Mercedes-Benz has disclosed plans to introduce the EQE SUV in India on September 15, adding to its electric vehicle lineup that already features the EQB SUV and EQS sedan. This forthcoming release, built on Mercedes’ EVA (electric vehicle architecture) platform, is part of the brand’s initiative to introduce four new EVs in India by March 2024. The EQE SUV shares its foundation with the EQE sedan and is expected to be succeeded by the EQS SUV.
In terms of powertrain, battery, and range, the EQE SUV is available in several configurations worldwide, all powered by a 90.6kWh battery capable of supporting up to 170kW of DC fast charging. Variants include the entry-level EQE 350+ with a single-motor rear-wheel-drive setup producing 292hp and 565Nm of torque, offering a WLTP-certified range of up to 590km. Above this, the EQE 350 4Matic delivers 292hp with 765Nm of torque and a range of up to 538km. The EQE 500 4Matic, the top model in the non-AMG category, provides 408hp, 858Nm of torque, and a range of up to 521km. Both the EQE 350 4Matic and EQE 500 4Matic feature a standard dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.
The Mercedes-AMG version, comprising EQE 43 4Matic and EQE 53 4Matic+ trims, incorporates a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The former generates 476hp and 858Nm, achieving a range of up to 488km in the WLTP cycle. Acceleration from 0-100kph takes a claimed 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 210kph. The higher-tier Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ produces 617hp and 950Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-100kph in a claimed 3.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 240kph. Its claimed range stands at 490km.
The specific EQE versions headed to India have not been officially announced by Mercedes and will be unveiled during the launch event.
In terms of design, the EQE SUV maintains the distinctive look seen in other EQ models, featuring sleek surfaces, clean lines, and EV-specific design elements such as aero-optimized wheels and a sealed-off grille. AMG variants sport unique styling cues, including a Panamerica-style grille, restyled bumpers, and distinct wheel designs.
Inside, the five-seat SUV offers two dashboard layout options. The ‘Hyperscreen’ layout supports up to three individual displays in a single 1,410mm-wide fascia panel as an optional feature. Regular versions have a design reminiscent of the S-Class, with a vertical touchscreen down the center of the dashboard and a floating standalone digital instrument cluster.
The displays are integrated with Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX operating system, which supports conversational speech commands through a “Hey Mercedes” prompt and over-the-air software updates via an embedded SIM card.
Upon its release, the Mercedes EQE SUV will compete against rivals such as the Audi Q8 e-tron SUV and the BMW iX in India. Whether Mercedes will import the EQE SUV to India or assemble it locally remains to be seen, potentially impacting its pricing. While the EQS 580 is assembled locally, the EQS 53 4Matic and EQB SUVs are imported as completely built units (CBUs).
