The secret to Mercedes-Benz’s success in India has been the top-down approach and the luxury car manufacturer isn’t easing off the pedal. After making quite a statement in the electric vehicle segment by first launching the EQS and then the EQB, Mercedes-Benz is looking to up the ante with the EQE SUV. Priced at Rs 1.39 crore, ex-showroom, the EQE SUV is more expensive than its luxury rivals, but the Stuttgart-based company believes that their customers don’t believe in getting a bargain basement deal rather they want a fully loaded state-of-the-art vehicle without any compromise. This is also the reason why Mercedes-Benz launched the top trim, the EQE 500 SUV in India. To get a first-hand experience of this all-electric SUV, we drove it on the picturesque roads of Gulmarg in Kashmir.
Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 SUV: Road Runner
Let’s start with the driving experience as we drove it away from city comfort and into the highlands of Kashmir. The EQE 500 SUV produces 402bhp and a whopping 858Nm of torque in a blink of an eye. The 2.6-tonne SUV is powered by dual motors, and a 90.6 kWh battery and comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system. As we were driving in hilly conditions, we couldn’t step on the pedal and let it sprint like a stallion. However, we did manage to stretch the EQE’s leg and it happily obliged by pushing us back into the seat. There was plenty of unadulterated power available if one needed to push the limit and even go beyond that. According to Mercedes-Benz, the EQE does 0-100 kmph in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 210 kmph. Even though we didn’t hit the ‘are you crazy level’, our first impression was that it would be a walk in the park for the EQE as it is more than capable of achieving these numbers.
The EQE offers four different drive modes — Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual. As each mode is self-descriptive, we will touch briefly on the Individual mode. This function lets you mix and match the setting based on your requirements like choosing sport option but keep the suspension set up on comfort. Even if you opt for all-sport mode, the EQE is focused on pampering the passengers. Hence, the suspension set-up is tuned on the softer side. This is good news if you are looking for a pliant ride but enthusiasts will want something more involving and taut setting. With all-wheel-drive and wide 20-inch 255/45 tyres, the EQE gave us full confidence while tackling gravel-filled dusty roads. As it is a heavy vehicle, the weight can be felt in corners as it showcases its not-so-sporty side.
Like the GLC, the EQE comes standard with an off-road package along with an air suspension system and transparent bonnet. Due to this feature, the EQE may not offer the best ground clearance at around 170mm, but it can be further raised by 25mm.
Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 SUV: Range and regen options
Based on a skateboard platform and a 400V architecture, according to the WLTP cycle, the EQE offers a range of 550 km. In reality, it would translate in the region of 450 km, which is quite impressive. With a standard 11 kW AC charger, it juices up from 10 – 100 per cent in 9.5 hours and 10-80 per cent in just over half an hour with a 100 kW DC point.
The EQE comes equipped with four levels of regeneration — normal, strong, no (none) and intelligent. With paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, one can opt for either normal or strong from the left lever and no or intelligent from the right one. Intelligent regen is a mode that smartly applies brakes based on the topography you’re driving on. This option makes one pedal driving experience more relaxing. The only initial challenge would be to completely trust the system as it does late braking, but it is accurate and effective.
Watch Video: Mercedes Benz EQE First Drive Review
Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 SUV: Cabin and features
The cabin is a typical Mercedes-Benz with high-quality materials and classic design and the use of leather and wooden panels. The star of the show is undoubtedly the 56-inch hyperscreen dashboard which comprises of 12.3-inch instrument console, a 17.7-inch OLED touchscreen and a 12.3-inch OLED front passenger display. It comes equipped with the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six Type C ports and a 12 Volt socket in the boot.
The front seats are a lap of luxury as it has eight different massage options along with three levels of ventilation. The cabin is also a powerhouse when it comes to acoustics as it has a 15-speaker 710-watt Burmester sound system with a Dolby Atmos system. There’s plenty of in-cabin storage space, especially underneath the centre console.
The EQE offers plenty of cabin space, especially for the rear passengers. With the lack of the tunnel, three adults can comfortably be seated though the seat squab could have been longer and more supportive.
Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 SUV: Verdict
Like all the vehicles from the EQ portfolio, the EQE is aerodynamically designed and offers an impressive range of around 450 km in real-world conditions. The electric SUV packs a punch when it comes to performance. It is equipped with a 56-inch hyperscreen and packed with safety features like an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), transparent bonnet, nine airbags etc. So, is the Rs 1.39 crore price justified? No doubt, it is more expensive than the competition but the EQE SUV also offers more features.