The EQE is the executive model nameplate of the Mercedes-Benz, rapidly expanding all-electric EQ range. I recently reviewed the Sedan style of the EQE, however, arguably rather confusingly, there’s also an SUV EQE too, so you can be damned sure I wanted to test that out as well. To add to my glee, not only did it offer the practicality of an SUV but it also came with an AMG 53 badge. Let the games begin.
In its regular form (300 and 350) the EQE SUV is the perfect electrical all rounder. It’s a luxury SUV that has a lot of comfort features and the practicality for both around the town and for those weekend drives away. It’s (of course) based on the EQE sedan platform but offers increased flexibility and spaciousness.
Added to this, the EQE has all the styling cues of the Mercedes-EQ range, in particular, the sloping roofline, making the SUV incredibly aerodynamic, with a low drag coefficient of 0.251 Cd. In addition to that the EQE SUV is an incredibly maneuverable SUV with a turning circle of 12.3 metres (or down to 10.5 metres if you opt for rear axle steering). It has ample style and ‘ampler’ sophistication. But then there’s the EQE AMG 53 SUV, which is a whole different kettle of fish (or fush if you’re a Kiwi).
The EQE 53 AMG, is the third full-production AMG EQ model developed by AMG, and is the first AMG SUV model too. Based upon their EVA2 platform, the EQE 53 has been AMG-ised with regard to suspension, braking, powertrain, styling and also interior appointments – so be prepared to be impressed.
From a styling perspective, the AMG 53 has a black panel grille up front with chrome vertical struts, the bonnet badge is AMG rather than a 3-pointed star, and the performance SUV rests on 22-inch inch alloy wheels. Inside, you get Nappa leather sport seats with the embossed AMG logo on the headrests, Alcantara trim, Burmeister stereo sound, and my review model came with the giant hyper-screen option, so your co-pilot can fiddle with the likes of radio selection and all manner of Mercedes-EQ apps.
Powering this beast are two motors that have been fully developed by AMG, (460kW/950Nm) and create a zero to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds. However, should you want more, you can also opt for a Dynamic+ package which will increase the kilowatts to 505, newtons to 1000 and get a zero to 100 time of just 3.5 seconds. My EQE came with the standard, which is plenty.
Powering the two motors is a 90.5kWh battery that when fully charged (and driving sanely) offers up to 485km of range and for those that don’t like hanging around, it’ll also DC charge up to 170kW, so you’ll be on your way in no time.
But enough of all this trim and trappings talk, I had the keys and I intended to drive it, everywhere.
Now regardless of the powertrain option, the EQE SUV itself is a handful around town, however this is more in terms of its overall mass than any driving issues. It’s got a large footprint so navigating the likes of 277 Newmarket’s car park does elevate the heart rate. But the solution it would seem is to pay the extra and go for the AMG 53, it’s all-wheel steer has you fearlessly conquering tight spaces and has the added bonus of affixing the SUV to the tarmac when out on the rural roads – it’s a win, win. Let’s not talk about it taking up most of the parking space though.
The majority of my time with the powerful EQE was spent away from the town, and to be fair, this is where this SUV excels. Whether alone (my favorite time) or with the family on board, in Sports+ mode, the EQE 53 is out to thrill.
Off the mark, it thrusts forward at speeds that an executive SUV shouldn’t, with the launch control (foot on brake and foot to the floor with the accelerator) giving a Sci-Fi soundtrack to accompany your out of this world experience.
But it doesn’t end there, should you be looking to enter the twists and turns of greater Auckland with vigour, the air suspension with adaptive damping, (which can raise the height of the vehicle by 30mm), rear wheel steer and smart AMG traction control combo, lets you feel like you’re talented enough to take up Lewis Hamilton’s soon-to-be vacated seat (I shudder to think what I’d be like without the aids).
Visibility is good, in fact superior to the Sedan model and not just because of its elevated stance, while the brakes are satisfyingly firm, with multiple regen-modes available via the steering column paddles. As expected, the steering wheel feels well shaped for the hand and the steering itself is confidently heavy.
But it’s not all about the performance, ok it is, but when it’s not, the AMG EQE 53 doubles as a refined and quiet drive that comes with a raft of Mercedes-Benz goodies to ease your commute and keep all occupants safe. For example, although there wasn’t a massage function on the front seats, a quick tap into the comfort settings has both seats twitching in all manner of directions, this ensures you remain awake and alert apparently.
It’ll assist with your parking, keep you in the centre of your lane and alert you to any potential dangers without scaring you in the process, and it’ll even emergency brake should you not be paying attention.
So the EQE AMG performs well both in the city and out of town, but I’m sure you’re wondering how the battery lasted (after all I wasn’t being soft on the accelerator). Well, I picked it up boasting 441km at 99% and returned it with 155km/37% left – which by my calculations would equate to 420km. Of course neither figures are the brochure’s 485km but with a lighter right foot, I believe it’s possible.
There is a train of thought that a performance SUV is a bit of an oxymoron, after all, an SUV should be more about practicality right? But I would counter this by saying that many of us want the glee of more performance (regardless of what the vehicle is). And let’s face it, if you’re going to have a 950Nm performance SUV, it’s hard not to be impressed with the style and gut-wrenching speed of the EQE AMG 53!
