Mercedes-Benz has whipped the wraps off its latest fully electric model, dubbed the EQE SUV. And there are suitably rapid Mercedes-AMG versions, too…

Meet the new fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, which the Stuttgart-based firm describes as the “multi-purpose variant of the EQE executive saloon”. Of course, Mercedes-AMG is also in on the action, creating what it terms the “most versatile model from Affalterbach with a purely battery-electric drive system”.

So, exactly how big is the newcomer? Well, it measures 4 863 mm long, 1 940 mm wide and stands 1 686 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3 030 mm (interestingly,90 mm shorter than that of the EQE sedan). It rides on the same all-electric platform as the EQE-badged sedan, the EQS saloon and the EQS SUV (on wheels ranging in diameter from 19 to 22 inches), and will likewise be produced at the brand’s factory in Alabama in the United States.

The range comprises three powertrain variants – each using a 10-module, 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack – as well as a further two fettled by Mercedes-AMG (but more on that later). The EQE 350+ is rear driven, with total system outputs sitting at 215 kW and 565 Nm. Claimed range on the WLTP cycle comes in at up to 590 km. Then there’s the all-wheel-drive 215 kW/765 Nm EQE 350 4Matic (with a single-charge range topping out at 558 km) and the 300 kW/858 Nm EQE 500 4Matic (which the German firm claims can travel up to 547 km on one charge).

The EQE SUV employs a 4-link suspension system up front and an independent multi-link arrangement at the rear. Mercedes-Benz claims the newcomer feels “particularly agile and manoeuvrable”, though also offers air suspension with continuously adjustable damping as an optional extra, along with rear axle steering (both standard, though in tweaked form, on AMG variants).

Another extra is the massive MBUX Hyperscreen that debuted in the EQS saloon. Tick this box and three displays merge into one another under a single pane of glass to create a screen band measuring more than 1 410 mm wide. That includesa 12.3-inch OLED display with its own user interface for the front passenger. Joining a growing trend in the luxury segment, the standard interior is free of leather.

Mercedes-AMG versions of the new EQE SUV

So, what about the variants from Affalterbach we mentioned earlier? Well, billed as the first all-electric performance SUV model from the AMG stable, the go-faster version will be available in two flavours, both using a pair of AMG-specific permanently excited synchronous electric motors and fully variable all-wheel drive. The first is the EQE 43 4Matic, which generates 350 kW and 858 Nm, and will sprint from zero to 100 kph in a claimed 4.3 seconds (before topping out at 210 kph). Single-charge range for this derivative tops out at a claimed 488 km. For the record, kerb weight comes in at 2 600 kg.

Then there’s the EQE 53 4Matic+, which features the same 90.6 kWh battery pack as other models in the line-up, but boasts more powerful electric motors, generating peak outputs of 460 kW and 950 Nm (or 505 kW and 1 000 Nm with the AMG Dynamic Plus package selected). The listed 0-100 kph sprint time is 3.5 seconds, the maximum speed 220 kph (or optionally 240 kph),the range up to 470 km and the kerb weight 2 690 kg.

Other AMG-specific features for both models include a special roll-stabilisation system, suspension tune, braking system (plus a ceramic composite option) and sound animation. From the outside, you’ll notice the black panel grille (with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome), the AMG emblem on the bonnet and the sportier front apron, painted in the body colour. Inside, you’ll find a flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel (in Nappa leather), silver-coloured aluminium paddles, AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and door-sill panels featuring the brand’s lettering.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa says the new EQE SUV will go on sale locally at some point in 2023, with range, specifications and pricing set to be announced closer to the on-sale date. The local Mercedes-Benz EQ line-up already includes the EQA, EQB, EQC and EQS sedan, with the EQE sedan and EQS SUV still on the way.