Front three quarter view of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV.Image: Stephen Edelstein / Digital Trends
With the surge in EV production, automakers are now focusing on creating engaging electric vehicles that prioritize driving pleasure. Mercedes-Benz, with its performance division AMG, is leading this charge. For over five decades, AMG has transformed Mercedes luxury cars into high-performance machines, and they’re now applying this expertise to EVs. Following the AMG versions of the EQS and EQE sedans, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV presents a new challenge: balancing performance with the inherent characteristics of an SUV, like a higher center of gravity and increased weight. In a crowded electric SUV market, the AMG EQE SUV has the potential to be a groundbreaking model or just another forgettable entry.
Design and Interior Enhancements
Front-end close up of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV.Image: Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends
AMG models are known for their understated elegance, often resembling their standard Mercedes counterparts with subtle performance-inspired tweaks. This design philosophy continues with the AMG EQE SUV. While maintaining the overall shape of the standard EQE SUV, the AMG variant adds subtle yet impactful design elements. The front fascia features a black panel with vertical bars reminiscent of gasoline-powered AMG models. Sportier wheels and aerodynamic enhancements further distinguish the AMG version. The rounded design, optimized for aerodynamic efficiency and maximizing EV range, might not be universally appealing, but it differentiates the AMG EQE SUV from the larger EQS SUV.
The interior largely mirrors the luxurious and modern design of the base EQE SUV, which is a positive. Despite its performance focus, the AMG EQE SUV doesn’t compromise on comfort, offering plush leather seats ideal for long journeys.
Advanced Tech and Infotainment Features
Interior of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV.Image: Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends
The AMG EQE SUV boasts the impressive MBUX Hyperscreen, a 56-inch continuous glass panel housing three independent displays: a digital instrument cluster, a central touchscreen, and a front-passenger touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration enhance connectivity. The intuitive MBUX infotainment system, with its “Zero Layer” concept displaying key functions as tiles over a map, ensures ease of use. The highly reliable voice recognition system remains a benchmark in automotive technology.
Unique to the AMG model, the displays can also analyze performance data. The instrument cluster features a G-meter, providing real-time feedback on the vehicle’s dynamics. Passengers can monitor energy flow between the electric motors or utilize a virtual IWC stopwatch.
Driver-assist features are comprehensive, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-jam assist. While most features performed flawlessly, the lane-change assist occasionally exhibited unexpected behavior.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
One of the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUVImage: Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends
The AMG EQE SUV features dual electric motors, one per axle, delivering a combined output of 617 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque. Race Start mode temporarily boosts output to 677 hp and 738 lb-ft, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in an estimated 3.4 seconds. The top speed reaches 149 mph. The 90.6 kWh battery pack remains consistent with other EQE SUV models.
AMG enhancements include an air suspension with adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and an electromechanical anti-roll system. Upgraded brakes and various drive modes (Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual) further enhance performance. An artificial soundtrack replaces traditional engine noise, but its robotic moan might not appeal to everyone.
Despite its impressive performance figures, the AMG EQE SUV isn’t the most engaging EV to drive. Its width and less-than-precise steering can make navigating narrow roads challenging. While cornering is efficient, the driving experience feels somewhat detached.
Range, Charging, and Safety Considerations
Digital instrument cluster in the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV.Image: Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends
Official range figures for the AMG EQE SUV are yet to be released, but they are unlikely to exceed the 300-mile estimate for the standard models. DC fast charging at up to 170 kW allows for a 10% to 80% charge in under 40 minutes. Level 2 AC charging is rated at 9.6 kW. Mercedes plans to launch a dedicated charging network, promising a superior experience compared to existing third-party options.
Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA are pending. Warranty coverage is expected to align with other Mercedes models, including a four-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty and a 10-year/155,000-mile battery warranty.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender, but Not Without Alternatives
Rear three quarter view of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV.Image: Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends
The AMG EQE SUV undeniably enhances the standard model with increased power and refined driving dynamics. The luxurious interior and advanced infotainment system remain strong points. While it may not be the ultimate performance EV, it represents a compelling option. However, prospective buyers should consider alternatives like the AMG EQE sedan, Lucid Air, Tesla Model S, Audi e-tron GT, and Porsche Taycan, which offer a more focused driving experience. Within the electric luxury SUV segment, competitors include the BMW iX M60 and Tesla Model X, with forthcoming models like the all-electric Porsche Cayenne and Lotus Eletre posing future challenges.
