Mercedes Benz is betting that in the future, the all-electric EQE SUV can be as fashionable because the gas-fed GLE-Class, one of many model’s best-selling crossovers. These are some huge targets to hit, although, particularly contemplating competitors is not simply coming from BMW and Audi but additionally Tesla. Not less than it is making an attempt for the unfold: The EQE is offered in three variants, anchored by the entry-level EQE350+ examined right here. So, how does the bottom mannequin stack up in opposition to rivals, and does it kind a strong base for these pricier choices? Let’s dig in.

The 2-row EQE midsize crossover joins the EQE sedan and bigger EQS fashions within the luxurious model’s electrical car pivot, even copying the larger EQS’ naming scheme. That “+” within the EQE’s title signifies it’s rear-wheel-drive and presents up the most effective EPA-estimated driving vary within the EQE household. (Different EQEs are all-wheel drive and might’t match the +’s vary.) It is also the least costly EQE SUV within the lineup.

Nonetheless, with solely a single rear motor, the EQE350+ SUV feels fast, and key to its quickness is the mountain of torque developed by the 288-hp motor. The drive motor is punchy sufficient that its responses ought to be enjoyable and spectacular for many customers. Executing passing maneuvers and getting as much as freeway speeds are a cinch. However there are extra highly effective and faster opponents.

Seat-of-the-pants sensations apart, the EQE350+ is heavy for a five-passenger SUV, which, together with its single drive motor, drags on its goal efficiency. The extra highly effective and lighter 2023 Tesla Mannequin Y Twin Motor lengthy vary makes the dash to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, 1.3 seconds faster than the EQE. The additionally extra highly effective however heavier 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 is even faster, reaching 60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat.

Most on a regular basis situations will not depart drivers wanting for extra quickness. And the powertrain in our EQE350+ SUV is supremely clean, delivering no-drama launches all day lengthy. However the dual-motor EQE can be quicker and extra aggressive for stoplight drag racers.

Dealing with advantages from the electrical’s low heart of gravity, commonplace adaptive suspension, grippy summer time tires, and the optionally available $1,300 rear-axle steering. The Benz’s turning radius is unbelievable, and steering is remarkably direct, albeit on the anodyne aspect. We did encounter some extra dramatic physique motions on the highway course, however they did not appear to undermine traction.

In testing, the EQE350+ SUV is an effective match for the Mannequin Y on our lateral acceleration evaluation and betters the BMW iX. However that falls aside in our figure-eight “racetrack in a bottle” analysis, the place each the Tesla and BMW have been faster and dug in longer. Nonetheless, when the pavement is clean, the Mercedes is tremendous steady for a rear-driver and hangs on tight within the twisties.

The EQE350+ SUV’s driver-assistance security options are a few of the most intuitive and clever we have encountered. Lane retaining, lane centering, and adaptive cruise controls all earned reward.

Bigger than compact luxurious crossovers, the Mercedes presents much less entrance legroom and fewer cargo house behind the second row in comparison with the likes of the Genesis GV60 and Volvo XC40 Recharge. With the rear seat folded, you get 2.5 extra cubes of cargo quantity—57.5 cubic toes whole—within the more-than-a-foot-shorter Volvo.  A couple of of our editors described sitting within the driver’s seat of the EQE SUV as claustrophobic, partly as a result of the sprint appears so large.

It is a totally different story for the second row. Head- and legroom are beneficiant, even when the ground is just a little elevated and the rear doorways solely open to roughly 75 levels. That mentioned, this base mannequin does not give passengers a lot to do—in again, there are AC vents however no controls (besides on Pinnacle trim) and hideaway USB ports; in entrance there isn’t any third display obtainable.

Although we want the inside have been extra spacious, designers discovered locations for intelligent storage all through the cabin. Within the first row, the middle console has a decrease tier with its personal USB retailers and strap. On high, we’re followers of the console’s split-opening bin lid. Within the rear maintain, there’s respectable house below the ground. Some know-how labored each time, like Apple CarPlay, and we respect a few of the helpful EV-specific instruments it supplies.

Our beef is with the interfaces. On the EQE SUV’s central show, there are such a lot of screens and menus, it acquired overwhelming. The touchpad controls on the steering wheel have been one other ache level—manner too fussy and perplexing for such a high-end trip.

For many, this inside can be an upscale, fashionable place during which to journey. The home windows are huge and the usual panoramic sunroof is superior. The sprint lacks the three-screen Hyperscreen setup provided in different EQ fashions, however the 12.3-inch gauge cluster show and 12.8-inch central touchscreen seem to drift in entrance of the sprint, and at a very good viewing peak. The steering wheel is gorgeous, each seating place is comfy, and the supplies look premium, even when we had challenge with a few of the construct high quality (specifically panel flex round buttons and door pulls). You may even see EQE’s altering ambient lighting within the daytime.

Exterior styling is a letdown. The EQE SUV’s finest view is likely to be its profile—that is the one place you may see its SUV proportions. In any other case, there’s not lots of definition, or character. Mercedes even despatched one with a $2,200 AMG Line physique equipment, however the black items did not precisely pop on our Obsidian Black Metallic 350+ SUV.

The EQE350+ SUV’s trip is way from excellent. It feels agency and flinty on pock-marked and bumpy surfaces. On those self same dangerous roads, some wind and highway noise can seep into cabin at velocity. And though its rear-wheel steering helps make it nimbler on pavement, off-road at slower speeds the Mercedes might get squirrely.

Granted, the EQE is not tuned for sportiness or beyond-pavement functionality. A number of of our evaluators additionally mentioned they nonetheless do not like the bizarre brake pedal and the way it strikes (by itself) in sync with the present degree of regenerative braking. (The thought is in order that the pedal is pressed to the diploma it could be to match the regen’s braking power, in order that whenever you add your foot to the equation, the transition is smoother.) You may’t deny the system’s effectiveness at reining in all 5,436 kilos of the EQE350+ SUV and stopping from 60 mph, however the BMW iX can nonetheless do it two toes shorter in 120 toes, and the Mannequin Y in 118 toes.

With the EQE’s MSRP clearing $90,000, it looks like patrons ought to be getting greater than 279 miles of vary. That is the identical vary the EPA estimates the 2023 Mannequin Y sees when outfitted with 19-inch wheels and its commonplace battery, however there are fashions within the Tesla SUV’s lineup that may go so far as 330 miles, and for tens of 1000’s of {dollars} much less. And the competitors is not getting any weaker. The BMW iX’s lowest vary estimate is 315 miles for a non-M mannequin.

Our 2023 EQE350+ SUV got here outfitted with $12,670 in choices. If we had it our manner, we might preserve simply the rear steering, ventilated entrance seats, Driver Help package deal, and residential charging cable. That will carry the worth right down to a much less stratospheric $82,300, which seems to be virtually $6,000 lower than the 2024 iX base mannequin. However you are getting extra SUV with the Bimmer, particularly vary.

The Mercedes-EQ EQE350+ SUV will examine many containers for two-row crossover buyers, however there’s little that’s state-of-the-art in regards to the base mannequin. Newbies and model devoted alike will nonetheless love the EV’s luxurious, efficiency, and tech. It is the pricing that is likely to be the hardest tablet to swallow, a extra acute challenge for Mercedes now that Tesla has dropped the backside out from below its pricing.