We’ve said it before, as technologically laden as they are, EVs rarely allow for the characteristic DNA of a manufacturer to be imprinted in its driving experience. All EVs are generally smooth, efficient, and quiet.

So, once you get past the top-line figures, it’s a matter of splitting hairs over charging rates, drivetrain calibration and the artificial sci-fi sounds each one makes when you stomp on the go-pedal. There are a few exceptions, but let’s say, if we could hypothetically take the body and interior of one EV and place it over the drivetrain of another EV, could you really tell?

Drive any old-guard Merc (think W126 S-Class) and you instantly feel an unmistakable calm, the smell and touch of luxury and surefooted stability that makes you feel safe. Spend 5 minutes in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and it’s the same – transcendently a Merc, but for the electrified age, and perhaps even the best of them. Let’s drive!

Overview

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 4Matic SUV was launched in December 2023. Fully imported from the United States (CBU, Tuscaloosa), the sole variant is priced at RM 485,888, which carries a circa RM 70k premium over its namesake EQE 350+ Sedan model at RM 419,888.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV launched in Malaysia: BEV with up to 552 km range, priced from RM 486k

The EQE SUV is powered by dual electric motors for a combined output of 408 PS and 858 Nm. The drivetrain is juiced by a 90.6-kWh lithium-ion battery which offers a driving range of between 464 km to 552 km per the WLTP cycle.

The battery can be charged via Type 2 AC connection up to 22 kW, or up to 170 kW at a sufficiently fast DC charger which can replenish the battery from 0 – 80 percent in just 32 minutes, or up to 250 km in just 15 minutes.

Road-holding prowess comes from an adaptive four-link suspension in front, as well as an independent multi-link setup at the rear. The EQE SUV also benefits from Mercedes’ brilliant four-wheel steering with up to 10.2 degrees of turn angle for the rear wheels.

In terms of safety, the EQE SUV comes with the Driving Assistance Plus Package, bundling Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist amongst others.

Rivals

Though the EQE SUV is a new player, it enters a decently established mid-sized premium EV SUV segment with rivals from both BMW and Audi. As of the time of writing, BMW Malaysia has discontinued the BMW iX xDrive 40 Sport, with the range now starting with the iX xDrive50.

• BMW iX xDrive50 Sport: 523 PS/ 765 Nm, 108.8 kWh, RM 499,000
• Audi Q8 e-Tron Advanced 55 Quattro: 408 PS/664 Nm, 114 kWh, RM 494,790

Also read: Report: Future Mercedes-Benz EVs will not be called EQ anymore

Note that both rivals also offer larger batteries and feature more powerful variants in their range which the EQE SUV isn’t able to match. Notably the 619 PS/1,100 Nm BMW iX M60 (RM 612,430) and RM 503 PS/973 Nm Audi SQ8 e-Tron quattro at RM 533,790.

Exterior

Outfitted with the AMG Line kit, the EQE SUV features AMG-specific front- and rear bumpers 21-inch AMG wheels and specific trim elements that deliver a nice balance of sporty elegance. 

Also read: 20 photos to decide if you prefer the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV over BMW iX

And round the back, the rear taillights which form a 3D-helix when lit up given their larger size (compared to the EQE sedan) the helical effect is more pronounced, and it looks superb at night.

Interior

Despite its familiar exterior, it’s on the inside that the EQE SUV truly starts to impress. The large door aperture leads into an airy cabin space with so much light – especially when the pano-roof screen is retracted – from there, you elevate yourself onto supple yet supportive seats.

The seating position and steering angle - which can be hit-and-miss with most modern Mercs - are superb.

There’s an air of quality and serenity in the cabin, the EQEs do without the MBUX Hyperscreen – but frankly speaking, perhaps are better off without it. In its place is a nicely angled 17.7-inch vertical, driver-facing infotainment screen that is contrasted by a tactile wood dashboard.

Whilst the EQS' Hyperscreen is bigger and cool looking in photos (given it has 3 separate screens), it isn't that great in real life. It extends across the dashboard hence the screen angle is less than optimal and receives glare whilst driving during the day, plus, since its touch surfaces are essentially plastic, it doesn't feel quite as expensive as the finish in the EQE. 

Thus, despite the EQS costing some RM 150k more, it's the EQE SUV's interior that feels more special. 

Matched to the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and metallic turbine air vents – the EQE SUV delivers a beautiful mix of new-age technology and classical Mercedes elegance. This is a recurring theme when you drive the EQE SUV, but more on that later.

