2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV test drive review

Those on the hunt for a performance-oriented, luxury electric SUV will no doubt be curious about the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. Though it’s got a lot in common with its regular EQE SUV counterpart, the biggest difference is the power output. The non-AMG version puts out a maximum of 402 horsepower while the AMG EQE SUV jumps as high as 677. There are a few other AMG goodies scattered here and there as well — but is it worth paying between $20K to $40K more?

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2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV price and value 

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV comes in just one trim, though the non-AMG comes in several different flavors. The AMG version starts at $109,300 and includes standard features such as:

•  90.6-kWh EV battery

• AMG ride control and air suspension

• 21-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels

• Leather-wrapped AMG Performance steering wheel

• Heated power front seats

• Panorama roof

• Power liftgate

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

• 17.7-inch center touch screen

• 12.3-inch passenger display

Optional packages include the AMG Dynamic Plus package (boosts horsepower); the AMG Night Package (adds black styling elements) and Night Package Plus; and the Winter Package (adds heated steering wheel, rear seats, windshield and windshield wiper system). For an additional $3,300, upgrading to the Pinnacle package will get you a head-up display, four-zone automatic climate control, the advanced USB package, active ambient lighting, an AMG animated logo projector, the Air Balance package and an augmented video for navigation.

There are several different options and upgrades to choose from. Among other things, our tester came with the AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system (more on that later), the Acoustic Comfort package, ventilated front seats, the AMG Night Package, the

Dynamic Plus package and the Pinnacle Trim option for a grand total of $130,950. That puts this luxury electric SUV out of reach for the average buyer — and we questioned whether the AMG brand was worth the premium over the regular EQE, which starts at $77,9

00. Ultimately, if you want the punchiest electric SUV that Mercedes offers, this one is your pick.

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Performance

Deemed “the most powerful SUV in the AMG stable” by Mercedes, the AMG EQE SUV doesn’t disappoint if you’re looking to be thrown back in your seat when you punch the throttle. An insane amount of horsepower and smooth handling are certainly some of its top selling points.

Engine and drivetrain

The AMG EQE SUV has a dual-motor electric setup that puts out an impressive 617 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque. The 4Matic+ all-wheel drive and a single-speed automatic transmission is also standard. With the AMG Dynamic Plus package, horsepower increased to 677 and torque jumped to 738 pound-feet when in Race Start driving mode. It’s definitely a satisfying feeling to step on the accelerator and feel this thing shoot forward.

Fuel economy

This luxury electric SUV is rated at 77 MPGe in the city, 71 MPGe on the highway and 74 MPGe combined. With a full battery, you get about 235 estimated miles of electric range. As the temperature dropped during our week with this electric SUV, we found that the battery depleted fairly quickly. But that wasn’t surprising.

Acceleration and handling

Even for an electric SUV, this thing is fast. Mercedes modestly claims it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Car and Driver said it was even faster, sprinting from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

Braking

Braking is something we need to talk about. As polished and refined as this luxury electric Mercedes was, we had a hard time wrapping our heads around its braking system. Given its power and finesse, we expected the brakes to match that — but they fell short of expectations. Not only was it difficult to smoothly stop and go without them feeling grabby and sensitive, but we questioned their stopping power at higher speeds as well.

At one point in our around-town driving, a car pulled out in front of us on a city road, forcing us to slam on the brakes. Instead of halting quickly, the AMG EQE SUV skidded a bit, which we found a little unnerving since we were only going 35 mph and the roads were completely dry and clear. Being a press car, there’s a chance this particular vehicle was a little worn out after making its way through several different journalists. But still — the thought of driving it once the Utah weather turned snowy and slick gave us pause.

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Interior comfort and convenience

For interior comfort and convenience, we give this electric SUV a 10 out of 10. Mercedes knows how to make a cabin look and feel exquisitely luxurious, and this AMG EQE SUV was no exception. Anyone who doesn’t “ooh” and “ahh” at least a little upon climbing inside must have impossibly high standards.

Seats

This luxury electric SUV seats five passengers. The seats were both easy on the eyes and easy on the thighs with their Neva Grey perforated leather material and cushiony support in both rows. Adults should feel comfortable sitting in the front or back.

