The Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 SUV is the grade-topping counterpart to the EQE Sedan that offers a performance-oriented zero emissions motoring experience in a crossover form factor.
Surprisingly, the 500 has slightly more compact dimensions than the four-door with a 90-millimetre shorter wheelbase. This results in a sporty-looking package complemented by the aggressive front bumper, side skirts, silver rear diffuser and available 21-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels (+ $1,430). Signature EQ elements like the full-length daytime running light LED bar and solid black panel grille are present.
I prefer the standard 12.8-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment display and the star-pattern dashboard in our loaner over the massive Hyperscreen add-on. The built-in Navigation with Electric Intelligence automatically calculates the quickest and most convenient route to a destination — factoring in charging stops along the way — and reacts to changes in traffic and operation style on the fly.
A fourth option, “Serene Breeze,” inspired by nature, has been added to the audio soundscapes menu, creating various relaxing driving moods. The Black/Space Grey leather is subtle and classy, though I’m disappointed to see the steering wheel paddle shifters made of plastic rather than alloy.
Dual electric motors with a combined output of 300 kilowatts translates into 402 horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque. Though the setup doesn’t feel as fast as the AMG EQE 4MATIC+ Sedan, it’s plenty to move the 5,665-pound SUV. However, the brake felt squishy and gave me a sense of how heavy the 500 was. The DYNAMIC SELECT programs of ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, INDIVIDUAL and OFFROAD allow tailoring of throttle and other vehicle settings to suit different tastes.
The suspension comprises a four-link front and an independent, multi-link rear. And due to the aforementioned short wheelbase, handling feels sharp for an EV crossover. The optional AIRMATIC air suspension can raise the vehicle to 30 millimetres when extra ground clearance is required. It also bundles ADS+ continuously adjustable damping, meaning the computer constantly reads the road conditions to soften or firm up the ride according to the environment.
Depending on conditions, the range is fairly generous, rated in the neighbourhood of 400 kilometres. This is thanks in part to a heat pump that warms the interior using waste heat generated by the propulsion unit, thus reducing the draw from the drive battery.
The battery's capacity is rated at 90.6 kilowatt-hours, and it takes over 10 hours for a full charge at Level 2. Level 3, at a maximum of 170 kilowatts, can get the EQE from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 32 minutes.
There are many electronic driver assistance aids onboard, including ATTENTION ASSIST, which utilizes an advanced algorithm with precision sensors to gauge user focus, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping systems, and more.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 SUV is manufactured at the Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama.
Motor: DUAL ELECTRIC
Horsepower: 402 (NET)
Torque (lb-ft): 633 (NET)
Gearbox: sINGLE-SPEED
AUTOMATIC
Layout: FRONT/REAR MOTOR,
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Fuel economy: 27.5 kWh/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)