Round the back, it's pretty much the same, where the EQE Sedan felt cramped due to small letterbox windows, the EQE SUV is spacious and welcoming. Kneeroom and headroom are good, and given the rear seats are flat without a tall central hump, it will fit three adults comfortably even over longer journeys.

Perhaps my only bugbear would be the central AC vents; as cool as they look, the slim vents do not funnel air around the cabin quite effectively, and the same goes for the rear.

Thus, the AC blower is constantly on high (at least speed 5/7) at mid-day to keep the car cool, which doesn’t do your driving range any favours.

Elsewhere, given it's a Mercedes-Benz EQ and comes equipped with the Acoustic Comfort package that includes laminated glass on the windscreen and side windows, the EQE SUV delivers superb levels of refinement.

Rather oddly, there is a tinge more road noise in the EQE’s cabin around the 70- to 90 km/h speed range which quiets down later on, but it’s no deal breaker.

Driving Experience

Now we see a recurring theme with the EQE SUV - its classy styling and luxurious interior – so, whilst it may be an EV – it delivers a certain old-guard Merc prestige, which becomes profoundly true once you drive it.

Getting up to cruising speeds, the EQE SUV instantly impresses with its beautifully poised driving demeanour. There is a sense of elevation from the road; as the suspension expertly governs the movements of the wheels whilst shielding the body from the undulations – exactly how a classic Merc would.

It feels like Mercedes has gone to great lengths to tune the EQE SUV's adaptive suspension - not too buoyant on big bumps or overly jittery over smaller ruts. Add to this, the light and quick steering which can call on the rear wheel steering at low speeds, and you have a rather large SUV that is very adept on most city streets and likewise the tight boulevards of Publika.

Of course, when you put your foot down, the EQE SUV will still deliver oodles of power, more so than you would ever need. In our typical 0-100 km/h test, it delivered a best time of 4.79 seconds which is more than a second faster than the EQE 350+ Sedan, so it’s plenty enough for a family SUV.

Where it matters though, the EQE SUV is brisk on almost any road, and like all big EQ models, handles highway cruising at triple-digit speeds with ease.

Also read: Review: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ EV - When an iX is too in-your-face

However, it would seem a bit contrived to drive the EQE SUV hard. For one, given its cruiser-like suspension setup and overall weight, there’s quite a bit of body roll when you push it hard into a corner, the wheels will struggle to hold grip and it doesn’t take much to get the rear end a bit squirmy in a quick series of corners.

Although in my opinion, it’s all the better for it, I would gladly trade off some dynamic sharpness for the sublime comfort levels the EQE 500 delivers.

For that matter, the ride quality of the EQE SUV is just as well sorted as the EQS; and I can't stress enough how superbly controlled the car's movements are. Also, given its taller ride height, it doesn't bottom out on taller speed bumps as the EQS does. 

As for the downsides, the EQE SUV misses the mark in terms of brake feel and predictability, which has become somewhat common with Merc EQ models. The initial pedal feel is a bit squishy at first, before loading up more than expected later on, so it does take some getting used to.

Energy Consumption – Efficiency despite its size

At 90.6 kWh, the EQE SUV has a smaller battery than the EQS model at 108.4 kWh but still claims a range between 464 km and 552 km.

On our typical energy consumption test, starting with 80 percent SOC, we drove a longer than usual 187 km (typically around 100 km) a general 40/60 split between highway and inner-city travel. The test was very representative of real-world driving because it carried four passengers for most of that time.

Subsequently requiring 46.12 kWh to recharge to 80 percent SOC, the EQE SUV delivered an average energy efficiency of 24.6 kWh/100 km, which is impressive given its comparable to our numbers with the EQS 450 at 23.9 kWh/100 km which carried no passengers during the efficiency test.

Conclusion

Now, perhaps some might think that it isn't important that a new car needs to feel and drive like its older forebears but with the EV market becoming more saturated, a car worth almost RM 500k isn't going to be worth its salt if it simply performs like any other EV on the road.

Buying a premium EV needs to be more than just a brand, or a fanciful green-lifestyle statement, it needs an identity and a driving experience that resonates with its owner. With that said, the EQE SUV achieves that and then some, by even beating its more expensive sibling, the EQS. 

It delivers about the same amount of power, is just as efficient on the road, it's got a great interior and delivers pure masterclass driving dynamics whilst still costing less than the EQS. In many ways, it's the perfect sweet spot in terms of price, features, aesthetics, range and performance - combining all the best traits of Mercedes EQ technology in one. 

Thus in my opinion, I think it's better than the EQE and EQS sedan, and in fact, perhaps the best EQ model on sale today, period.