2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV Review and Test Drive
Extreme performance in a luxurious electric SUV.
Perry Stern
Article QuickTakes:
Mercedes-Benz is continuing its steady transition to a lineup made exclusively of electric vehicles, and the latest to join the growing list of EVs is the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. Introduced for the 2023 model year, the EQE SUV is the electric counterpart to the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV. Like the GLE, the EQE SUV provides seating for up to five passengers with good cargo-carrying capability and robust performance. The midsize crossover SUV slots into the lineup between the other two Mercedes electric crossovers, the compact EQB and flagship EQS SUV.
For the 2024 model year, Mercedes turns up the heat by adding the AMG EQE SUV. AMG models deliver the highest performance in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and the AMG EQE is the first electric SUV to wear those three important letters. Like other AMG variants, the AMG EQE gets a powerful drivetrain, tuned suspension for excellent handling, and bold styling that stands out from the lesser EQE variants.
Perhaps the only missing AMG element is the growling exhaust that emanates from a quad-pipe exhaust system — the electric powertrain is practically silent and requires no exhaust outlets. However, Mercedes has tried to compensate for this deficiency with an artificial soundtrack playing through the cabin. It's a poor substitute for a real exhaust note, and if it's not the real thing, enjoying the quiet of the electric powertrain is a better option.
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As a proper AMG EV, this latest variant of the EQE SUV delivers better overall performance than many competing electric SUVs, including the Audi Q8 E-tron, BMW iX, and Cadillac Lyriq. The Tesla Model X can match the power delivery of the AMG EQE, but the Mercedes is considerably more luxurious than the Tesla. Ultimately, the AMG EQE SUV's closest competitor is the gas-powered BMW X5 M, which matches the EV's horsepower and impressive handling.
The AMG EQE SUV is part of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV lineup, including the EQE 350+, EQE 350 4Matic, and EQE 500 4Matic. Each is available with Premium, Exclusive, or Pinnacle trim packages, and base prices should range from the high $70,000s to the high $110,000s, including the destination charge to ship the EV from the factory in Vance, Alabama, to your local dealership.
For this EQE SUV review, Mercedes-Benz provided a 2024 EQE AMG SUV for evaluation in Redmond, Washington. The AMG is the top-level trim of the EQE SUV lineup, and my test vehicle came with additional options that included a Pinnacle trim package, two AMG Night appearance packages, an AMG Dynamic Plus package, and an Acoustic Comfort package. In addition, the test vehicle had AMG Track Pace, an AMG High Performance Ceramic Composite Braking System, Energizing Air Control Plus, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dash cam. The manufacturer's suggested retail price was $127,400, including the $1,150 destination charge.
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2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Review: The Design
Electric vehicle design can take on many forms, and every car company has a different idea of the appropriate direction. Brands such as BMW and Genesis have EVs that look almost exactly like their gas-powered counterparts, while Mercedes-Benz has created a unique style for its electric vehicles. The EQE SUV is a prime example of how Mercedes focuses on aerodynamics with a rounded design featuring smooth surfaces to maximize efficiency. While this look is somewhat bland, ultimately, this design results from form following function.
It may be an electric SUV, but the AMG EQE brings many styling elements common to the brand's gas-powered AMG offerings. They include vertical bars on the grille panel, 21-inch AMG wheels, and simulated dual exhaust outlets at the rear.
As the top-level trim of the EQE SUV lineup, the AMG EQE features a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials throughout. My test vehicle had natural grain Brown Magnolia wood trim on the center console while stylish Nappa leather covered the seats, doors, and dashboard. Sixty-four color ambient lighting adds a nice touch, especially at night.
The AMG EQE comes standard with the Mercedes Hyperscreen. This aptly named display covers the entire dashboard with a massive screen encompassing the driver display, infotainment system, and an additional display for the front passenger. While the Hyperscreen is a bit overwhelming, it creates a clean interior design, nearly eliminating all physical controls.
