Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 SUV

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV is a five-seat electric luxury SUV launched in Malaysia in December 2023. Offered as a single fully imported AMG Line variant, it was priced at RM485,888 on-the-road without insurance.

It combines a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 300 KW or 408 PS and 858 NM with a 90.6-kWh battery offering up to 552 KM of WLTP range. Malaysian pricing included a four-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty and a ten-year or 250,000-KM high-voltage battery warranty.

The dashboard combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a vertically mounted 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen. Unlike the larger EQS SUV, the Malaysian EQE 500 SUV does not receive the full-width MBUX Hyperscreen.

Brown open-pore magnolia wood trim with an aluminium Mercedes-Benz pattern, active ambient lighting and a black fabric headliner give the cabin a contemporary luxury appearance.

The floating centre console is finished in a black fine-structure design and provides both enclosed compartments and open storage beneath. The absence of a conventional transmission tunnel creates additional space between the front occupants. 

The 12.3-inch digital driver display offers Discreet, Sporty and Classic presentation styles. Navigation, assistance and service layouts can be selected, while a head-up display places important driving information within the driver’s forward view. 

AMG Line SUV sports seats are upholstered in black and space-grey leather with more pronounced side bolsters. The powered front seats include memory, heating and ventilation, while the rear backrests can be adjusted and folded in a 40:20:40 arrangement. 

The dedicated EVA electric platform and 3,030-MM wheelbase provide generous passenger accommodation despite the EQE SUV being shorter than the EQE Saloon. Rear legroom measures approximately 1,030 MM, while the flat floor improves comfort for the centre passenger.

A multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather provides touch-sensitive controls for media, displays and driver-assistance functions. Steering-wheel paddles allow the driver to adjust the strength of energy recuperation.

Storage areas include large door pockets, a glovebox, seatback pockets and multiple centre-console compartments. The separately folding centre rear backrest also creates a through-loading area for longer items.

Two adjustable cup holders are positioned inside the front centre console. Additional drink holders are incorporated into the folding rear centre armrest and the four door pockets.

The USB Package Plus provides six USB connections, supported by a 12-volt power socket and wireless smartphone charging. The ports are distributed between the front and rear passenger areas. 

Leather upholstery, open-pore wood, aluminium detailing and metallic switchgear give the cabin an appropriately premium finish. The Acoustic Comfort Package also adds laminated glass designed to reduce heat, wind and traffic noise. 

The powered EASY-PACK tailgate opens to 520 litres of standard luggage capacity. Placing the adjustable rear backrests in their more upright cargo position increases this to 580 litres, while folding them completely provides up to 1,675 litres.

The EQE SUV measures 4,863 MM long, 1,940 MM wide and 1,685 MM tall, with a 3,030-MM wheelbase. Its kerb weight stands at approximately 2,560 KG, reflecting its substantial battery, dual-motor system and luxury equipment. 

The front features the EQ family’s enclosed black-panel grille decorated with a three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz star pattern. The AMG Line package adds a sportier bumper, black air-intake details and high-gloss chrome A-wing trim. 

Smooth body surfaces flow into a broad tailgate with an AMG-specific rear apron and high-gloss chrome inserts. A roof spoiler and continuous rear light bar help the SUV retain a clean and aerodynamic appearance. 

DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps are fitted with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus. A thin illuminated strip visually connects the lamps across the front, giving the SUV its recognisable EQ lighting signature. 

The full-width LED rear lighting arrangement incorporates three-dimensional helix-shaped graphics. The reversing camera remains hidden behind the Mercedes-Benz emblem to protect it from dirt when not in use. 

The exterior mirrors are mounted on the door shoulders to improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise. They are electrically adjustable and power-folding, while the Mirror Package includes automatic-dimming functionality.

Four-wheel disc brakes operate alongside the regenerative-braking system, ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Programme. The i-Booster blends mechanical braking with energy recuperation according to driving conditions.

