2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV

It's been a season of firsts for Mercedes-AMG. The smaller AMG C63 is turning to four-cylinder power for the first time, the AMG EQS arrived as the first EV with an AMG badge, and now we have the new Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. This is the first all-electric performance SUV from Mercedes-AMG, and it doesn't shy away from the challenge with its 677-horsepower dual-motor powertrain. That's with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, and in this guise, it'll outrun the BMW iX M60 to 60 mph with a rapid 3.4-second effort. Both inside and out, it comes with all the expected AMG touches, and it can be equipped with the vase Hyperscreen. Whether it's as exciting to drive as the V8-powered AMG GLE 63 is another question we'll try to answer when it arrives in the USA.

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It's expected that the release date for the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV will be late in 2023 or possibly early in 2024. It will be coming out after the standard EQE SUV models which we review separately.

We don't know what the price of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV will be yet as the company hasn't shared this information. Based on the $108,900 price of the similarly quick but less powerful BMW iX M60, we expect the AMG EQE SUV to cost about $115,000.

Other rivals include the Audi e-tron S but that is neither as quick (0-60 in 4.3 seconds) nor as expensive ($88,200 MSRP). Assuming the aforementioned price for the 2024 AMG EQE SUV, some shoppers may consider the Tesla Model X at $120,990 - it has an extra seating row and can reach 60 in 3.8 seconds.

Like other EQ models, the exterior of the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is characterized by rounded, smooth surfaces. Whereas gas-powered AMGs have a Panamericana grille, this one has a modern interpretation of that - a black panel with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome. A large Mercedes star leaves you in no doubt about what you're driving.

Whereas the Digital Light headlamps are optional on non-AMG EQEs, they're standard here. The front-end has an AMG-specific design, and there is no shortage of glossy black and chrome detailing. Along the side are flush-fitting door handles, wheel arch claddings in the same color as the body, and 21- or 22-inch AMG alloy wheels.

At the back, you'll find an aerodynamically optimized diffuser and longitudinal fins. The taillights stretch across the entire width of the body. We don't know what the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV's colors are, but perhaps the AMG EQS palette gives us a clue. That high-performance EQ model can be finished in shades like Polar White, Nautical Blue, and Graphite Grey.

This isn't the largest SUV in its segment, but Mercedes says that the short wheelbase (119.3 inches) contributes to the vehicle's agility. Other key dimensions for the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV are a length of 192.1 inches, a width of 76 inches, and a height of 65.8 inches.

The curb weight is substantial at 5,930 pounds; that's nearly as much as the base EQS 450+ SUV which has an extra seating row and stretches to over 200 inches in length.

Two permanently excited synchronous electric motors - one at each axle - power the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. By default, the powertrain makes 617 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque, but that goes up to 677 hp and 738 lb-ft with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package. With that much power, all-wheel-drive traction is almost essential, so this super SUV gets the AMG Performance 4Matic+ fully variable AWD system.

Customers may miss the sound of a V8 but they probably won't complain about a 0-60 mph time of only 3.4 seconds with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package. With this pack, the top speed rises from 137 mph to 149 mph. Higher motor speeds are enabled by adapted inverters, higher currents, and different laminations. Mercedes-AMG says that repeated acceleration runs are possible because of a highly resilient thermal design with a water lance in the rotor's shaft, which provides the required cooling.

The advanced AWD system constantly doles our torque between each axle depending on the specific driving situation; compared to a mechanical system, torque is checked 160 times per second so the system responds before the driver even thinks about it.

There are many other additions that are hallmarks of the AMG division, and show that Mercedes is deadly serious about its electric SUV living up to the reputation built over years by gas-powered AMGs. To that end, there is a Sport+ mode that sends more torque to the rear wheels for improved lateral dynamics.

A rear-axle steering system that can steer the wheels to an angle of up to nine degrees, along with AMG-specific roll stabilization, should improve agility and help to keep the new Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV flat through the corners, but it'll be interesting to see how AMG engineers have been able to keep weight transfer in check since we're talking about almost 6,000 lbs of SUV.

Using AMG Dynamic Select, drivers can choose from five drive programs which will each change the power output. In Slippery, the car makes 308 hp, and that rises to 493 hp in Comfort. From there are the more intense modes: Sport (555 hp), Sport+ (617 hp), Race Start without Boost (617 hp), and Race Start with Boost (677 hp).

Grip on both wet and dry roads is enhanced by the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport EV MO1 tires which are said to have low rolling resistance. There is a powerful braking system with six-piston calipers and single-piston units at the back, but AMG's ceramic composite brake system is available optionally.

The AMG Sound Experience, meanwhile, provides a unique soundtrack inside and outside that aims to increase the emotional appeal of the vehicle. There are even several "event sounds" that can be heard when, for example, starting or stopping the motor, charging, or when locking the car. These can be deactivated if they become tiresome.

The 90.6-kWh, 328-volt lithium-ion battery in the AMG EQE SUV has a provisional WLTP-rated range of between 233 and 292 miles. Considering that EPA ratings are typically less optimistic, it seems likely that this high-performance SUV will get uncomfortably close to 200 miles if driven aggressively. Unfortunately, a poor range remains the Achilles heel of high-performance electric SUVs, so buyers will want to take advantage of the Electric Intelligence system that plans the fastest and most convenient route based on factors like charging stations and topography.

Fast charging speeds of up to 170 kW are just short of its BMW iX rival (195 kW), but you can still add around 100 miles of range in 15 minutes as per the WLTP cycle. With the 9.6 kW onboard charger, the AMG EQE can also be recharged at home with alternating current when the vehicle will be standing for a longer period of time.

The BMW iX M60 with similar performance has an EPA-rated 288-mile range and returns 76/80/77 MPGe city/highway/combined, so those are the numbers Mercedes-AMG will want to beat when its SUV is evaluated locally.

With its optional Hyperscreen, turbine-like ventilation outlets, and lavish finishes, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is almost identical to the AMG EQE Sedan. In fact, the raised driving position will be one of the only ways to tell the two apart when seated behind the steering wheel.

For new customers accustomed to Mercs from even five or so years ago, the dazzling interior will either thrill them or be a turnoff. The sense of occasion shines through in ever detail, though, be it the center touchscreen or the MB-Tex/microfiber upholstery of the sporty seats in the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. If you prefer, Nappa leather with AMG-specific seat patterns is available as an option.

There are many other AMG touches spread around the cabin. The instrument panel and beltlines are finished in attractive Space Grey MB-Tex with red topstitching, and the AMG Performance steering wheel has a Nappa leather finish with a flat bottom.

The silver aluminum paddles that look as though they may change gears in a conventional automatic are actually there for adjusting the various recuperation levels. Lower down, you'll find floor mats and sport pedals that are both also AMG-specific.

Another highlight is the new Dolby Atmos sound format. Unlike normal stereo sound systems with left-right dynamics, this one uses the entire range to create a much more immersive 360-degree experience. Mercedes hasn't specified the speaker count, though.

The AMG model should match the regular EQE's safety suite which comes with standard items like parking assistance with a surround-view camera system, blind-spot assist, and active lane-keeping assist.

Finally, when it comes to the cargo space in the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV, you may be disappointed. The 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row falls short of many much smaller crossovers, but at least there is a more useful 59.2 cubes when the second row is folded flat.