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What’s it like inside?

A bit of a mixed bag if we’re honest. Let’s start with the good, there’s plentiful head and legroom front and rear so four six-footers will be able to get comfy, and a third adult in the rear shouldn’t feel too squished. Boot space is a reasonable if not outstanding 520 litres. That’s more than in a BMW iX but less than conventionally powered rivals such as the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5.

So far we’ve only driven well-specified versions of the EQE SUV with plenty of supple leather, fancy looking trim pieces and sharp digital displays. It looks good and for the most part feels the part, at least in most of the areas you touch regularly.

But while most of the materials are up to scratch, the interior door pulls are surprisingly flimsy, while some of the recycled plastic found inside cubbies feels beneath a car that starts at over £90k. Regardless of which version you go for, you can only have five seats in your EQE SUV.

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Infotainment is taken care of by a 12.8-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen that has sharp graphics and is responsive to commands. It’s easy enough to navigate with logical menus and reasonably sized icons, and there are a few shortcut buttons. The climate controls are adjusted using the screen, although these icons are at least always displayed at the bottom of the screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models.

Alternatively, AMG Line Premium gets the option of Merc’s Hyperscreen. Standard on Premium Plus and Business Class, it spins the central touchscreen to landscape, adds another 12.3-inch touchscreen for the passenger and puts them all under one piece of glass.

To be honest, it puts the instruments at an awkward angle, moves what few shortcut buttons there are into a worse position and costs nearly £8000. Yes, the passenger screen works well and can be useful, but it feels like one step forward and at least three back.

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Comfort

We’ve no complaints with the seats on our high-spec test cars, with lots of electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage functions. Although they certainly pamper, they don’t go low enough for even short drivers. Combined with instruments that are aimed upwards, a high dashboard and thick pillars, and you get a rather compromised driving position.

It is at least quiet, with little wind and road noise on the motorway. Assuming the road is smooth enough – something we’ll come onto – it’s a decent long-distance cruiser.

Safety

Euro NCAP is yet to crash test the EQE SUV, although the EQE saloon on which it’s based gained the full five stars. Adult and child occupant protection is very impressive, and the driver assists score well, too. All EQE SUVs get automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control as standard, with AMG Line Premium and up gaining a more advanced driver assistance package.

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What’s it like to drive?

Those stepping out of a regular petrol or diesel SUV are unlikely to have issue with the performance on offer, yet drivers accustomed to the rapid acceleration offered by the Tesla Model X and other electric SUV rivals may be slightly disappointed. The base 350 manages 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, with the 500 dropping this to 4.9 seconds.

We’d argue the 350 is sufficiently quick for almost any situation on the road, although the significantly pricier 500 does make far lighter work of overtakes. Those that want more will need the AMG 53 with in excess of 600hp. While it still can’t match the latest Model X for punch, it should give the BMW iX M60 a run for its money.

Power is easily metered out, but the brake pedal has a disconcertingly long travel at times. A range of regen modes help you keep away from the middle pedal should you wish, with the automatic mode said to boost range.

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Despite standard air suspension with adaptive dampers, the EQS SUV’s ride is easily unsettled. While it’s comfortable on a smoothly surfaced motorway, it fidgets over surface imperfections and thumps clumsily over potholes and sharp bumps. Body control is also poor, with the car pitching and heaving over crests and compressions, causing motion sickness in passengers should they look down.

It’s a shame as the EQS SUV handles quite tidily. The four-wheel steer system that’s standard on the top two trims responds in a linear fashion and makes this hefty thing significantly more manoeuvrable than you’d expect. Grip levels are high and traction good, while body lean is kept in check well. It’s not masses of fun, but you can cover ground quickly in it.

Range and charging

Maximum quoted range for the EQE SUV is 334 miles in 350 guise and 324 in 500, both if you stick to a lowly trim level. Even if you do opt for a posh trim with giant wheels, both will still just about top 300 miles according to official WLTP figures.

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Both can charge at up to 170kW to give a 10-80% charge time of just over 30 minutes. On a typical 7.4kW home wallbox a full charge takes an agonising 14 hours, although base AMG Line gets 11kW AC charging capability and all others 22kW. The 10-100% charge time then becomes 10 hours and five hours respectively.

What models and trims are available?

There is a choice of four trims and a few options in the UK. The range kicks off with AMG Line, moving on to AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Business Class. AMG Line gets 20-inch alloy wheels, an electric tailgate, adaptive LED headlights, heated windscreen washers, electric leather seats with memory, three-zone climate control, all-round parking sensors and a reversing camera.

AMG Line Premium upgrades the headlights, adds 21-inch wheels, an opening panoramic roof, a Burmester surround sound system, a dashcam, remote parking assist and the driving assistance pack plus we mentioned earlier. Premium Plus gives you 22-inch wheels, four-wheel steering, a head-up display, Hyperscreen and even fancier lights.

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Business Class costs the same as AMG Line Premium Plus but dials down the sport and ramps up the luxury. There’s smaller 21-inch wheels, more rugged styling with faux skidplates, comfort seats with luxury head restraints and Nappa leather coverings, a heated steering wheel and a TV tuner. Options are limited to a towing pack and the Hyperscreen on AMG Line Premium.

What else should I know?

There’s a pull-out drawer on the nearside front wing that houses the washer fluid top-up spout.

Read on for our verdict on the Mercedes EQE SUV.