Mercedes-Benz EQE and EQS SUVs priced

BY COBEY BARTELS | 25th Aug 2023

MERCEDES-BENZ is gearing up to start delivering its EQE and EQS SUV models in Australia, sharing pricing and specification details that suggest compelling value against its pricier electric sedan range.

While the entry-level EQE300, priced from $134,900 plus on-road costs, aligns with its sedan counterpart, the mid-range EQE350 and flagship EQE53 AMG undercut equivalent sedan models by $10,000 and $25,000 respectively.

The EQE SUV range then, clearly offers compelling value and may well outsell the slightly zippier and longer-range sedans Down Under. But with a range of up to 539km (specific model ranges are not yet specified), the SUV is down around 100km on the longest-range sedan model.

The family-friendly mid-sized SUV range consists of the EQE300 ($134,900 +ORC), EQE350 4Matic ($144,900 +ORC), EQE53 4Matic+ ($189,900 +ORC), as well as a limited-time-only EQE500 4Matic ($164,900 +ORC).

What separates the EQE SUV models from the sedans, which share the same underlying architecture, is a shorter 3030mm wheelbase yet larger overall body dimensions at 4863mm long, 1940mm wide and 1686mm high.

The inflated dimensions equate to a larger cabin, which Mercedes-Benz claims will seat up to five adults comfortably, and 520 litres of luggage space with the rear seat in place or 1675 litres with the second row folded.

The EQE300 features a single rear-mounted motor producing 180kW/550Nm, sending drive to the rear wheels only, fed by an 89kWh battery.

Stepping up to the EQE350 4Matic, dual motors produce 215kW/765Nm and send drive to all four wheels with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.3 seconds.

The limited-run EQE500 4Matic scores a larger 90.5kWh battery pack and more grunt with 300kW/858Nm available, good for a 4.7-second sprint to triple figures.

At the top of the ladder, the EQE53 4Matic+ offers up 460kW/950Nm and a more performance oriented all-wheel drive system.

The EQE53 rockets to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds, just a few tenths off the ballistic EQE53 AMG sedan. However, like the sedan, if you opt for the $7400 Dynamic Plus package the sprint time drops further – in this case to a neck-stretching 3.5 seconds.

Air suspension and a four-link rear suspension setup adds what Mercedes-Benz calls an “agile feel” to the range, although more performance-focused Airmatic adaptive damping air suspension comes standard on the AMG performance model along with rear-wheel steering.

All EQE SUV models receive a long list of standard premium inclusions, like Burmester 3D surround sound, 12.3-inch driver-facing display, augmented reality overlay for the navigation system, panoramic sliding sunroof, head-up display and AMG line enhancements inside and out.

Mercedes-Benz has included its Driving Assistance Plus package, comprising attention assist, lane-keep assist, 360-degree camera system, and brake assist, while also featuring 10 airbags and a pre-safe system which will prepare the vehicle for impact in the event of an imminent collision.

While model-specific driving ranges have not been outlined, the 539km (NEDC) range is still competitive and with DC fast charging it will take around 32 minutes to go from 10 to 80 per cent charge.

The optional Mercedes-Benz wallbox charger, connected to three-phase power, outputs up to 22kW which will take the EQE SUV from 10 to 80 per cent in around 6.5 hours.

Mercedes-Benz has also equipped the EQE SUV range with a heat pump, harvesting otherwise wasted heat from the inverter and motor to heat the cabin when required, leading to improved range with less battery draw.

If you want a larger family hauler, the EQS450 4Matic SUV might just be the ticket.

The seven-seat SUV has just been announced and is priced from $194,900 plus on-road costs. It utilises dual motors producing 265kW/800Nm and, thanks to a larger battery, offers a driving range of 592km (NEDC).

At 5125mm long, 1950mm wide and 1718mm in height, the EQS SUV is 262mm longer, 10mm wider and 32mm taller than the EQE SUV. Crucially, the wheelbase is 180mm longer, much of which is deployed to the second row of seats.

With the second row able to slide fore and aft a total of 130mm by electronic adjustment, extra legroom can be apportioned between the second and third rows as needed. In addition, the second-row backrests can be reclined electrically.

The EQS450 4Matic SUV is also well equipped to accommodate the family’s luggage. With the second row in place, cargo capacity ranges between 645 and 880 litres (depending on the fore-aft position of the second-row seats). With all seats folded down, usable space increases to a maximum of 2100 litres.

Meanwhile, with all seven seats in use across three rows, a useful 195-litre cargo capacity remains available.

All EQE and EQS SUV variants listed will be available from September.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV pricing*: