Mercedes-Benz is stepping up its range of EQ electric cars with the launch of the EQE SUV next year.
It’s fourth EQ model to be based on a new bespoke electric platform, joining the EQE and EQS saloons and the EQS SUV.
The EQE SUV is essentially a raised-up version of the EQE saloon, offering a range (WLTP) of 285 – 366 miles.
The single motor EQE 350+ provides the longest range, while two twin motor all-wheel-drive variants will also be offered.
The 350+ serves up 292PS and 565Nm to the rear wheels. The 350 4Matic outputs an extra 200Nm of torque and 500 4Matic has 407PS and 858Nm.
Two Mercedes-AMG variants will also be offered. The EQE 43 outputs 476PS and the EQE 53 has 626PS, or 687PS if equipped with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package.
All versions use a 90.6kWh battery pack, which is capable of rapid charging at up to 170kW and can add 136 miles of range in 15 minutes.
The EQE SUV has a slightly smaller footprint than its saloon counterpart and provides a boot capacity of 520 litres.
Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed the UK specification for the car yet, but has confirmed a heat pump is fitted as standard. It will also be possible to equip the car with the MBUX Hyperscreen display, which spans across the dashboard combining the instrument cluster, central touchscreen and a third screen in front of the passenger.
The EQE SUV is expected to cost from around £100,000 when it goes on sale early next year.
The German car maker’s Vision EQXX has set a new electric vehicle (EV) range world record after travelling 746 miles on a single charge.
Mercedes-Benz has reached an agency model agreement with its retailers which will lead to the new retail framework’s introduction in the UK from 2023.
The German premium brand, which had been consulting UK retailers on the change last year, announced in December that it had agreed key points of the process which would bring the model to the UK and its native Germany in 2023.