As the AMG version of the EQE SUV, the front seats appear more sporty than elegant. While they initially felt stiff, I found the seats quite comfortable, with good support, after spending some time behind the wheel. My test vehicle did not have the optional massaging seats (for $127,000, it seems like it should have massaging seats), but the seats are heated and cooled and offer multiple power adjustments.
Front-seat passengers have plenty of storage space in the cabin, with a good-size cubby below the armrest and room for storing smaller items next to the dual cupholders. A wireless charging pad and two illuminated USB-C ports are at the front of the center console. Below the center console is an ample open space, ideal for putting a purse or large bag. There's even a strap for securing items like a tablet or laptop, with additional USB ports to keep devices charged.
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Passengers sitting in the back will find good legroom and headroom with seats that carry the same stylish pattern as those in front. The seats are comfortable for people sitting in the outboard positions, but the middle seat has a firm cushion, and though the legroom is good thanks to the flat floor, it's still the spot to avoid. Rear-seat passengers get dual-zone climate control, and the outer seats are heated.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE may be a luxurious high-performance machine, but it is still a crossover SUV with proper utility. With a wide cargo opening for easy loading, the EQE SUV can handle multiple suitcases or plenty of groceries in its 18.4 cubic-foot trunk. The rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 split for added versatility, allowing for up to 59.2 cu-ft with all sections of the back seat folded down or just sliding longer items like skis through the middle while carrying four people.
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2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV Review: The Technology
This vehicle did not provide my first experience with the Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen, but it never ceases to amaze me how futuristic the feature looks, even if it is a bit overwhelming. The primary infotainment display is quite large, but Mercedes uses the space well. The navigation map with a 3D terrain view is always in the background, overlaid by information modules and links. The map makes an interesting background, and the setup is quite useful with easy feature access.
At the bottom of the screen is a dedicated area for climate controls and a link to the home screen. Pressing the home button twice brings up a more traditional infotainment home screen with access to charging information, vehicle settings, and the rest of the submenu items. The system has a quick response time, and overall, it's intuitive and easy to find what you're looking for.
Mercedes also has one of the better voice-recognition systems that allows you to use natural language commands. Activated by saying, "Hey, Mercedes," the system will program the navigation, set the climate control, make phone calls, and even tell you a joke if you ask.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE comes standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Connecting my Samsung Galaxy S23+ was quick and easy, with Android Auto starting immediately. Android Auto fills the main section of the infotainment display, while the climate controls and home button remain below.
As part of the Hyperscreen, there is an additional display in front of the passenger seat, only available when the seat is in use. Passengers can access most of the same systems as the primary display but can program the navigation or connect a phone while the vehicle is in motion. My front-seat passenger could connect an iPhone via Bluetooth and stream music to the audio system while my Android phone remained connected and running Android Auto.
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Adding to the AMG EQE's overall comfort, the optional Energizing Air Control Plus system uses a High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter with activated charcoal filtration to remove particulates from the air coming into the vehicle. With wildfires burning in the western U.S., the air in the Seattle area was quite smoky. The filtration system showed the outside air at an unhealthy 108 PM2.5 (particle pollution from fine particulates), while the air in the cabin was a much more pleasant 4 PM2.5. The EQE also has a fragrance system, which adds a pleasing scent to the cabin air.
Mercedes-Benz equips the AMG EQE SUV with the latest advanced driving-assistance systems. In addition to the expected features, the Mercedes features Pre-Safe, which tightens the front seatbelts, closes the windows and sunroof, and adjusts the front passenger seat if a collision or rollover accident is imminent. In addition, Pre-Safe Sound will emit a special pink noise sound designed to protect the ears from the loud noises of a crash.
Also standard on the AMG EQE SUV is a driver-assistance package featuring adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems that maintain speed and keep the SUV in the center of the lane, even when going around curves. Like a typical adaptive cruise system, the EQE will reduce speed if it comes upon a slower vehicle. However, this system offers automatic lane changing. When activated, the EQE will automatically signal and change lanes to go around a slower vehicle, then return to the original lane once past the slower vehicle. It is important to note that this is a hands-on semi-autonomous driving system, not a hands-free technology. For it to operate, the driver must pay attention to the road and keep a hand on the steering wheel.
