Launched: Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV – From RM485,888

The Mercedes-Benz EQ range is now complete with the arrival of the new EQE SUV earlier today.

The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQ line-up for Malaysia is now complete. Earlier today, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) officially introduced the latest addition to the range in the form of the new Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV model.

This is essentially the ‘baby’ version of the EQS SUV MBM launched prior. Like the EQE and EQS saloons, both the EQS SUV and new EQE SUV are al built on the same bones, which is Mercedes-Benz’s 400-volt EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform. This also explains why all four share a lot of similarities.

For Malaysia, MBM have elected to offer this 'baby' EQS SUV in EQE 500 4Matic SUV AMG line form.

The EQE 500 4Matic SUV model for Malaysia arrives dressed in AMG Line exterior featuring AMG-specific front bumper design, side skirts, and rear bumper apron. It also rolls on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke lightweight alloy wheels and boasts aluminium-finished running boards.

Other notable traits include EQ-specific Digital Light LED headlights, along with other AMG-specific exterior touches like the high-gloss chrome trims. Otherwise, the EQE SUV mirrors its larger EQS SUV sibling, albeit at a smaller scale and sans third-row seats – this one boast just two rows.

For its exterior, the EQE 500 4Matic SUV gets the AMG Line treatment featuring sportier front and rear bumpers, 21-inch wheels, high-gloss chrome exterior trims, as well as aluminium-finished running boards.

Aptly, the ‘4Matic’ designation denotes the employment of a dual-motor and all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, which is juiced by a 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Output figures read at 408 PS ( 402 HP) and 858 NM, thus enabling 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 4.9 seconds whilst V-max is capped at 210 KM/H.

Similar to the EQE and EQS saloons, as well as the larger EQS SUV, this variant of the EQE SUV accepts 22 kW AC charging inputs and DC fast-charging inputs as high as 170 kW. The former sees 0-100% recharges done in 4 hours and 45 mins, whilst the latter sees 10-80% recharges done in 32 minutes.

In regards to range, MBM quotes a claimed maximum WLTP range of up to 552 KM for the new EQE 500 4Matic SUV.

The EQE 500 4Matic SUV packs a dual-motor, AWD setup rated at 402 HP and 858 NM. Juiced by a 90.6 kWh battery, it has a claimed max WLTP range of up to 552 KM.

Just like its larger sibling, the EQE 500 4Matic SUV sees its chassis brimmed with rear-axle steering (up to 10-degrees of steering angle) and Airmatic air suspension suite plus continuously adjustable ADS+ dampers. Altogether, this chassis package promises a balance between agility and comfort.

No tri-screen MBUX Hyperscreen here. Instead, the EQE SUV adopts the familiar digital dual display setup led by an OLED touchscreen offering a wide variety of interactive and connectivity-driven functions including navigation.

Present too are more supportive sports seats up front. And besides automatic multi-zone climate control, the EQE SUV also boasts heated and ventilated seats too.

On board, the EQE SUV mirrors its more grounded saloon twin here by omitting the tri-screened MBUX Hyperscreen seen in the EQS and EQS SUV. Instead, the display package consists of an OLED central infotainment touchscreen unit, a digital instrument panel, and a heads-up display (HUD) present.

It’s worth noting the infotainment unit mentioned still offers a variety of interactive and connectivity-driven functions, which includes navigation with augmented reality and live traffic displays. It also works in tandem with a Burmester 3D surround audio system laced in the cabin.

Other key creature comforts present include multi-zone automatic climate control with dedicated rear vents and controls, heated and ventilated seats, as well as integration with the Mercedes me App for across multiple user profiles, amongst many others.

The cabin remains posh with typical Mercedes traits of adopting black and space gray leather upholstery, open pore wood dash trim with aluminium pattern accents, cabin ambient lighting, and a thumping Burmester 3D audio suite.

As for aesthetics, the cabin of the EQE 500 4Matic SUV get the AMG Line cabin treatment featuring nappa leather-wrapped AMG sports steering wheel and supportive sports seats up front. These, as well as the rear bench, are upholstered in black and space grey leather.

Avantgarde trims present include brown open pore magnolia wood elements with aluminium patterns accents, cabin ambient lighting module, AMG floor mats, as well as both the Energising and Air balance packages – the latter two equipped as standard for this Malaysia-specced EQE 500 4Matic SUV.

On the safety front, the Driving Assistance Package Plus sees this ‘baby’ EQS SUV laced with a bevy of active driving assistance (ADAS) features such as Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Evasive manoeuvre support, Pre-Safe Impulse Side, as well as rear sensors for the lane departure assistant.

Open for orders now, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV AMG Line is priced at RM485,888 sans insurance.

Opened for orders through authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers nationwide now, the fully imported (CBU) new Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV commands an asking price of RM485,888 sans insurance (with 10% sales tax included).

With its arrival, the EQE SUV now faces off against rivals like the BMW iX and Audi Q8 e-tron. Which of these trio would be choice then? As always, hit the comments below – and our social media pages – with your take on things…