The Tesla Model Y has been the reigning champion in the electric compact SUV space for quite some time. It's been the go-to choice for anyone looking to buy a premium electric daily driver. However, the new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV plans to change this monopoly. This latest member of Mercedes-Benz's EQ line-up builds upon the existing EQE sedan. It promises to offer the same impressive package in the form of a more appealing guise of a Sports Utility Vehicle.

Related: Why The Mercedes EQS Electric SUV Is Much Better Value Than The Tesla Model X

The EQE SUV Has The Oomph To Match The Tesla Model Y

2024 Mercedes Benz EQE SUV Front Three Quarter
Mercedes-Benz

When the EQE SUV goes on sale in the United States, it will offer three powertrain options. The range will begin with the EQE350 Plus, with a single electric motor at the back, driving the rear wheels. This setup will produce 288 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. Sitting above this trim will be the EQE350 4Matic, which, as the name suggests, adds all-wheel drive and an additional electric motor at the front. Its power output remains the same at 288 horsepower. However, torque increases to 564 lb-ft.

The rear-wheel drive EQE SUV will sprint from 0-60 MPG in 6.3 seconds, while the 4Matic can do the same run in 6.2 seconds. Unfortunately, the Tesla Model Y does not have a standard range version. Hence, the 350 Plus and the 350 4Matic give an advantage to the EQE SUV in terms of offering a broader line-up with more powertrain options.

Mercedes Benz EQE SUV Rear Three Quarter View
Mercedes-Benz

The variant of this latest electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz that stands to rival the Model Y Long Range is the EQE500 4Matic. It draws more oomph from the two electric motors and produces 536 horsepower with 633 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, this one can sprint from 0-60 MPH in 4.6 seconds. In comparison, the Model Y Long Range offers 384 horsepower with 376 lb-ft of torque and can go from 0-60 MPH in 4.8 seconds.

All the models of the EQE SUV get the same 90.6 kWh battery pack, also available in the EQE sedan. EPA hasn't rated this SUV. However, Mercedes-Benz says that according to the WLTP cycle, this EV can cover 342 miles on a single charge. In comparison, according to EPA, the Long Range Model Y offers 318 miles on a full battery.

Mercedes's Hyperscreen Looks Spectacular Compared To Tesla's Tablet

Mercedes Benz EQE SUV Interior
Mercedes-Benz

The EQE SUV gets the same interior design as the EQE sedan. Apart from being spacious and rich in materials, it also brings the Hyperscreen as an optional extra. This massive 56-inch screen combines the digital gauge cluster, the infotainment system, and the front passenger module. Compared to the minimalist layout of the Model Y's interior, this setup looks quite spectacular. Even if you do not opt for the Hyperscreen, every EQE comes standard with a 12.8-inch MBUX vertical instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

This electric SUV's standard features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting for the cabin, heated front seats, and Burmester Stereo System. There is also the "Hey, Mercedes" voice command feature, curtsey the MBUX system. Thanks to its higher roofline, the EQE SUV will likely offer better headroom than the sedan for second-row occupants. It has 18.4 cu-ft of luggage space, which increases to 59.2 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down.

The EQE SUV Is Loaded With Passive Safety Features

2024 Mercedes Benz EQE SUV Charging
Via Mercedes-Benz

Like other Tesla vehicles, the Model Y boasts an excellent safety rating. It is one of the main selling points of this electric vehicle. The Mercedes EQE SUV also offers an impressive safety package. It has a rigid body shell and special deformation zones to help keep the occupants safe in a crash. Apart from this, it also comes with various passive safety features.

As standard, every EQE SUV gets automated emergency braking, which can also detect pedestrians. In addition, lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning are also available across the range. Opting for the Driver Assistance package will add additional features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and more.

Related: Here’s How Brabus Improves The All-Electric Mercedes EQS To The Next Level

The EQE SUV Also Gets A Wicked AMG Model

2024 Mercedes AMG EQE SUV Front Three Quarter
Via Mercedes-Benz

The EQE also becomes the first electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz to get the AMG treatment. It also receives a dual-motor setup, but the total power output increases to 617 horsepower. At the same time, torque goes up to 701 lb-ft. If this is not enough for you, there is also the AMG Dynamic Plus package which shoots the power output to 677 horsepower and increases the torque to 738 lb-ft. This package allows the EQE SUV to reach 149 MPH and do the 0-60 MPh dash in 3.4 seconds.

The increased power figures of the AMG EQE SUV are complemented by AMG Ride Control air suspension that also comes with adaptive dampers. However, since the battery pack remains the same at 90.6 kWh, expect the driving range to be slightly less than other models of this SUV.

The fastest Model Y that you can buy is the Performance model, which produces 470 horsepower and can sprint from 0-60 MPH in 3.5 seconds. In addition, it has a top speed of 155 MPH.

Source: Mercedes-Benz