2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV First Drive: A Lot of Electric Goodness

There’s a synergy within the arrangement with Mercedes-Benz as well as its AMG subsidiary. The former is focused on developing models for core features to ensure general popularity while AMG is charged with making the most of the platform to attract customers who want a more immersive experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV it’s a tiny but highly electrically capacious virtual spanner into that synergistic groove. It is based on Mercedes-Benz’s EQE SUV and the AMG version is more than only in terms of performance. It’s more efficient in every way, leaving the standard MB the EQE EVs to feel unsatisfactory as well as making the Mercedes-AMG GLE class, its internal-combustion analog, feel like old ordnance in a galaxy that is full of laser-guided missiles.

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE Review
2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE Review

The plug-and-play components and the infinitely customizable software built into electric vehicles offer different avenues and possibilities for the daring AMG engineers to take advantage of. With AMG EQE, you have access to a massive amount of power at all speeds, an electronically limited top speed of 149 mph, and a refined mix of control and comfort that comes with a few of the compromises needed by ICE vehicle development to attain similar parameters. We’re not saying it’s a breeze. AMG built its rogue-in-a-tailored-suit identity on a trademark husky exhaust note and a certain menacing presence, and those elements don’t readily translate to this electric SUV.

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV Powertrain

Naturally, the AMG EQE SUV starts with the power infusion. Two AMG-specific electrical motors with one on each axle, produce the power of 700 horsepower and 701 pounds-feet of torque. It’s a gain by 215 horses and 68 pounds-feet over the dual-motor configuration which powers the Mercedes-Benz EQE500 SUV. The capacity of the battery is identical to the 90.6-kWh lithium-ion unit that came with the basic Benz. (The basic EQE model is available in the single motor 350+ and the dual-motor 4-Matic EQE350.) This AMG EQE can charge at rates of up to 170 kilowatts using a DC fast charger. That’s enough to allow 100 miles in just 15 minutes as per Mercedes. The home and public charging with integrated chargers is restricted to 9.6 Kilowatts.

As per the AMG design, there’s a launch mode that can be selected by the user. The name is Race Start, it can be used regardless of whether you purchase an optional AMG Dynamic Plus bundle or not. However, when you purchase the package, you’ll be able to benefit from an additional boost feature. The first version performs the traditional launch, with all systems primed for a smooth neck-snapping, neck-snapping drive; however, you can also similar maneuvers with the Dynamic Plus boost mode engaged that temporarily boosts the power to a maximum of 738 pound-feet of torque. The car is launched with the same vigor, but it gives just enough drive to increase the number of acceleration cliches based on physiological factors to include a variety of internal organs.

AMG claims to have a speed of 60 mph of 3.4 seconds in this mode and, based on our C/D testing, we think the test results will show that it’s between two and three-tenths faster. This puts it in line with another EV SUV that is a bit more extrovert, such as that of the BMW iX M60, while it leaves its predecessor, the Audi SQ8 e-tron in the dust on paper, at the very least. It also has the potential to be a part of its EQE53 sedan counterpart and it’s the Audi RS E-Tron GT.

The buzzword here is heat which is why the sturdier EQE SUV is equipped with AMG-specific cooling tricks to combat the heat created through repeated stand-on-it launches. The rear motor has the “water lance,” which, despite sounding similar to an actual high-performance kayak paddle, is a hollow shaft within the rotor of the motor, where the coolant is circulated. Other components that are designed specifically for AMG to release heat include ribs that are located on the stator as well as a “needle-shaped pin-fin structure” on the inverter. It is made of special ceramics that are designed for performance. The transmission oil heat exchanger regulates heat to cool during pressure and heat components during cold temperatures to improve efficiency.

Changes

The automaker is currently working on the numbers of a range of the AMG QE crossover. The vehicle that we test-drove had an estimated 215 miles, with 90% battery capacity at the beginning of our trip. After covering 72 miles in a mix of conditions that ranged from stop-and-go traffic along the Pacific Coast Highway to a time on the interstate, it was reported that mileage of 152 miles was left with the battery at 60. Napkin calculations suggest an average of 240 miles on a fully charged battery, but it could leave the battery empty.