Climate control

Since our tester was equipped with the Pinnacle Trim, it included four-zone climate control, which warmed things up nicely in the chilly, fall weather. Our front seats were heated and ventilated (a $450 option), but the rear seats were not. At a grand total of $130K, it feels like any luxury car — electric or not — should include that feature.

Cargo space and cabin storage

The cabin is comfortable and accommodating, and there’s a decent amount of cargo space in the back of the AMG EQE SUV. With the rear seats up, it’s 14 cubic feet. Put them down and that increases to 55 cubic feet. Other electric SUVs may offer a little more room, but if you’re looking to optimize your electric charge, you probably don’t want to load yourself down with too much extra baggage anyway.

Infotainment system

The Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV doesn’t just have a center infotainment screen — it has an MBUX Hyperscreen, which stretches all the way across the front dash. Of course, this is broken up into a digital gauge cluster, a center screen and a passenger screen, but it has the illusion of being part of one big sweeping system.

The tech can be a little overwhelming at first, but once you get used to it, it’s easy to use. While there are no physical buttons for climate control, they’re easily accessible on the home screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay was easy to connect and we enjoyed blasting some music on the Burmester 3D sound system.

We still think the passenger screen is a little gimmicky; why wouldn’t you just use your own cell phone? But, some people may appreciate it.

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Exterior appearance and functionality 

“Beauty is on the inside” is a phrase that definitely fits the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. It’s not exactly lauded for its exterior attractiveness — the design is meant to be more aerodynamic than pretty. It’s a case of function over form.

Wheels

For all of the criticism about its outward appearance, we thought the AMG EQE SUV’s wheels looked pretty good for an electric SUV. Our tester had the blacked-out AMG Y-Spoke wheels, and apart from their visual appeal, they seemed to do a good job at reducing road noise. We enjoyed a pretty peaceful cabin, even at high speeds.

Lights and turn signals

Driving this luxury electric SUV around on highway roads in the pitch black of night was no problem, thanks to the automatic headlamps that provided good illumination and adapted to traffic and curves on the road.

Front and rear windshield

Thanks to the upright seating position of the SUV body style, this AMG EQE has pretty good visibility out the front. The only complaint might be the slightly bulkier than average A-pillars that could potentially create some blind spots if you’re not extra vigilant.

Cameras and side mirrors

The surround-view camera system offers excellent resolution and multiple angles, so you can get a clear view of just about anything you want around the car. The side mirrors also improve visibility and increase driving confidence with their integrated blind spot monitors.

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Safety

As with most modern vehicles these days, the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV comes with a generous assortment of standard safety features. These included:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection

• Adaptive cruise control

• Lane centering

• Lane departure warning

• Lane keep assist

• Active parking assist

• 360-degree camera system

For a full list of safety features, click here.

Awards and ratings

As of this writing, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV.

Final impression

It’s easy to be wowed by the Mercedes moniker — particularly when you add the performance-oriented AMG label on top of it. The AMG EQE SUV is smooth, crazy fast off the line and beautiful on the inside, so there’s certainly a lot to love. But with a starting price of $110,000, this one is going to have to appeal to a very specific, Mercedes-loyal audience. Other luxury electric competitors are just as smooth on the road, if not more so. Also, they look just as posh and may be slightly more attainable from a financial perspective.

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FAQs

How long does it take to charge the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV?

With a 240-volt charger, Mercedes claims that the AMG EQE SUV takes 10.75 hours to charge.

What is the electric range of the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV?

With a fully charged battery, Mercedes claims an electric driving range of 235 miles for the AMG EQE SUV.

What is the top speed of the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV?

Though we never pushed it to its limit, the window sticker of our Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV tester claimed that the AMG Dynamic Plus Package put the top speed at 149 mph.

Is the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV the best luxury electric SUV?

This is a highly subjective question and what’s “best” for one person may not be “best” for another. The Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is certainly a good luxury electric SUV in terms of performance and interior style, but it has some heavy competition in that segment. On their lists of best luxury electric SUVs, Car and Driver ranked the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV No. 12 and U.S. News put the EQE SUV at No. 14. Edmunds didn’t include the EQE SUV in their rankings, but the EQB SUV was their No. 10 pick. 

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.