Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ SUV

Mercedes-Benz’s seventh EQ model in its electric vehicle (EV) range, the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, updated with new variants for the Malaysian market. 

Akin to the EQS and EQE sedans, the luxury e-SUV is also built on the Mercedes-Benz Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA2) platform.

Fully-imported (CBU - United States), it now comes in three variants. EQE 350+ Electric Art Line (MYR 398,888 - new), EQE 350+ AMG Line (MYR 448,888 - new) and EQE 500 4MATIC (MYR 485,888 - existing).

Prices (OTR, w/o insurance) include a four-year, unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty, and a 10-year/250,000 KM drive battery warranty.

Exterior colours (standard/MANUFAKTUR - High-Tech Silver, Obsidian Black, Selenite Grey, Sodalite Blue/Alpine Grey Solid, Diamond White Bright). 

Futuristic and premium, the cockpit of the new EQE SUV has a cascading and two-sectioned (upper, lower) design dashboard with variant-specific interior treatment.

The Electric Art Interior (EQE 350+ Electric Art Line) sees single-tone (Black/Space Grey) ARTICO man-made leather/NEOTEX grain (upper/lower section) with double topstitching upholstery.

The AMG Line Interior (EQE 350+ AMG Line, EQE 500 4MATIC) sees dual-tone (Black-Space Grey) ARTICO man-made leather/NEOTEX grain (upper/lower section) with red topstitching upholstery and Brown Open-Pore Magnolia Wood trims.

Standard is the laser-cut backlit Mercedes-Benz pattern (aluminium - EQE 350+ AMG Line, EQE 500 4MATIC) trim (middle section), and the high-rising centre console (Black fine-structure).

Filling-in the layout are the floating displays (MBUX Multimedia System - instrument cluster/infotainment), full-width slim/turbine-designed (centre/sides) air-conditioning vents (metallised-finish) and ambient lighting system (64-colour active).

Elsewhere, velour/AMG floor mats (EQE 350+ Electric Art Line/EQE 350+ AMG Line, EQE 500 4MATIC) and AMG sports pedals (brushed stainless steel - EQE 350+ AMG Line, EQE 500 4MATIC).

Overall, the dash is well designed. Every accessibility is within reach, purposefully arranged, and driver-/passenger-oriented.

Part of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system, installed is a 12.3-Inch fully-digital instrument cluster (customisable layout).

Variants EQE 350+ AMG Line and EQE 500 4MATIC add on a Head-Up Display (HUD).

Interior of the five-seater gets variant-specific treatment. Electric Art Interior (EQE 350+ Electric Art Line) and AMG Line Interior (EQE 350+ AMG Line, EQE 500 4MATIC). 

The former sees NEOTEX/ARTICO man-made leather upholstery, in a single-tone (Black/Space Grey) colour scheme.

The latter sees ARTICO man-made leather/MICROCUT-microfibre with red topstitching upholstery, in a dual-tone (Black-Space Grey) colour scheme.

Variant EQE 350+ Electric Art Line features electronic-powered (front - multi-way, lumbar, multi-contour, memory, climate, occupancy sensor) Comfort seats.

Variants EQE 350+ AMG Line and EQE 500 4MATIC feature electronic-powered (front - multi-way, lumbar, multi-contour, memory, climate, occupancy sensor) Sports seats.

Standard, the rear features a bolstered bench seat (button-operated configurations - backrest recline, 40:20:40 split-fold).

Included is a set of armrests (front - centre console, rear - centre seat fold-out), and sun shades (pull-out - EQE 350+ AMG Line, EQE 500 4MATIC).

Completing the environment is a black fabric headliner, and a panoramic glass sunroof (electric - tilt/slide - EQE 350+ AMG Line, EQE 500 4MATIC).

Due to its bulbous designed body, it has a spacious cabin offering plenty of head-, shoulder- and leg-room with ample mobility for front and rear occupants.

Notably, the space is courtesy of the long wheelbase, and the design-related elimination of the gearbox tunnel.

Mounted is a three-spoke-flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, in Black ARTICO man-made leather (EQE 350+ Electric Art Line) and Black Nappa leather (EQE 350+ AMG Line, EQE 500 4MATIC) with Silver trims.

Features are multi-switches (haptic-touch - media, vehicle settings), electronic column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and paddle shifters (Silver-Chrome - EQE 350+ Electric Art Line, Galvanised Silver-Chrome - EQE 350+ AMG Line, EQE 500 4MATIC).

Aiding the drive is an Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system.

Numerous storage areas. E.g., centre console partitioned/caverned spaces with under-stowage, a glove box, and seat back/side door pockets.

Provided are four flex cup holders (front, rear), and four bottle holders (side doors).

Comprehensive, equipped is the USB Package Plus (six USB ports), a 12 V power socket, and a wireless charger.

