With the launch of the Mercedes EQE SUV, Mercedes has a direct competitor to the BMW iX. So naturally, we wish to see what every gives.
Earlier than the Mercedes EQE SUV got here out, we evaluated the Mercedes EQS SUV and the BMW iX; the EQS SUV is positioned within the luxurious class, one class above, whereas the BMW iX competes within the enterprise class. The Mercedes EQS SUV is the electrical equal of the Mercedes GLS, and the BMW iX is the electrical equal of the X5. Due to this fact, the direct competitor to the BMW iX is the Mercedes EQE SUV, the electrical equal of the Mercedes GLE.
Each fashions are constructed on devoted electrical platforms, besides that the BMW iX is a singular mannequin; there is no such thing as a different BMW mannequin on this platform. As a substitute, Mercedes’ EVA II platform underpins all enterprise and luxurious class limousines and SUVs; see EQE, EQS, EQE SUV, and EQS SUV.
Mercedes gives 5 variations of the EQE SUV, together with a fundamental one with rear-wheel drive and a single engine and two AMG variations, all mixed with a 90 kWh battery (the bigger 107.8 kWh battery is reserved for the EQS fashions), whereas the BMW iX has three variants, all with all-wheel drive, together with an M model. Not like the Mercedes EQE SUV, the BMW iX is on the market with two batteries, a 71 kWh web for the fundamental model and a 105.2 kWh battery for the opposite two variations.
The higher driving place within the Mercedes EQE SUVAt 4.86 meters (15.94 ft) lengthy, 1.94 meters (6.36 ft) vast, and 1.68 meters (5.51 ft) excessive, the Mercedes EQE SUV is sort of 10 cm (3.94 in) shorter, 3 cm (1.18 in) narrower, and 1.5 cm (0.59 in) much less tall, however the wheelbase of three.03 meters (9.94 ft) is 3 cm (1.18 in) longer. The 580-liter (20.48 cu ft) boot quantity can be 80 liters (2.82 cu in) bigger than the BMW iX, though the BMW iX has a barely longer rear console. Though the Mercedes EQE SUV seems to be extra aerodynamic at first look, the aerodynamic coefficient is 0.25 for each fashions.
On the first seating take a look at, the Mercedes EQE SUV gives a barely decrease driving place, whereas within the BMW iX, you sit surprisingly excessive for a BMW, and the dashboard is comparatively low, so that you keep along with your knees on the identical degree with the dashboard vents.In distinction, the seats within the BMW are extra comfy and will be transformed into sports activities seats if wanted, because of changes to the edges and higher third.
OS8 vs. MBUX IIBoth fashions include the newest working programs. The BMW iX unveiled the brand new OS8 working system based mostly on two shows beneath a curved window. The multimedia system display screen additionally incorporates local weather controls, so there are now not bodily buttons on the middle console. Even the floor of the middle console has been remodeled right into a contact subject for activating driving modes and the primary multimedia menus.
For causes of custom, BMW has saved the controller, however now you possibly can management the multimedia system in multiple manner: contact, voice command, or gestures that may now be configured as properly. It isn’t simple, despite the fact that BMW has tried to construction the a number of apps into two classes: these of the automobile and people exterior. For instance, if you wish to see the power consumption, you would want to consider going into the Stay Automobile menu.
Different informations could possibly be extra intuitive to search out too. Alternatively, OS8 works like software program. If you wish to seek for one thing, kind in “Browse” as if trying to find one thing on Google. It sounds easy, however when you’re driving, it’s not. However like all working system, you be taught, so that you get accustomed to it after a number of months of driving.
Not like the Mercedes EQS and EQS SUV, whose high variations include the massive Hyperscreen, on all variations of the Mercedes EQE SUV, the Hyperscreen is optionally available and prices at least €8,500/$9,332. It’s not simply the excessive value that places prospects off, but additionally the ergonomics are higher with the usual 11.8-inch portrait display screen than with the Hyperscreen. On the portrait display screen, the button bar that permits entry to the automobile’s most important features is positioned just under the display screen; on the Hyperscreen, it’s positioned additional again on the middle armrest.