The automatic lane changing is quite innovative but not perfect. On one occasion, my EQE changed lanes to the right for no apparent reason then returned to the original lane a few moments later. I also had to prevent the EQE from changing lanes to the left, which would have put me into a lane closed for construction.
While I can report the EQE SUV has the latest active and passive safety features, I cannot share any crash-test ratings for this SUV. That's because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have not yet performed those assessments on this model.
Perry Stern
2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV Review: The Drive
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV generates 617 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque using dual electric motors that comprise a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. For those who feel this isn't enough power, the optional Race Start mode briefly increases output to 677 horsepower and 738 lb-ft, which Mercedes claims is enough oomph to move this SUV to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.
Even without engaging Race Start mode, the AMG EQE is fast. The power comes on instantly with smooth but relentless delivery. With plenty of grip and all four wheels propelling the AMG EQE SUV forward, it's possible to mash the accelerator to the floor when a light turns green and feel this five-passenger SUV shoot off the line instantly with no wheelspin and in complete control. It is a fun party trick for the passengers (and the driver).
Mercedes-Benz has an unusual way of measuring fuel economy in its trip computer, reporting Watt-hours per mile rather than the more common miles/kWh or MPGe. After putting almost 300 miles on the AMG EQE SUV, the trip computer indicated 416 Wh/mile, which converts to 81 MPGe. While that isn't at the level of some electric vehicles, it's impressive for a 617-hp SUV and beats the EPA estimate of 74 MPGe in combined city and highway driving.
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My test vehicle also beat the official EPA estimate of 235 miles of driving range with a full battery charge. Its trip computer showed a range of 260 miles when fully charged.
While I miss the growling exhaust typically associated with a Mercedes AMG model, driving the AMG EQE SUV in relative silence was quite pleasant. Whether cruising through town or traveling at freeway speeds, the EQE's cabin remains serene, with virtually no road or wind noise. The test vehicle's optional Acoustic package undoubtedly helped in this regard.
However, Mercedes does offer the AMG Sound Experience, which will generate sounds electronically through the audio system to match the chosen drive mode. These sounds change with vehicle speed, theoretically mimicking the engine noise I was missing. But the sounds are noticeably artificial, and while some people might not mind, I found them irritating and turned the sounds off.
The AMG EQE SUV may not have the aural excitement of a gas-powered AMG model, but driving performance is pure AMG. While this electric SUV is a great cruiser, it really comes into its own when pushed hard on a twisty road. Steering is excellent with quick response, and the Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires provide fantastic grip. The AMG Active Ride Control features adaptive suspension and active roll stabilization, so the EQE SUV stays stable and flat in corners.
The most surprising feature of the EQE AMG SUV was the rear-axle steering. The rear wheels can turn up to 9 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels, making maneuverability and parking in tight spaces incredibly easy. At speeds above 37 mph, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels for better stability and handling.
Perry Stern
Is the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV a Good Electric Vehicle?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV delivers an upscale and roomy space for passengers, impressive storage and cargo space, and a smooth and efficient electric drivetrain. The high-tech interior and long list of innovative features seal the deal, ensuring the EQE SUV is a great choice among five-passenger midsize luxury crossovers.
So, as you might expect, turning that EQE SUV into an AMG model just makes it better.
Like other AMG models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the AMG EQE SUV adds a level of power and performance that turns operating this electric SUV into an exciting driving experience. With fast acceleration and excellent driving characteristics, the EQE AMG is at home cruising on the freeway or carving the turns on a mountain road. Overall, it is ideal for the driver who needs an SUV's utility but wants a sports car's performance.
Of course, this AMG driving experience isn't inexpensive. But for those with the means, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is worthy of consideration.
