2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE500 SUV
The 2024 Mercedes EQE500 SUV is yet another entry in Mercedes’ realm of electric vehicles, representing Mercedes-Benz's ambitious stride into a greener future. Like many manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz has been on a bit of an EV roll lately.
This SUV marries the brand's long-standing tradition of luxury and engineering excellence with the latest in electric propulsion technology. Aimed at setting new benchmarks for what an electric SUV can be, it blends the functionality and ruggedness of an SUV with the eco-consciousness and innovation of electric mobility.
What Is It?
Mercedes-Benz's "EQ" sub-brand is dedicated solely to electric vehicles, representing the company's vision for a sustainable future while retaining the luxury and performance synonymous with its name.
The EQE500 SUV, part of this electric vehicle lineup, is designed to merge advanced EV technology with the familiar luxury and comfort of a traditional Mercedes SUV. Positioned between the compact EQC and the larger EQS SUV, the EQE500 aims to offer an ideal balance of size, range, and performance.
The EQE500 SUV not only aims to fulfill the current demand for sustainable luxury vehicles in the mid-sized SUV segment, but also seeks to inspire future developments in the EV landscape.
That being said though, storm clouds have been forming around the pro-EV movement, and Mercedes is rumoured to be shunting some investment that was originally slated for EV development and moving it back into high tech combustion engine development. This is in order for newer ICE engines to meet ever tightening emissions regulations.
First introduced for the 2023 model year, the EQE500 is the SUV variant of the EQE500 sedan, both of which share the same EVA platform as the larger Mercedes EQS vehicles.
The EQE’s aerodynamic design presents a visually striking silhouette that contributes to improved efficiency and an extended driving range. In my eyes, it works more successfully than the larger EQS SUV model, due to its more compact nature.
Electric Vehicle Drivetrain Technology
The platform shared across the EQE models is Mercedes-Benz's dedicated electric vehicle architecture (codenamed EVA). This platform is designed from the ground up for electric vehicles, allowing for optimal battery placement and weight distribution. Mercedes says that this bespoke architecture not only supports excellent driving dynamics but also maximizes interior space, a significant advantage over traditional internal combustion engine platforms that have been adapted for electric use.
At the heart of the EQE500 SUV is a dual-motor setup that delivers a combined output of 402 horsepower and a whopping 633lb-ft of torque. The 90.6 kWh battery pack is a key component, offering a range of 433 kilometres on a single charge under ideal conditions
This substantial battery capacity places the EQE500 in a competitive position within the electric SUV market, appealing to those who prioritize long-distance driving capabilities. In ideal conditions, the EQE should be able to charge from 10 to 80 per cent on a DC charger in about 32 mins.
Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz says that towing capacity is rated at about 3,500 lbs, though this will significantly reduce the EQE500’s range.
Exterior Design
Mercedes-Benz has taken a futuristic approach to the EQE SUV, with smooth, flowing lines that enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamics. While many fellow journalists have criticized the look for being too curvaceous and generic, I feel that it is a rather seamless blend of modernity and functionality.
The shorter length of the EQE SUV versus the larger EQS SUV seems to help with the “bean” look that so many have been critical about.
Like its big brother EQS, the EQE500 features a bold front fascia with a closed-off grille, typical of electric vehicles, and a prominent Mercedes star logo. The sleek, sculpted bodywork is designed not only to be visually appealing but also to reduce drag, thereby improving efficiency and range.
Whether you like it or not, the EQE500 has a commanding presence on the road. The LED headlights and taillights provide a distinct lighting signature, different than the EQS, ensuring the EQE500 is instantly recognizable, day or night. The aerodynamically optimized wheels and flush door handles further contribute to the vehicle's sleek profile.
Mercedes is also one of the first manufacturers to take advantage of the updated Canadian lighting standards, allowing for “smart” matrix LED headlamps. These high definition matrix headlights build on LED technology by harnessing their power and precisely aiming the light where the car tells it to, sort of like a movie projector, using a combination of forward facing camera input and A.I.
The EQE500’s headlamps anticipate the driver’s needs, making driving in the dark simple, safe, and effortless. Using information captured by exterior cameras, the car detects traffic and road conditions and adapts to increase the driver’s vision by keeping the high beams on as much as practical without dazzling the oncoming cars.
