Mercedes EQE SUV review: the truth about this £75k+ electric car

The Mercedes EQE SUV is meant to be the big, posh electric SUV that slots in below the EQS SUV, and takes over where the EQC left off. On paper, it ticks the boxes: loads of tech, loads of space, and of course, a giant three-pointed star on the nose.

But here’s the thing: the EQE SUV is a bit like one of those big electric recliner chairs. It looks brilliant in the showroom and it’s absolutely packed with gizmos, but once you get it home you realise it’s heavy, ugly, and not exactly nimble.

Let’s start with the styling. Mercedes has gone full aerodynamics-first, which means the EQE SUV has lost the sleekness of the saloon. The short nose looks droopy, the sides a bit swollen, and the whole thing feels more “sensible shoes” than “killer heels”. The big star-pattern grille at the front and full-width light bar at the back do their best to add glamour, but it’s not a knockout.

Inside, things get more interesting. You sit nice and high, visibility’s good and there’s a huge amount of tech on display. Base cars get a pair of big screens, while pricier ones offer the so-called Hyperscreen – basically three displays under a single pane of glass. It looks fantastic, but doesn’t actually make life any easier. Scratchy plastics and creaky trim are disappointing in a car that starts north of £75k as well.

Space is a win. The boot is big and square with handy under-floor storage, and rear passengers don’t have to fold themselves up like origami – unlike in the EQE saloon. There’s plenty of head and legroom, and the flat floor makes the middle seat usable.

You’ll get between 341 and 377 miles to a full charge – on paper. In reality, expect more like 290 miles. Charging tops out at 170kW, so a 10–80% boost takes around half an hour at a fast charger. Decent, but alternatives from BMW, Audi and even Kia can do better.

What’s it like on the move? Cruising the motorway is where the EQE SUV shines. It’s whisper-quiet, the suspension smooths out most bumps, and the driver assistance systems work well. But around town, sharper potholes thud through, and the EQE feels like a lot of car to lug about. Try a twisty road and you’ll really feel its weight, plus the steering is light and vague. This is not a car that makes you grin when the road gets interesting.

Prices start at £75,505 for the EQE 350+ AMG Line, rising to over £100k if you want the EQE 500 in posh Premium Plus trim. That’s steep money when you consider the Audi Q6 e-tron is cheaper, and the BMW iX is nicer to drive and better built.

So, is the Mercedes EQE SUV a good electric car? If your priorities are comfort on a long trip, space for the family and a dashboard that looks like a tech demo, it’ll tick your boxes. But if you want something efficient, great-to-drive and better value, the alternatives have it nailed.

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