Our colleagues from the German journal auto motor und sport drove the brand new Mercedes EQE SUV in Portugal, and listed below are their first impressions.With the Mercedes EQE SUV, the German producer now has an electrical SUV within the Core Luxurious class (there may be additionally Entry Luxurious and Prime-Finish Luxurious). Furthermore, it has a number of improvements in comparison with the EQE limousine that, along with optimized aerodynamics, goal to cut back consumption and enhance vary. On the primary check drive, the Mercedes EQE SUV presents quite a lot of driving pleasure however has some ergonomic points.
Our auto motor und sport colleagues drove the EQE 350 4Matic model with two engines and an electrical all-wheel drive. There’s a sense of ethereal house beneath the panoramic roof within the nearly 5 meters lengthy SUV. The entrance and rear seats are comfy, loads of space for storing, and the fabric high quality makes impression.
Higher ergonomics with the usual show than with the elective and costly Hyperscreen
The check automobile was outfitted with the usual 11.9-inch portrait show, not the elective Hyperscreen, which contains three shows and prices 8,500 euros for the EQE sedan. Ergonomics are additionally higher with the usual show as a result of the important controls are positioned instantly under the show. In distinction, within the case of the Hyperscreen, they’ve been moved to the entrance of the middle armrest and usually are not within the discipline of view.
The ergonomics is identical because the sedan with its pluses and minuses. For instance, the seat controls positioned on the door are stiff and don’t have any suggestions whenever you function them. Additionally, utilizing the contact surfaces on the steering wheel is difficult, and it takes a number of presses to get to the varied menu particulars. Nonetheless, Mercedes admits there are higher options and has already developed a brand new steering wheel that shall be accessible sooner or later.
However then again, the 2 shows have an outstanding, sensible decision. Furthermore, you may entry the automobile effortlessly by the wide-opening doorways; the tailgate opens broad and presents quick access to the 520-liter (31,732 cu in) trunk that may be expanded to 1675 liters (102,214 cu in), the load space is completely flat, and there’s a commonplace 40/20/40 break up of the bench backrest.
Consolation oriented drive prepare
The check automobile was outfitted with 22-inch wheels, whereas the bottom model has 19-inch wheels. The drivetrain with air suspension is comfort-oriented, and in Consolation mode, it comfortably and calmly goes over lengthy and transverse bumps. Solely a couple of times you are feeling and listen to when it passes over a extra profound bump. In Sport mode, the suspension stiffens up with out changing into very stiff.
With an influence output of 292 ps (288 hp), the EQE 350 4Matic is the second mannequin within the vary after the EQE 350. It has the identical energy of 292 ps (288 hp), however the torque is way greater at 765 Nm (564 lb ft) in comparison with 565 Nm (417 lb ft). In comparison with the load of the automobile, these usually are not spectacular figures. However the first impression behind the wheel is that the EQE SUV is harmoniously powered. A agency press on the accelerator pedal is sufficient to overtake shortly and really feel stress in your again. The graceful steering with good suggestions makes you overlook the numerous weight in corners. It leans just a little in corners however not annoyingly so. You’re feeling such as you’re behind the wheel of a spacious household automobile that has no sporty pretensions. However the entrance pillar is just too steep, and when cornering, the motive force is compelled to lean ahead for good visibility.
Then got here the extra highly effective EQE SUV 500 4Matic, which with 408 ps (402 hp) and 858 Nm (633 lb ft), is extra spirited. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds in comparison with 6.6 within the EQE 350 4Matic, and you’re feeling it. However extra essential than energy is the EQE 500 4Matic’s integral steering, which has a steering angle of as much as 10 levels. This angle reduces the turning circle from 12.3 (40 ft) to 10.5 meter (34 ft). Thus, integral steering results in spontaneous reactions and shorter steering actions at low speeds. At first, the steering feels just a little abrupt and nervous, however after a number of turns, you get used to it and really feel such as you’re behind the wheel of a a lot lighter automobile.
Consumption is between 17.5 and 18.8 kWh/100 km, comparable to a spread of as much as 596 km with a helpful battery capability of 90 kWh. The battery prices as much as 170 kW, and the navigation system guides you to charging stations if the vary is inadequate to succeed in your vacation spot. Good aerodynamics contribute to the low gas consumption, with a Cx of 0.25 on commonplace 19-inch wheels.
The ten battery cells (12 on EQS) work with a brand new battery chemistry launched on EQS that has diminished the cobalt content material under 10%. The EQE SUV additionally incorporates a warmth pump not but accessible on the EQE sedan, and 4Matic variations function Disconnect Unit know-how that disconnects the entrance engine when all-wheel drive shouldn’t be wanted. That is achieved in simply 240 ms in each instructions, which improves the vary by a number of kilometers.
Gross sales will begin in Could or June on the newest. The bottom mannequin EQE 300 SUV with 245 ps (241 hp) will price 83,500 euros ($91,097) the EQE 350 is 3,000 euros ($3,272) costlier, and the EQE 350 4Matic is 6,000 euros ($6,545) costlier. The EQE 500 4Matic will attain 100,000 euros ($109,098) with out choices however comes commonplace with all-wheel steering and air suspension. The Mercedes configurator has already appeared Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic SUV which prices 124,920.25 euros ($136,286).