EQE 500 redefines the capabilities of electric SUVs
CHATHAM, Massachusetts – The first car I ever reviewed was a Mercedes-Benz; Like the E-Class sedan of years ago, the new battery electric vehicle (BEV) EQE 500 4MATIC SUV I recently sampled performed beyond my expectations.
Like previous editions of the world’s oldest automaker, I found myself driving more quickly than I had imagined thanks to the outstanding combination of ride comfort, reassuring roadholding and a quiet cabin, which seemed to improve the faster I went.
The EQE 500 is a technological tour de force in terms of dynamic capabilities, safety, infotainment – basically, cutting-edge engineering (going beyond simply sticking electric motors into an existing chassis).
Dual-motor four-wheel drive system
The 4MATIC system in the car’s name refers to all-wheel drive, which is achieved through two motors, each of which powers the front and rear wheels respectively.
The electric motors on the front and rear axles are permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM) that produce a combined power of 402 hp (300 kWh) and 633 lb-ft of torque.
These are high performance numbers Car and driver This is confirmed by reaching 60 mph from a standstill in 4.2 seconds. That was a supercar number, but electric cars today seem to routinely achieve sub-five-second 0-60 times even in 5,000-plus-pound vehicles like the Mercedes EQE SUV.
These engines are fueled by a 90.6 kWh battery that can be charged from 10 to 80 percent at a Level 3 (fast charging) station in 20 minutes. Fully charged, the EQE 500 told me it had a range of between 333 and 363 miles, one of the highest numbers I’ve seen in any battery electric vehicle.
My week driving the Mercedes BEV was quiet in terms of range thanks to the Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Home Charger in my garage. I plugged the long charging cable into the EQE every night and got a fully charged battery the next morning.
One-pedal driving, brakes and advanced driver assistance systems
In addition to my wall unit, I was recharging the battery every time I lifted off the throttle thanks to the regenerative braking system. The EQE system allowed one-pedal driving with the Regen system bringing the SUV to a complete stop without having to touch the brake pedal.
Speaking of brakes, Mercedes has a four-wheel disc system with anti-lock braking (ABS) that includes 15.3-inch front rotors and 14.6-inch rear rotors. These larger dials also play a role in the comprehensive advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found on the review model.
Standard ADAS includes Blind Spot Assist; active lane keeping assistance; Active Park Assist with Surround View (Camera); Active brake assist.
The show SUV included the optional Driver Assistance Package ($1,250) which adds DISTRONIC® active distance assist; active steering assist; Evasive steering assistance. active blind spot assist; Active speed limit assistance. traffic signal assistance; PRE-SAFE® PLUS, and PRE-SAFE® pulsating side.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the latest two PRE-SAFE® systems are:
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS can take action in the event of an imminent rear-end collision. The system warns the driver of a vehicle following him from behind by activating the rear hazard warning lights with increasing frequency. In addition, PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection measures are activated, including reversible belt pretensioners. If the vehicle is stationary, PRE-SAFE® PLUS locks the brakes. Reducing forward movement can significantly reduce loads on occupants, including the risk of injury.
- The PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side System (available as selected equipment) can move an injured driver or front passenger out of danger even before a collision once the system detects that a side collision is immediately imminent. For this purpose, the air chambers in the side bolsters of the front seat backrest are inflated in fractions of a second.
Designed to handle like a sports car
Nimble’s EQE 500 4MATIC SUV looks the opposite of what one might assume given the vehicle’s 5,700-pound weight and 191-inch length (the weight of a midsize SUV). I attribute much of this ability to a combination of overall chassis geometry, rear-wheel steering, and the optional ($1,900) AIRMATIC air suspension.
Ten percent rear-wheel steering allows the EQE to feel like a compact car when maneuvering in the tight confines of congested Provincetown, Massachusetts.
It also pays off on twisty roads from the Atlantic coast to Wellfleet, Massachusetts, thanks to the integrated steering and brake actuation (ESP®) thus improving overall stability at speed.
While driving, AIRMATIC’s advanced sensing system and algorithms adjust the dampers according to the quality of the road to ensure, for example, that driving over bumps with just one wheel is not transmitted to the entire axle and inwards. The spring and damper are combined into a single strut on the front axle.
The system also maintains proper ground clearance and can raise and lower the vehicle manually or through the vehicle’s computer settings.
The result of this engineering exercise is a vehicle that functions in a way that seems to defy the laws of physics while providing comfort and dynamic operations that belie its size and weight.
Luxury and technology fill the interior
Regardless of the engineering capabilities that distinguish the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV among mid-sized SUVs, what is immediately apparent upon entering its cabin is that it is a luxury car designed to provide comfort to its passengers supported by the latest technology. Technological advances.
The company calls its infotainment/vehicle interface system MBUX and the image-oriented 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen at its heart dominates the clean, blank dashboard (other than the virtually hidden center air vents and a 12.3-inch digital cluster facing the driver through it) The multifunction steering wheel , electrically heated and adjustable).
This is a comprehensive system that takes time and training to master. I can’t begin to explain all of her abilities without doing her an injustice. Navigation of course. certainly. Satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming, present.
The seats are upholstered in leather and heated. An optional Multi-Contour Front Seat Package ($2,350) adds multi-contour seats and quick-dry heating and massaging ventilation. The Pinnacle Trim Package ($3,300) offers various interior design changes as well as four-zone automatic climate control, MBUX augmented reality navigation system, and a head-up display.
Impressive overall
I’ve just skimmed the surface of the features and capabilities that the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV offers the driving public. It’s a lot of car for a significant price. Our review unit’s base price of $89,500 was supplemented by a long list of options and packages. Many of these options contributed to the driving experience as described and brought the as-tested price to $108,920 (which includes a $1,150 destination and delivery fee).
I’m not going to start trying to justify spending over $100,000 on a car, but if you want the perfect electric car with room to transport up to five people and a lot of their stuff in maximum comfort and safety, this car should fulfill that desire.