The onboard computer estimated a range of between 100 and 153 miles in part, based on the driving style that we experienced during those first 72 miles. (We were able to spend the majority of our time in the driver’s seat in the EQE in Sport+ mode and subjected the car to numerous full tilt launches and frequent foot-to-floor merges, as well as passing maneuvers along the road.)

Beginning with a fully charged battery and walking with a gentle step the range will increase proportionally. As a reference, C/D estimates the Mercedes-Benz EQE500 SUV, which has the same size battery but has less powerful motors, with about 269 miles of travel. The navigation system comes with the Active Range Monitor software which when it detects that the destination you have programmed will take you to the point of draining the battery, will come in and ensure optimal operation, and prioritize charging stations nearby.

Driving

Choose an option to switch on the Comfort drive mode to make sure to select the Comfort drive mode, and AMG EQE takes an athletic, relaxed stride partly by limiting the output of the drivetrain to 493 horsepower. The air suspension is adjustable to suit the individual’s needs electronic anti-roll bars ease its grip over the frame however, despite the installation of a moderately aggressive 275/40R-21 Michelin pilot Sport EV tire, the frame provides a ride that’s surprisingly cushioned, ideal for cosy derrieres.

In a hurry, AMG’s tuned 4Matic with all-wheel drive transmits additional torque and power to the rear of the vehicle in Sport as well as Sport+ modes to provide greater agility. It can provide up to 9.0 degrees of steering in the rear is available to assist in maneuverability and handling. The rear wheels spin in the opposite direction to the fronts at speeds below 37 mph to provide greater maneuverability. Above that threshold, they rotate in tandem with the front wheels to aid in high-speed maneuverability. It can be uncomfortable at first but as you get used to believing in the feeling the walls of rock that line the canyon road disappear from your vision.

Six-piston calipers squeeze 16.3-inch wheels in front of single-piston units on the rear, which bite 14.9-inch rotors. (A Ceramic high-performance brake set-up that has 17.3-inch rotors is also offered.) There’s indeed some fiddly uncomfortable feeling when you press the pedal when these two systems switch the duty of stopping, a problem we observed with the standard EQE SUV, too.

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE Changes
2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE Changes

With three different levels of regenerative braking that are available, you can reduce the amount of friction between the brake and pedal. Recovering with strength will be the most energetic one and provides the highest energy, however, it requires a little alteration of your mind to make it work. Even at high speeds, driving through windy mountain roads The trick is to not completely remove your foot off the accelerator. By doing this, you are triggering the entire brake force regenerative which is deceivingly efficient in slowing down the vehicle. The decision by the software to let go of the anchor happens during the initial one to four percent of pedal movement. A light contact on the accelerator at all times allows you to alter the force used to brake with natural results.

Features

In terms of appearance, AMG has taken a very conservative approach to its design. A new badge on the hood with the AMG symbol replaces the standard Mercedes star. The AMG-specific body-color front fender is accented by black and chrome accents. The aero elements on the front get accented in chrome. AMG interior symbols include upholstery that has specific designs made of MB-Tex, with topstitching in red and microfiber, but Nappa leather can be found as an option as well.

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE Interior
2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE Interior

The embossed AMG logos on the headrests and seats as well as the obligatory illuminated door sills, as well as an AMG flat-bottomed steering wheel. The steering wheel is fun to hold, however, the controls mounted on the wheel are a little flimsier and less tactile than the previous models. The Hyperscreen standard dominates the dash, and it’s filled with AMG-specific content including the AMG Track Pace program for all who plan to take their electric vehicle for track days.

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV Rumors

While the 2024 Mercedes AMG EQE SUV deserves the AMG label, it also redefines the formula for the product. Sure, it is a step up in performance, but it also has software playing an ever-growing part. In the EV time, tuning arms such as AMG must work hard to create the uniqueness that differentiates them from their more common counterparts. At present, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is the most exciting model in the EQE family.