Mercedes-AMG just unveiled its first all-electric performance utility vehicle, the 2024 AMG EQE SUV. With two six-phase electric motors onboard, this luxury machine cranks out a thundering 617 horsepower, or 677 bone-crushing ponies when fitted with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package and boost mode is activated. How’s that for high performance?
When it comes to torque, this AMG-ified SUV packs a wallop, 701 pound-feet in standard form or 738 with boost mode engaged. That’s enough twist to rocket this vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in a legitimately quick 3.4 seconds, not too shabby for a machine that’s just one 10-year-old shy of 6,000 pounds.
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The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV features a 328-volt, 90.6-kWh lithium-ion battery. Thanks to an advanced cell chemistry, engineers have reduced the amount of cobalt required in the pack to just 10%. This energy reservoir provides an estimated range between 375 and 470 kilometers on the WLTP cycle, or roughly 233 to 292 miles. Of course, those figures will drop significantly once the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is tested on the noticeably more strenuous EPA cycle, so be aware of that. If you want loads of luxury and longer legs, consider a non-AMG version of the EQE SUV, which, on the WLTP cycle, is estimated to go up to 550 km (342 miles) on a single charge.
When it’s time to juice up, this SUV DC fast charges at up to 170 kilowatts, a good, if not stellar speed. Still, that’s potent enough to add about 100 miles of range in just 15 minutes. A 9.6-kW onboard charger is included for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging.
This vehicle’s AMG-specific electric motors deliver standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in every condition. Drivers are also coddled by an air suspension system and adaptive dampers. Instead of conventional sway bars, this mega-powerful SUV features electromechanical anti-roll bars to keep the body under control while cornering. These components also provide a wider spread between the vehicle’s comfort and sport settings, so the SUV feels cushier when you need it and sportier when you want it. Gripping the pavement are special Michelin Pilot Sport tires developed specifically for electric vehicles.
The AMG EQE SUV (that’s a lot of letters) also comes standard with rear-wheel steering, which moves the aft rims up to 9 degrees for a greatly reduced turning circle. At speeds less than 37 mph, the rear wheels move in the opposite direction of the fronts, but past that speed, they move in the same direction for greater high-speed stability.
Visually, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is smooth and clean, with no gaudy design flourishes or tacked-on trim. The vehicle is rounded and flowing, just like the EQS and EQE sedans. Up front is a black “grille” fitted with striking vertical chrome accents. Body-color, AMG-style moldings finish off the arches and neatly frame the wheels, which are aerodynamically optimized and offered in 21- or 22-inch sizes. Like other all-electric Mercedes-Benz vehicles, this one features super sleek retractable exterior door handles.
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Inside, expect plenty of premium materials and ample comfort. For extra visual pizazz, the MBUX Hyperscreen is offered as an option. While technically three individual displays mounted under one dashboard-sized pane of glass, the Hyperscreen nonetheless looks great and provides some AMG-specific functions.
With plenty of performance and luxury, plus handsome good looks, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV may be the nicest all-electric utility vehicle on the market when it goes on sale. Production of the standard EQE SUV is expected to begin later this year, likely in December, but Mercedes-Benz has not announced when the AMG model will start rolling off the assembly line. Likewise, pricing has not been shared at this time, but you can bet this high-performance SUV will not be cheap.
