Used 2023 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-EQ EQE SUV

If you can get past the confusing name of the Mercedes-EQ EQE SUV, it’s a terrific electric luxury SUV. In Mercedes-Benz parlance, the “E” designation indicates that it’s a mid-size SUV, and “EQ” means it’s electric. But enough about the name; the EQE SUV’s many merits include one of the most luxurious interiors in its class, swift acceleration, and cutting-edge technology. Its top rivals in premium electric SUVs this size include the Audi Q8 e-tron, Cadillac Lyriq, and pricier BMW iX.

The EQE 350 models will scoot to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds, which is more accelerative ability than many drivers will ever tap into. Indeed, we’ve found the EQE SUV to be at its best when pulling away from a stop with that buttery, effortless alacrity we love in most EVs, or cruising oh so quietly and comfortably down the highway. The ride can be a bit choppier than that of its gas-powered counterpart, the GLE, with the battery-laden EQE outweighing it by about 900 pounds. And believe it or not, we’ve found the Cadillac Lyriq to offer better ride, handling and responsiveness overall.

A couple buying notes: We’d highly recommend the agility-enhancing rear-wheel steering option for a mere $1,300. We’d also pop for the $1,100 Acoustic Comfort Package, which adds laminated glass up front and delivers an exceptionally hushed cabin.

And if you’re looking for a little more excitement, the more powerful EQE 500 will hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

The interior of the EQE SUV follows the lead of the bigger EQS SUV. We love the supremely comfortable seats and top-notch material quality with details like a unique rose gold vent band, a signature of the Mercedes-EQ line of SUVs. We found plenty of room in the rear seats and cargo area, but if you want 3-row seating, you’ll have to upgrade to the EQS SUV.

Electric vehicles often showcase the latest in automotive technology, and the EQE SUV is no exception. One of the first things we noticed when stepping inside is the MBUX infotainment system. It intuitively controls music, navigation, vehicle functions, and more. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant made it easy to control the MBUX system while keeping our focus on the road.

The infotainment system is upgradable to the futuristic Hyperscreen. It’s one display that spans the whole width of the dashboard, with three screens housed underneath. There’s a massive center infotainment screen, a digital gauge cluster, and a passenger screen that can control audio, comfort settings, and more.

To ensure the EQE SUV remains at the cutting edge of automotive tech, it can receive over-the-air updates in a number of functional areas.

Designed with aerodynamics in mind, the EQE SUV has a smooth and curvy shape that bucks the trend of boxy SUVs. It’s not for everyone, but we think it has a premium, high-tech aesthetic.

The EQE SUV is slightly smaller than the gas-powered Mercedes-Benz GLE, about the same size as the Audi Q8 e-tron, and bigger than the Tesla Model Y.

Hyperscreen
The available Hyperscreen is a massive curved glass surface with three screens underneath. It has a digital gauge cluster, an intuitive center infotainment screen, and a passenger screen that can control audio, climate, and more.

Augmented reality
With this optional feature, arrows and street names are superimposed over a live view of the road to assist with navigation. This futuristic feature is standard on the Exclusive and Pinnacle trims.

4-wheel steering
Available rear-axle steering makes the Mercedes EQE SUV more maneuverable than most SUVs this size. It has a maximum steering angle of 10 degrees, giving the EQE SUV added stability at highway speeds and the tight turning radius of a much smaller SUV around town. We love it.

Driver Assistance Package
This optional safety tech suite bundles a long list of driver assistance and safety features like Distronic adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and automatic lane changing.

Burmester sound system
The standard Burmester audio system brings outstanding sound quality to the cabin of the EQE SUV. Dolby Atmos technology creates an immersive surround sound effect, further enhancing the experience.

Airmatic air suspension
This optional air suspension system comes with the ADS+ active damping system. This improves on-road performance and comfort and enhances off-road capabilities.

The EQE 350+ is powered by a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, and it gets the best range in the EQE SUV lineup. The AWD-equipped EQE 350 4Matic adds a second motor powering the front wheels and turning up the torque rating, but it has the same total horsepower output as the EQE 350+.

Meanwhile, all EQE 500 models use a dual-motor powertrain and turn up the performance by a factor of more than 100 horsepower, with an almost negligible compromise in range.

As for charging times, Mercedes-Benz claims you can charge the EQE SUV from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 32 minutes at a DC fast charging station. With Level 2 charging at home, you’ll likely be able to get close to a full charge overnight.

EQE 350
90.6 kWh battery
288 horsepower
417 lb-ft of torque (EQE 350+), 564 lb-ft (EQE 350 4Matic)
Estimated range: 279 miles (EQE 350+), 253 miles (EQE 350 4Matic)

EQE 500
90.6 kWh battery
402 horsepower
633 lb-ft of torque
Estimated range: 269 miles

More EQE SUV range and efficiency information is available on the EPA’s website.

10-Year/155,000-Mile Battery Warranty

On top of the 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty you get with every Mercedes-Benz model, the battery in the EQE SUV is covered by an extensive 10-year/155,000-mile warranty.