The boot comes with the EASY-PACK tailgate feature, enabling a contactless function (foot sensor, key fob) that opens up to 580-Litres (rear seats up) and 1,675-Litres (rear seats down) of load space.

Also included is the EASY-PACK load compartment cover, and side bags (rear).

Weighing in at 2,560 KG, the new EQE SUV stands at 4,863 MM long, 2,141 MM wide, 1,685 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 3,030 MM.

Commandingly luxurious, its exterior parades a rounded, seamless and clean design with variant-specific EQ stylings.

The front-end sees a bonnet with the Merc’s powerdomes, soft-sculpted fenders, a fully-covered Black panel grille, and a headlamp connecting light band.

Variant EQE 350+ Electric Art Line gets the Electric Art Exterior kit, featuring a modest bumper with Black clean lower/side intakes and Silver Chrome trims (bumper, door, beltline, window). 

Variants EQE 350+ AMG Line and EQE 500 4MATIC get the AMG Line Exterior kit, featuring an AMG-specific bumper with Black slatted lower/side intakes, High-Gloss Chrome trims (bumper, door, beltline, window), and Black side skirts.

Solid and curvaceously-sculpted, its silhouette extends the smoothly-dynamic appeal with a jointless and unison design.

The rear-end sees a slightly sloping Black roofline, a sharply-simple boot-lid spoiler, smoothly-muscular fenders, and a bulbous tailgate with a light band.

Variant EQE 350+ Electric Art Line gets the Electric Art Exterior kit, featuring a standard body-coloured bumper with grained Black lower fitment and Silver Chrome trims (bumper, door, beltline, window).

Variants EQE 350+ AMG Line and EQE 500 4MATIC get AMG Line Exterior kit, featuring an AMG-specific body-coloured bumper with Black lower fitment, High-Gloss Chrome trims (bumper, door, beltline, window), and lit running boards (aluminium-look).

The fiercely framed Digital Light headlamps are angularly-smooth-edged. Installed are full LED units.

Standard features are LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Adaptive High-beam Assist Plus, projection function, automatic On/Off and sequential turn signals.

The tail lamps are in a lightbar design, full-width with a narrowly-slim centre and widely-wraparound edges, featuring curved 3D helix light graphics.

Installed are full LED units with sequential turn signals.

Fitted are two-tone (lower section - Black, upper section - body-colour) side mirrors with electronic-power (auto-fold, adjust). 

Standard features are sequential turn signals, blind spot-indicators, and automatic dimming (Mirror Package).

Equipped is a set of ventilated disc brakes (front, rear). Drive is aided by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold.

Variant EQE 350+ Electric Art Line cruises on a set of 20-Inch EA five-twin-spoke light-alloy rims, wrapped in 255/45 R20 (front, rear) Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 tyres.

Variant EQE 350+ AMG Line surges on a set of 20-Inch AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy rims, wrapped in 255/45 R20 (front, rear) Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 tyres.

Variant EQE 500 4MATIC dashes on a set of 21-Inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy rims, rubbered-up in 265/40 R21 (front, rear) Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 tyres.

The new EQE SUV features the following sets of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Under Driving Assistance Package Plus, grouped are Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Extended Automatic Re-start in Traffic Jams, PRE-SAFE system, Evasive Manoeuvre Support, PRE-SAFE Impulse Side, Rear Sensors for Lane Departure Assistant, GUARD 360-degree Vehicle Protection and Interior Monitoring System. Under Parking Package, included are 360-degree camera, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, and transparent bonnet.

Others include blind-spot monitoring, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop/Go, and Hill-Start Assist (HSA).

Passive safety comprises nine airbags (driver-passenger, driver knee, front side, front-rear curtain), airbag disable function, seat belts (reminders, pretensioners, anchors), ISOFIX (two - outer rear seats), passive person presence reminder, acoustic presence reminder, impact beams (side, front), Break-in resistant heat and noise-insulated and infrared-reflecting laminated safety glass, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold, parking cameras (reverse, 360-degree), parking sensors (six - front, rear), auto-dimming rear-view mirrors (interior, exterior), Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, TIREFIT, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and security alarm (anti-theft, engine immobiliser).

Multiple drive modes available via the DYNAMIC SELECT program (ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, INDIVIDUAL, OFFROAD). 

Alternatively, via Recuperative Braking (D+, D, D-, Gliding (Shift Pedals), DAuto, Eco Assist - One-Pedal-Driving).

Part of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system, it sees a vertically-mounted (portrait) 12.8-Inch OLED infotainment central display.

The setup supports multimedia, MBUX navigation premium, MBUX augmented reality navigation, hard-disc navigation, extended MBUX functions, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, fingerprint scanner (MBUX custom drive settings), voice/gesture/steering controls, and climate control.

Entertainment is channelled via a 15-speaker (710 W) Burmester 3D surround sound system. 