The Mercedes EQE SUV just isn’t an instance of ergonomics because the management buttons for seat adjustment, positioned on the door, are inflexible and provide no suggestions. Working the contact surfaces on the steering wheel can be sophisticated, and Mercedes has already introduced that it’s engaged on one other steering wheel design.
As a substitute, not less than on the data degree, the EQS SUV appears higher ready for off-roading, although neither has a gearbox or lockable differentials. However the EQE SUV’s off-road menu, with very good graphics, a clinometer, altimeter, compass, and all-wheel steering angle show, will be useful in sure conditions.
BMW is quicker; each are very comfortableFor the primary analysis, we thought of essentially the most potent non-M and non-AMG variations: the iX xDrive50 with 523 ps (515.6 hp) and the EQE 500 4Matic with 408 ps (402 hp). Though the BMW has greater than 100 ps (98.5 hp) extra energy, the 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) accelerations are related: 4.6 seconds in comparison with 4.9 seconds for the Mercedes.
These values are partly defined by the truth that the BMW is barely heavier, at 2,585 kilograms (5,699 kilos), in comparison with 2,560 kilograms (5,644 kilos) within the Mercedes. However now we have to keep in mind that the BMW has a a lot larger battery, 105.2 kWh, in comparison with 90 kWh within the Mercedes. As well as, BMW makes use of a lighter building with varied CFRP (carbon fiber strengthened plastic) physique components within the roof body, facet panels, and wheel arches.
The BMW iX xDrive50 comes customary with adaptive air suspension with floor clearance adjustment, whereas on the Mercedes EQE 500 4Matic, you must pay an additional €2,082/$2,286 and €1,547/$1,698, respectively for them. Alternatively, the rear axle steering angle is larger on the Mercedes, as much as 10 levels, which reduces the turning circle to 10.4 meters (34.12 ft).
However, each fashions provide glorious trip consolation, and in Sport mode, the suspension doesn’t stiffen considerably in both. The BMW feels barely extra agile, however each BMW and Mercedes lean barely in corners, even in Sport mode, and the very excessive weight limits dynamic valence.
Though the BMW has over 100 ps (98.5 hp) extra energy, the official gasoline consumption of the 2 fashions doesn’t differ a lot: 19.2 kWh/100 km within the Mercedes in comparison with 19.8 kWh/100 km within the BMW. And the BMW’s bigger battery provides it a extra prolonged vary of 629 km (391 miles) in comparison with the 542 km (337 miles) for the Mercedes. Those that need extra vary within the Mercedes can purchase the way more costly EQS SUV, which has a big 107.8 kWh battery, unavailable within the EQE vary.
BMW additionally has a slight benefit when it comes to charging pace: the BMW iX xDrive50 costs as much as 195 kW at DC stations in comparison with 170 kW within the Mercedes EQE SUV. That’s why the BMW costs the bigger battery from 0 to 80% in 39 minutes whereas the Mercedes takes 32 minutes.
BMW iX is simply apparently extra expensiveThe Mercedes EQE 500 4Matic prices €102,530/$112,571, whereas the BMW iX xDrive 50 is costlier, priced at €107,900/$118,467. However air suspension and all-wheel steering value further on the Mercedes whereas it’s customary on the BMW, so the costs even out. However the BMW has the benefit of higher vary and higher dynamics.
Mercedes EQE 500 4MaticBMW iX xDrive50
Engine 2, electrical2 electrical
Max. Output (kW/HP) 300/408385/523
Max. torque (Nm) 855765
Battery capability web (kWh)90105.2
L x w x h (mm)4,863 x 1,940 x 1,6864,965 x 1,967 x 1,696
Wheelbase (mm)3,0303,000
Boot Quantity (l)580-1,675500-1,750
Kerbweight (kg)2,5602,585
Acc. 0-100 kph (s)4.94.6
High pace (kph)210200
Vitality consumption (kWh/100 km)19.219,9
Vary WLTP (km)542629
Worth (euro with VAT)102,530107,900