Mercedes has announced pricing for its new mid-size electric crossover. When it pops up at U.S. dealerships this spring, the Tuscaloosa, Alabama-built 2023 Mercedes EQE SUV will start at $79,050 including destination.
That money gets you into the base, 288-horsepower "Premium" trim EQE350+ or EQE350 4Matic SUV. (Yes, Mercedes is selling the rear-drive and all-wheel-drive models for the same money and has named the bottom trim "Premium.") The 536-hp EQE500 4Matic, meanwhile, will start at $90,650.
The most expensive EQE SUV configuration will start at $96,600 for a Pinnacle EQE500. This one comes standard with four-zone climate control, a head-up display, a digital light package, an air balance package, Mercedes stars projected onto the floor beneath the front doors, and everything else that comes with all lower trims.
Some of those features happen to be an augmented reality nav system, active ambient lighting, Benz's ADAS with automatic lane changes, a panoramic roof, and a Burmester audio system. The EQE500 bundles in AMG Line exterior trim, 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, and 10-degree rear-wheel steering.
Slotting underneath the EQS SUV, the EQE SUV is positioned as the not-too-big, not-too-small electric SUV. Think of it as a gas-less equivalent to the GLE. Under the WLTP cycle, it's rated for 342 miles of range thanks to its 90.6-kWh battery. Capable of 170-kW DC fast charging, Mercedes claims a 10 to 80% charge time of 32 minutes.
When The Drive Managing Editor Jerry Perez spent a week with the EQE350 sedan not too long ago, he came away from the experience impressed overall. It's comfortable, practical, and encompasses the aura of a real E-Class. Let's hope all of this carries over to the SUV version.
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