The last of the six battery-electric vehicles that form Mercedes-Benz’s electrification offensive has been caught for the first time in a remote part of Germany. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV will be the third crossover in the brand’s EQ lineup of EVs. It will slot between the EQB, a tall subcompact utility vehicle, and the flagship EQS SUV. Like the EQE sedan and the two upcoming EQS models, the EQE SUV will be on Mercedes’ EVA platform, which has been developed specifically for battery-electric applications.
Like the EQS SUV we caught earlier this year, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV has a rounded shape to maximize its aerodynamics. The front fascia looks similar to the EQE sedan, featuring headlights connected with an enclosed grille. Its greenhouse is more upright but the A-pillar is swept back, likely to help it cheat the wind better. Together with the nearly vertical rear end, the EQE SUV has a more conventional crossover side profile. Its soft curves, however, are noticeable, giving it the family look. The aerodynamically optimized wheels hint that this particular prototype may be an EQE 350, the entry-level model. Like its sedan counterpart, the EQE SUV has a short nose, further hinting at its electrified nature.
When it debuts next year, the EQE SUV will likely be available in single and dual-motor layout considering its rugged counterpart to its sedan sibling. Expect the same 288 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque as in the sedan for single-motor models. It will likely get a 90-kWh battery pack, which should enable it to get over 300 miles per charge. The sedan’s charging rate of 22 kW (AC) and up to 170 kW on a DC charger could carry over to the EQE SUV. The EVA platform is capable of charging at rates of up to 200 kW, as evident in the EQS sedan, thanks to its 800-volt architecture. Unfortunately, it appears Mercedes is limiting the EQE’s ability to charge faster and take in more energy.
A dual-motor variant of the EQE SUV and its sedan sibling will follow soon after the rear-drive model. This version could have over 300 hp and 400 lb-ft on tap but that extra power will likely come at the cost of driving range. An AMG variant, likely wearing the EQE 53 moniker, could have over 600 hp on tap, making it incredibly potent by SUV standards. That will likely not be the end as Mercedes has trademarked several EQE nomenclatures including EQE 63, which could slot above the EQE 53. Like the EQS 53, the AMG variants of the EQE SUV should feature a dual-motor layout.
In total, Mercedes-Benz will have six new battery-electric vehicles in its lineup. The first is the EQS sedan, which was shown earlier this year. It will be followed by the EQB, an all-electric iteration of the GLB-Class, and the EQE sedan, which will slot below the EQS sedan. The EQS SUV will be the first utility vehicle on the EVA platform and will also be the first EQ model with a Maybach variant, which was previewed recently by a concept at the Munich auto show. Finally, the EQE SUV will be the final addition, completing Mercedes’ EQ lineup for the U.S. market.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV should debut next year before going on sale soon after. It will be built in the U.S. at Mercedes’ Mobile, Alabama facility alongside the EQS SUV. The EQS and EQE sedans, on the other hand, will be manufactured in Europe. Mercedes will build the EQB in Europe for most global markets while a facility in China will build the subcompact crossover to meet demand there.
