What Do They Say About The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV; Review By Larry Nutson

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV
Pushing the limit

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Beyond providing everyday transport, many vehicles also provide fun and entertainment in driving them. The Mercedes-AMG EQE is, in my view, one of them.

Each time I approached the EQE the keyless entry system did its thing. The system’s seamless door handles deployed from their retracted position—like extending a hand. I was greeted by a moderate roar-like sound provided by the AMG Sound Experience. Audio speakers both inside and out generate this electric soundscape. I smiled and chuckled a bit each time I went for a drive. Although, I’m not sure if I would eventually grow weary of this and turn it off.

More fun and entertainment comes from the EQE’s drive system. The fully-electric, battery-powered M-AMG EQE SUV has a motor at each axle. A combined output of 617-HP and 701 lb-ft of torque and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive makes for a very quick vehicle. The AMG Dynamic Plus package, a $4,000 option, increases output to 677-HP and 738 lb-ft. Mercedes says the AMG EQE SUV will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with the “Race Start” feature.

Last year, Mercedes launched the 5-passenger midsize EQE SUV, based on the ECE sedan platform. Three trim levels are available: EQE 350, EQE 350 4Matic and EQE 500 4Matic. Now for 2024, the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV performance model has been added the line.

To handle all the power, air suspension, active roll stabilization, rear-axle steering and Summer high performance Michelin Pilot Sport EV MO1 275/40 tires mounted on 21-inch wheel complete the package. The 9-degrees of rear steer tightens up the turning radius and gets the EQE turned quickly. Rear steer provides improved roadholding, enhanced agility and better maneuverability when parking. I noticed the effect of the rear steer when rounding 15-20 mph corners and in parallel parking.

The interior cabin has lots of AMG-style. The thick-rimmed leather-covered steering wheel, supportive red-trimmed MB-Tex seats, red seatbelts, and full-width A-pillar to A-pillar hyperscreen exude power, performance and control, each in their own way.

All of this comes with a cost. Base price for the M-AMG EQE SUV is $109,300. Destination charge adds $1,150. The optioned-up evaluation EQE I drove had a bottom line price of $130,850.

Along with the previously mentioned $4,000 AMG Dynamic Plus package, some big-ticket features that were equipped included AMG Carbon Fiber Trim ($1,500), AMG High-Performance Ceramic Composite Braking System ($5,400), Acoustic Comfort Package ($1,100), Black microfiber headliner ($1,600), and Pinnacle Trim ($3,300) which includes a HUD plus some enhancements to HVAC, lighting and other items.

As mentioned previously, the very quick 3.4 seconds from stop to 60 mph is possible by selecting the Race Start drive mode available in the Dynamic Plus package. This increases power output to 110%. Other drive modes adjust output appropriately: Slippery at 50%, Comfort at 80%, Sport at 90% and Sport+ at 100%.

Active rear-axle steering provides up to 9.0 degrees of steering angle for the rear wheels proportional to front wheel steering input. At speeds below 37 mph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This allows a turning radius of 35.8 ft. When rounding a corner this brings the back end around quicker. At speeds above 37 mph, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels. This offers increased handling stability and driving safety at highway speeds as well as during fast lane changes or sudden evasive maneuvers.

Beyond the power and performance entertainment of the AMG EQE SUV the interior is up-featured with supportive AMG seats, a thick-rimmed steering wheel with additional rotary knobs for drive mode, suspension, sound and drivetrain selections. The Hyperscreen covers the entire dashboard. A Burmester 3D Surround Sound System fills the cabin with music of your choice. The 64-color ambient lighting can be set to your mood of the moment.

The Lithium-ion 90.6-kWh battery pack delivers an EPA-certified estimated rating of 235 miles of combined city/highway driving range. EPA fuel economy equivalent ratings are 74 MPGe combined city/highway, with a 77 MPGe city rating and a 71 MPGe highway rating.

I would categorize the 235 mile city/highway estimated range rating as just OK. Actually, there’s plenty of range for city, slower speed driving. On the highway, where range will be lower, not so much. I had a road trip planned from Chicago to southeast Michigan that was 290 miles long from door-to-door. On my return trip I wanted to take a different route to visit a point of interest and that entailed 360 miles of driving.

The ability to recharge an EV battery when out on the open road is THE issue today. And because of this the AMG EQE was not my road trip conveyance. I would have liked it to be, since driving an EV on the highway is exceedingly pleasant thanks to minimal vibrations and no buzzing internal-combustion engine to disturb the trip.

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program is being rolled out over the next few years. The resulting installation of EV fast chargers located every 50 miles along interstates and major highways will make recharging more convenient.

Your needs for your typical driving pattern must be considered in determining if a BEV is right for you. Charging is all important. Personally, I recommend the installation of a Level 2 charger at your residence. It’s key to a good ownership experience. If you live in a cold climate it is best to be able to garage a BEV.

Take a look at www.mercedes-amg.com/en/home.html

The Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is a really good automobile. It’s fun to drive, versatile for household use, and could certainly be used for track-time on the weekend. Yes, it’s a bit pricey. But, for some it will fit perfectly in their household fleet.

The future is electric. Happy motoring!

About Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy

Larry has been the executive producer for The Auto Channel for more than 20 years.

Larry is a graduate mechanical engineer and an automobile enthusiast at heart. "I’ve enjoyed a diverse automotive corporate career that began in product planning and expanded into marketing and communications. I’m established as a successful contractor, a founder of the Individual Communicators Network (ICN) and operated a well-regarded 1000-home residential property management service. I'm equally at ease with technical matters, strategic planning, architectural plans, or communicating to an audience. Project management suits me well and I love to travel.

A Founding member and past-Chairman of the Individual Communicators Network. Past chairperson of the SAE International Public Affairs Committee. Public relations services for SAE Congress and Formula SAE. Sponsorship representative for and early-supporter of the Woodward Dream Cruise, Detroit, Michigan.

Independent management and communications professional since 1997.

Guest commentator on Drive Chicago-WLS 890AM, Consumer Guide Automotive Car Stuff Podcast, KRTK 93.3 Automotive Insights, Shunpiker's Journal-Michigan Business Network and Talk Lansing.net Radio. Executive Producer for The Auto Channel. Contributing writer to ClassicCars.com Blog and Chicago Tribune/Autos.

Past member of the Board and Treasurer of the Midwest Automotive Media Association

Specialties: Automotive Product Evaluation, Brand Communication, Event Planning and Management, Government Liaison, Automotive Marketing, Education Advocacy, Homeowner Association Management, German Language