Interior and Cabin Tech
Like the EQS, the EQE SUV is also available with the groundbreaking MBUX Hyperscreen, which stretches almost the width of the cabin. Mercedes says that this system is supposed to redefine the in-car digital experience, signaling a significant leap towards a fully integrated digital cockpit.
However, I was actually quite pleased that my test unit didn’t come with this rather expensive option as I wanted to see if it was a nice-to-have or an essential piece of the cabin tech.
Overall, the interior of the EQE500 SUV is a sanctuary of luxury and technological innovation. Without the MBUX Hyperscreen dominating the dashboard, I found that the normal MBUX screen still offered a seamless and intuitive user interface that integrates all vehicle functions. This technology platform, complemented by a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, ensures a driving experience that is not only luxurious and comfortable but also safe and effortlessly intuitive (once you get over the learning curve anyway).
I particularly liked the Mercedes-Benz stars on the matte plastic fascia on the passenger side dashboard, adding a unique and interesting alternative to the normal wood, aluminium trim, or piano black surfaces that seem to dominate most luxury cars these days. When combined with the ambient lighting at night, it looked expensive as befits the brand.
The interior is crafted from high-quality materials, including sustainable options that reflect Mercedes-Benz's commitment to environmentally conscious luxury. Again some have been critical about the plastic paneling being a bit creaky when pushed on, but in day-to-day driving, I could not hear any noises, making it a non-issue for me.
The seats are designed for comfort and support, featuring multiple adjustment options, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Mercedes’ fantastic multi-zone animated ambient lighting with 64 colour options enhances the cabin’s atmosphere, creating a soothing environment that can be customized to suit the mood or driving conditions.
My test EQE500 is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, ensuring an immersive audio experience. As with many EVs, an artificial “Jetsons” like soundtrack can be piped through this system, allowing for an even more visceral driving experience.
How Does It Drive?
On the road, the EQE500 SUV is a testament to Mercedes-Benz's engineering prowess. The vehicle's performance is characterized by instant torque delivery, smooth acceleration, and an exceptionally refined driving experience. . 0-100 km/hr acceleration times are officially rated at 4.9 seconds, though like most EVs, the monstrous torque makes it feel faster than on paper.
The suspension system, tuned to balance comfort with responsiveness, ensures that the vehicle remains composed and agile, even when navigating challenging road conditions. It’s fair to say that the EQE SUV feels remarkably similar to the EQE sedan, albeit with a higher driving position.
Still, the EQE feels heavy around corners, because it is heavy at over 5,600 lbs. Fortunately, as with most EVs, the battery pack is mounted low down, helping to lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity.
Comparatively, the EQE350, a more modest variant in the lineup, features a dual-motor setup as well but with a lower power output of 288 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque. It utilizes the same battery pack, though it’s tuned for slightly less performance-intensive applications, offering a balance between efficiency and power. The EQE350 is designed for those who may not need the full power and acceleration capabilities of the EQE500 but still desire the luxury and advanced technology of the EQE lineup.
While the EQE500 SUV excels in many areas, potential buyers should consider several aspects before making their decision. The focus on a comfortable ride may not satisfy those looking for a more engaging driving experience, as the vehicle prioritizes smoothness over sporty dynamics.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Mercedes EQE500 SUV is an extraordinary vehicle that epitomizes the future of luxury electric mobility. It showcases Mercedes-Benz's commitment to innovation, luxury, and sustainability, offering a compelling package for those in the market for a premium electric SUV, but at an equivalently premium price.
In the rapidly evolving electric SUV market, the EQE500 faces stiff competition from established and emerging brands alike. Its price point and feature set place it in direct competition with offerings from Audi, BMW, and Tesla, among others. Prospective buyers should carefully compare these vehicles to determine which best meets their needs and preferences.
Additionally, the EQE500's contemporary design, while sleek and modern, may not appeal to all tastes, especially those who prefer the traditional SUV aesthetics.
Furthermore, while the EQE500 offers a polished and refined driving experience, it may not deliver the exhilarating performance that some enthusiasts crave. The vehicle's emphasis on luxury and comfort, though a hallmark of the Mercedes-Benz brand, might not align with the expectations of those seeking a more visceral driving experience.
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow and evolve, the EQE500 SUV’s success will likely depend on its ability to attract buyers who value the unique blend of luxury, technology, and performance that Mercedes-Benz offers. As such, the EQE500 SUV is not just a vehicle; it is a statement about the future of driving, one that combines the best of Mercedes-Benz’s brand cache, tradition with the possibilities of tomorrow.