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By Jonathan Crouch

Mercedes ramps up its range of large EV models with this EQE SUV. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 70

If you're planning to switch out of a large combustion-engined Mercedes SUV any time soon in favour of a full-battery model, then this is the car the brand wants you to look at, the EQE SUV. Obviously based on the EQE EV saloon, it faces tough Crossover segment competition but delivers much of the elegant luxury you get in the company's top EQS SUV in a slightly more accessible package.

Backgroundword count: 152

The EQE SUV. Of all the large fully electric models Mercedes has recently introduced on its latest second-generation Electric Vehicle Architecture platform, this one is the most important. When the S-Class-sized EQS and E-Class-sized EQE saloons were introduced, we were told each would have a separate SUV derivative. Sure enough, the EQS SUV arrived in mid-2022 to compete in Range Rover SUVIP territory. And was followed a few months after by our subject here, the EQE SUV. This model has a far tougher task, taking on accomplished bigger volume large-sized EV players like the Jaguar I-PACE, the BMW iX, the Audi Q8 and the Polestar 3. Mercedes sees it as an electric version of its combustion GLE SUV and a different kind of car to its other large full-battery models. The idea is to aim at younger customers, but with pricing pushing up towards six figures, they'll need to be successful people.

Driving Experienceword count: 294

In terms of powertrain, things kick off with a rear-driven EQE SUV 350+ variant with a 288hp output, which offers 765Nm of torque and up to 376 miles of range from its 96kWh battery. If you choose the same car with 4MATIC AWD, you get the same power and torque outputs, but extra weight and use of a smaller 91kWh battery means range falls to a best of 339 miles. There's also an EQE SUV 500 4MATIC derivative with 402bhp, 858Nm of torque and up to 362 miles of range from its 96kWh battery. In addition, customers are also offered a 4MATIC Mercedes-AMG sporting model - the AMG EQE 53, which can offer 617bhp with 950Nm of torque, makes 62mph in 3.7s en route to 137mph and can manage up to 280 miles of range from its 91kWh battery. Performance further down the range is adequate but can be a little under-whelming in the 350 models, thanks to their prodigious kerb weight (at least 2,580kg). The 500 4MATIC variant is far more satisfying in this regard, improving the base version's 6.9s 0-62mph time to 4.9s. For these stats, you'll need to select the sharpest 'Sport' driving mode (one of four available); you'll need to spend most of your time in either 'Comfort' or 'Eco' if you're to get anywhere near the quoted EV range figures - though the standard heat pump helps to preserve driving mileage in really cold weather. All UK EQE SUV models get AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping, which you should find copes very well with the UK's appalling tarmac. Expect refinement to be excellent, aided by slippery aerodynamics. Owners may also like the range of selectable drive sounds - like 'Serene Breeze', which Mercedes claims sounds 'relaxed and natural'.

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