Nestled in the new EQE SUV are two variant-specific electric powertrain (eATS) setups.

Variants EQE 350+ Electric Art Line and EQE 350+ AMG Line feature one (rear-mounted) electric motor (Permanently Excited Synchronous Motor - PSM), generating 215 KW (292 HP) of max power and 565 NM of max torque.

Variant EQE 500 4MATIC features two (front-rear-mounted) electric motors (Permanently Excited Synchronous Motor - PSM), producing 300 KW (408 HP) of max power and 858 NM of max torque.

Churning the electric drivetrain (eATS) is a single-speed (fixed ratio) automatic transmission.

Variants EQE 350+ Electric Art Line and EQE 350+ AMG Line transmit power to the rear wheels, via a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) system.

Variant EQE 500 4MATIC surges power to all four wheels, via Mercedes’ 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, featuring a Torque Shift function.

Variants EQE 350+ AMG Line and EQE 500 4MATIC incorporate a rear-axle steering system.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 KM/H is done in 6.7 seconds (EQE 350+ Electric Art Line, EQE 350+ AMG Line) and 4.9 seconds (EQE 500 4MATIC). 

Top speed is electronically-capped at 210 KM/H (EQE 350+ Electric Art Line, EQE 350+ AMG Line).

Juicing-up the e-motor is a floor-mounted 90.56 KWH Lithium-Ion battery (400 V, 10 cells), enabling up to 596 KM (EQE 350+ Electric Art Line, EQE 350+ AMG Line) and 552 KM (EQE 500 4MATIC) of driving range (WLTP).

AC charging (Type 2 - 22 KW) takes 4.75 hours for a 0% to 100% State of Charge (SoC). DC charging (CCS2 - 170 KW) takes 32 minutes for a 10% to 80% SoC.

Charging equipment consists of a 5.0 M charging cable (home-use wallbox, public charging station). 

The new EQE SUV gets these conveniences.

E.g., KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package (keyless go/hands-free access, flush door handles, engine Start/Stop button), Easy-Pack tailgate (contactless - foot sensor, remote, key fob, remote boot lid closing, independent boot locking), EASY-PACK load compartment cover, Comfort/Sports seats (front - electronic-powered - multi-way, lumbar, multi-contour, memory, climate, occupancy sensor), rear bench seat (button-operated configurations - backrest recline, 40:20:40 split-fold), THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control (rear-vents, dedicated controls, ENERGIZING Package, AIR BALANCE Package), sports steering wheel (multi-function, electric column adjustments, paddle shifters, EPAS), Mirror Package (auto-dimming interior/exterior rear-view mirrors, blind-spot indicators), Interior Light Package (reading, boot, active ambient), Memory Package (front seats, exterior/interior mirrors), USB Package (multiple ports), wireless charger, MBUX multimedia system (instrument cluster - AR Navigation, HUD/central infotainment - fingerprint scanner, voice/gesture, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), Acoustic Comfort Package (laminated glass - heat-, noise-insulating, infrared-reflecting), panoramic glass sunroof (electric - tilt/slid), sun shades (pull-out), automatic headlamps (On/Off/high-beam), automatic wipers (intermittent, rain sensing), parking cameras (reverse, 360-degree), parking sensors (six - front, rear), and illuminated door sills (‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering).

Ride comfortability feels flexible and firm at the same time, delivering high-power density, high efficiency and high-power reliability. 

Installed is a multi-link suspension setup, incorporating Comfort suspension (EQE 350+ Electric Art Line) and AIRMATIC Air suspension (EQE 350+ AMG Line, EQE 500 4MATIC) systems.

The latter, the Mercedes AIRMATIC with Adaptive Damping System (ADS+) air suspension, controls the level of the vehicle to vary in line with the speed, which in turn increases the range when driving fast.

Notably, its ground clearance is 25 MM raisable at speeds of up to 80 KM/H, while in Comfort and Sport modes, it is automatically lowered by 10 MM and 15 MM, respectively.

The build is very well equipped to offer a high level of NVH comfort (Noise, Vibration, Harshness). 

First factor is the aero-acoustic measures used at reducing wind, tyre and road noises, which include the installation of heat-, noise-insulating and infrared-reflecting acoustic laminated glass.

Second factor is the electric powertrain (eATS), featuring magnets arranged inside the rotors in an NVH-optimised way (known as sheet metal cut), along with a special foam mat all-around as an NVH cover.

Overall, the cabin is able to suppress unwanted noises well and make them barely noticeable, in most of the day-to-day driving environment.

The new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV exudes an all-around sophisticated outlook. Its smooth and seamless silhouette is simply electrifying.

Stepping inside is like stepping into the future, with its high-tech cockpit layout and the overall avant-garde premium-designed cabin.

Overall, the build quality is excellent, and with its energising powertrain, Mercedes-Benz’s new e-SUV is really well suited for the luxury executive segment.