As car model names go, the EQE SUV’s is probably not the snappiest, or the most inventive. It’s meant to denote the car’s executive-segment positioning in Mercedes-Benz’s fully-electric EQ model range, and to differentiate it from the EQE saloon.
Performance and drive
When it was launched, in 2023, the model was available with a choice of 292hp (badged 350) and 408hp (500) powertrains, with battery capacities of 91kWh and 96kWh respectively, and WLTP ranges of up to 339 and 357 miles (a Mercedes-AMG performance model with 625hp is also available). However, the subsequently introduced version tested here, the 350+, pairs the lesser motor output with the bigger battery, and up to 376 miles of range is therefore possible. The 350+ is also the only powertrain option to come without four-wheel drive; instead, only the rear wheels are driven.
The 350+ may stick with the entry-level motor output, but on the road its 292hp feels ample, since the acceleration it can deliver is immediate, impressive, and sustained.
The car also corners well for a big SUV – it’s pretty responsive to inputs, and you can feel the effect of the low-down battery weight helping to minimise body roll. Ride comfort is also generally good, with the EQE SUV gliding smoothly over most bumps.
Interior and tech
The dashboard design of the EQE SUV 350+ features a big facia panel which seems like something from a designer kitchen. This occupies the space which would otherwise be taken up by Mercedes’ triple-display Hyperscreen set-up, which is standard with the 500 powertrain, and otherwise optional. Instead, the 350+ comes as standard with a 12.8in infotainment screen, which is at least laid out logically, making it easy to get to grips with. There’s also a 12.3in digital instrument display, operated via touch slide controls on the steering wheel which feel less precise than a scroll wheel would be.
The level of rear legroom on offer is very impressive – perhaps even more so than with the EQS luxury car we also tested recently, due to the SUV having more space for feet under the front seats. There’s also lots of headroom.
As for the boot, a 520-litre capacity is about par for the segment. It benefits from a flat loading lip, and there’s decent underfloor storage too.
When the EQE SUV was first launched, prices started at over £90,000, but Mercedes has subsequently had a rethink, introducing a revised range line-up with the entry-level AMG Line Edition grade tested here now having a P11D value of just over £75,000 with the 350+ powertrain. Perhaps surprisingly, this is cheaper than the 350 – presumably due to the 350+ lacking four-wheel drive. Still, the fact that the 350+ is both the cheapest and the one with the biggest EV range means that it should be the EQE SUV powertrain of preference for most fleet drivers.
As for alternatives, the Audi Q8 E-Tron is reportedly about to be axed, while the entry-level version of the BMW iX is currently available for around £5,000 less than the EQE SUV, but has a shorter range – a recently-announced facelift will see its P11D and range figures brought closer to those of the Mercedes.
Positive: Increased battery range, spacious interior, refined drive
Negative: Hyperscreen not standard, fiddly steering wheel controls
Standard equipment: 21in alloy wheels, LED headlights with adaptive highbeam assist, heat-insulating dark-tinted glass, powered tailgate, air suspension with adaptive damping system, 12.8in infotainment screen with MBUX system, 12.3in digital instrument cluster display, wireless smartphone integration and charging, keyless go, two-zone automatic climate control, active parking assist with reversing camera, blind spot assist, speed limit assist.
Engines: Electric: 292hp, 408hp
Equipment grades: AMG Line Edition, AMG Line Night Edition Premium, AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus
Transmissions: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 350+ AMG Line Edition |
| P11D | £75,390 |
| Residual value | 47.4% |
| Depreciation | £39,671 |
| Fuel | £3,577 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £4,072 |
| Cost per mile | 78.86p |
| Range | 376 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £25/£50 |
| Luggage capacity | 520 litres |
| Battery size/power | 96kWh/292hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
