Like many other automakers, Mercedes is producing more electric vehicles. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV becomes the brand’s first performance-oriented SUV. It’s fast and furious with more than 600 horses under the hood but has a smaller range of about 235 miles.
Base Price: $109,300
As Tested: $127,400
Horsepower: 617
Mileage: 77 MPGe city/71 MPGe highway/74 MPGe combined
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV was introduced for the 2023 model year, and for 2024, the Mercedes-AMG joins the line-up with more power and higher performance. It’s the first all-electric SUV from Mercedes-AMG.
The five-passenger 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV comes in two trims: base and Pinnacle. Starting prices are $109,300 and $112,600, respectively. All-wheel drive is standard.
This is a high-performance beast. It’s powered by two electric motors at each axle and a 90.6-kWh battery pack – the same setup as in the Mercedes-AMG EQE Sedan. Total output is 617 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque. With the AMG Dynamic Plus Package and you get 677 horses and 739 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a single-speed automatic.
Yes, acceleration is impressive with that much power. Mercedes says the AMG EQE SUV can blast from zero to 60 mpg in 3.4 seconds. Touch the accelerator at higher speeds and you’re off like a rocket with your head whipping back against the headrest. Yes, it’s way too easy to find yourself significantly above the speed limit as the acceleration is so effortless. The EQE SUV also turns effortlessly with surprisingly little body roll. Several drive modes let you customize performance with Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery and Race Start. The ride is silky smooth with bumps and rough roads barely noticeable. The regenerative braking system has a normal feel, and there are three different settings, including one-pedal driving.
A fun but gimmicky feature is the AMG Sound Experience, which provides a soundtrack to make up for the absence of engine noise.
The range is about 235 miles when fully charged. By using minimal climate settings and driving conservatively, I was able to get a range of about 250 miles. Mercedes says the charge time from 10% to 100% on a Level 2 (240-volt) charger is 10.75 hours. For DC fast charging, peak charging power is 170kW which is less than some other luxury EVs, but Mercedes says it’s quick enough to add 100 miles of range in about 15 minutes or go from 10% to 80% charged in 32 minutes.
EPA ratings for my tester are 77 MPGe city and 71 MPGe highway with a combined rating of 74.
When properly equipped, the AMG EQE SUV can tow up to 4,000 pounds.
The cabin is opulent and luxurious, as you’d expect in a Mercedes. Materials are top notch with a rich look and feel. Trim materials include natural grain Anthracite Linden wood trim and brushed stainless steel pedals. AMG logos are on the seats, headrests and door sills. Fit and finish are superb, with every detail thought out. The panoramic roof gives an airy feel. Seats are very supportive and comfortable. Passengers in both rows enjoy good leg- and headroom.
The impressive MBUX Hyperscreen fills the entire dash, unifying three displays under a sweeping glass panel. At first, this system looks daunting, but everything is intuitive so after a short familiarization time, it’s easy to use for audio, climate, navigation and phone settings. There are also many controls on the steering wheel. Or say “Hey Mercedes” for voice commands. The Hyperscreen extends to the passenger side, and the front passenger can access things like navigation or watch a movie while the car is in motion. Note that driver monitoring tech can tell if the driver tries to watch by tracking the driver’s eyes, and will dim the screen if the driver is caught watching.
Standard features include SmartKey with keyless entry, push button start, surround view camera system, dual-zone automatic climate control, Heated power front seats with memory settings, AMG sport front seats, AMG Sound Experience audio system, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system, “Hey Mercedes” keyword activation, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, MBUX Hyperscreen, 17.7-inch OLED touchscreen central multimedia display, 12.3-inch OLED front passenger display, navigation, over-the-air software updates, Burmester 3D surround sound audio system, HD Radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, wireless device charging, 64-color LED ambient lighting, AMG illuminated door sills, LED AMG logo projectors, automatic high beam headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, universal garage door opener and panorama roof.
Available features include a head-up display, four-zone automatic climate control, cabin air purification system, MB-Tex/microfiber upholstery, AMG Nappa leather upholstery, black microfiber headliner, active ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated windshield, heated windshield washer system, red seat belts, MBUX augmented video for navigation, AMG Track Pace for MBUX, in-car Wi-Fi, and six USB-C ports.
Standard driver assistance technologies include automatic emergency braking with cross-traffic function, adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, blind spot detection, lane keeping assist, lane changing assist, automatic lane change, PARKTRONIC with active parking assist, and vehicle exit warning,
Cargo space is about 19 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place and about 59 cubes with the second row folded down. The rear seats fold 40/20/40 for added versatility in hauling passengers and gear. The wide opening makes it easy to load large and/or bulky items. A power liftgate and hands-free access are standard.
The good:
Fast, dynamic performance
Also comfortable as a daily driver
Opulent interior
Impressive MBUX Hyperscreen
Many standard features and tech
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Lower range than some rivals
Six-figure price tag can quickly climb higher with options
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $109,300. The AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system is $5,400. Energizing air control plus with HEPA filter is $450. The Acoustic Comfort Package is $1,100. The Energizing Comfort Package is $200. A dashcam is $200. AMG Track Pace is $250. Ventilated front seats are $450. Heated steering wheel is $250. The AMG Night Package is $750 and includes gloss black exterior mirror housings, window trim in black and several elements in black chrome including side skirts, door trim strips, A-wing, front splitter and rear apron trim. The AMG Dynamic Plus Package is $4,000 and adds boost for race start, AMG sound “performance,” and top speed delimiter to 149 mpg. The AMG Night Package Plus is $550 and includes black chrome elements including front grille, side and rear badging, and rear Mercedes-Benz star. The Pinnacle Trim is $3,300 and includes a head-up display with AMG content, four-zone climate control, advanced USB package, active ambient lighting, AMG animated logo projector, Air Balance package, and augmented video for navigation. Destination fee is $1,150 bringing the grand total to $127,400.
Bottom line:
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV delivers the luxury, power and dynamic performance expected in a Mercedes-AMG vehicle but with an all-electric powertrain. It’s thrilling to drive on the track and also comfortable as a daily driver. The opulent cabin and the MBUX system are impressive. If you have six figures to spend, the first AMG electric SUV is worth a look.