The Malaysian model rides on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels fitted with 265/40 R21 tyres. Aerodynamic inserts help manage airflow around the wheels, while illuminated aluminium-look running boards improve cabin access. 

Active-safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, ABS, Electronic Stability Programme, traction control, tyre-pressure monitoring and evasive-steering support. PRE-SAFE Impulse Side can also move occupants away from the impact area when an imminent side collision is detected. 

The Malaysian EQE SUV is equipped with nine airbags, including front, knee, side and curtain protection. ISOFIX mounting points, seatbelt pretensioners, impact-resistant body structures and a protected underfloor battery enclosure are also provided.

DYNAMIC SELECT provides Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual and Offroad settings. These alter motor response, steering, suspension and all-wheel-drive behaviour, while Offroad mode raises the suspension and adapts traction management for loose surfaces.

The 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen runs the MBUX multimedia system with artificial-intelligence-based suggestions, online voice assistance and individual user profiles. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, fingerprint authentication and augmented-reality navigation are included.

The Driving Assistance Plus Package includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, emergency-stop assistance and extended automatic restarting in traffic.

The Parking Package adds Active Parking Assist, PARKTRONIC sensors, a 360-degree camera and a transparent-bonnet view for improved visibility around the vehicle.

A 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround-sound system produces 710 watts and supports Dolby Atmos. The technology allows individual sound elements to be positioned around the cabin rather than being limited to a traditional left-to-right presentation. 

Two permanently excited synchronous motors produce a combined 300 KW or 408 PS and 858 NM. The front and rear motors are electronically managed to balance performance, traction and energy efficiency. 

Each motor operates through a single-speed electric reduction transmission. Power is delivered immediately without conventional gear changes.

The fully variable 4MATIC system sends power to all four wheels and continuously adjusts torque distribution between the axles. The front motor can be disengaged under lighter loads to reduce electrical consumption. 

The EQE 500 4MATIC SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 KM/H in 4.9 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 210 KM/H. 

A floor-mounted 90.6-kWh lithium-ion battery provides between approximately 464 and 552 KM of WLTP driving range, depending on vehicle configuration and operating conditions.

The Malaysian model receives a 22-KW AC onboard charger, allowing a 0% to 100% charge in approximately four hours and 45 minutes. Maximum DC charging is 170 KW, enabling a 10% to 80% recharge in around 32 minutes under suitable conditions.

Convenience equipment includes KEYLESS-GO, flush-fitting door handles, a hands-free powered tailgate, panoramic sliding sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, powered front seats with memory and remote functions through the Mercedes me application.

The Energising Package coordinates climate, seat, lighting and audio functions, while the Air Balance Package provides filtration, ionisation and cabin fragrance functions.

THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control includes dedicated air vents and controls for rear passengers. The climate system is supported by the heated and ventilated front seats and remote pre-conditioning functions.

AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable ADS+ dampers is standard. The vehicle can be raised by up to 30 MM at lower speeds, while automatic lowering at higher speeds improves stability and energy efficiency.

Rear-axle steering provides up to ten degrees of steering angle, reducing the turning circle from 12.3 to approximately 10.5 metres. This makes the large SUV considerably easier to manoeuvre in confined areas.

The Acoustic Comfort Package uses laminated front and side glass, enhanced body sealing and acoustically insulated structural cavities. These measures help reduce wind and road noise that would otherwise be more noticeable without a combustion engine. 

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV combines a spacious and luxurious five-seat cabin with strong 408-PS performance. Standard AIRMATIC suspension, ten-degree rear-wheel steering, 22-KW AC charging and an extensive driver-assistance package make it particularly well equipped for both urban and long-distance use.

Its major drawbacks are the substantial 2,560-KG weight, modest 170-KW DC charging rate and RM485,888 launch price. The absence of the visually impressive MBUX Hyperscreen may also disappoint buyers expecting the full flagship EQ experience.

Overall, the EQE 500 SUV is a refined electric luxury SUV that prioritises comfort, technology and effortless performance rather than outright efficiency or value.