While the Mercedes EQC is still on sale as I write this article, its clear that the EQE SUV is its replacement. This mid-sized SUV sits below the larger and more expensive Mercedes EQS SUV. In terms of towing capacity, the EQE SUV is identical to the EQC, which it is replacing, and is able to tow 1,800 kg. Though, there is a version of the EQE SUV which is only able to tow 750 kg.
Table of Contents
Key Mercedes EQE SUV Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 750kg (350+) > 1,800 kg (all other versions)
- Availability – Mid-2023
- Price – Starting £80,000 (350+) > £120,000 (AMG 53)
- Range (EV Database) – 265 miles (AMG 53) > 290 miles (350+)
- Estimate Towing Range (50%) – 133 miles (AMG 53) > 145 miles (350+)
- Maximum DC Charge Rate – 173 kW
- Rapid Charge 10% to 80% – 28 min
- Check Used Mercedes EQE SUV Specs
Mercedes EQE SUV HP & Torque
- 350+ (RWD) – 288 HP and 417 lb-ft of torque
- 350 4MATIC (AWD) – 288 HP and 564 lb-ft of torque
- 500 4MATIC (AWD) – 402 HP and 633 lb-ft of torque
- AMG 53 (AWD) – 617 HP and 738 lb-ft of torque
Mercedes EQE SUV Towing Capabilities
So obviously, the first thing to draw your attention to is that the lowest specification EQS SUV, the 350+ is not only RWD where all the others are AWD, but it also has a significantly lower towing capacity.
The EQE SUV 350+ is only rated to tow 750kg, which is only suitable for small cargo trailers and lightweight teardrop caravans etc.
All other versions of the EQE SUV can tow up to 1,800kg, including the AMG 53, which is surprising. In many instances, manufacturers take away the official towing capacity of their high-performance models.
In terms of the EQE SUV looks, well, its very similar in styling to all current Mercedes EQ models. Its very sleek/smooth. I wouldn’t personally call it ugly (like a BMW iX). I just think the latest EQ models are a bit dull.
However, the exterior design of the EQE SUV, like its siblings, is heavily influenced by the aim of a low drag coefficient, hence efficiency, and I’m all for making electric cars as efficient as possible.
For instance, take the efficiency of the EQE SUV 500 4MATIC (324 Wh/Mile) and compare that to the EQC (348 Wh/Mile) which it is replacing.
Therefore, while the EQE SUV 500 4MATIC does indeed have a larger battery compared to the EQC (roughly an additional 10kWh), the range increase of 50 miles is also due to the improved efficiency.
Power & Pricing
As I was browsing through the specs of the EQE SUV, what did surprise me was the power figures. The previous EQC had just over 400 HP, but for the EQE SUV, its more varied.
The cheapest EQE SUV, the 350+ with its RWD and 750 kg towing capacity, only has 288 HP. The next step up, the 350 4MATIC, while it can tow 1,800 kg, only has the same 288 HP but with a bit more torque.
My problem is these are heavy cars (2.5 tons), and while they have sufficient torque (pulling power) for initial acceleration, when accelerating at higher speeds, you need power, and I’m not sure 288 HP is enough, especially for the price they’re asking.
You would have to choose the EQE 500 4MATIC to get the same 400 HP as the previous EQC. The EQC, while its still on sale, is priced from just over £72K, now that’s a lot of money.
However, £72K for the EQC seems like a bargain compared to the EQE SUV 500 4MATIC, which starts from, wait for it, £115K.
So to just clarify, the point I’m making is, yes, you are getting more range from the EQE SUV over the EQC, typically 50 miles, but you would be paying an extra £43K for the privilege!
My Thoughts On The Mercedes EQE SUV…
I know we are going through a period of time of high inflation. However, that does not fully account for the price increase of going from the EQC to the EQE.
The price difference is massive, and while the extra range is obviously an improvement, its only roughly 50 miles more going from the EQC to the EQE.
We’ve been told for years that over time battery costs will reduce due to economies of scale etc, and electric cars will come down in price relative to ICE cars.
Well, the EQE SUV is not the example you want to give to support that argument, as its significantly more expensive than its predecessor, with a battery that has only been increased by 10kWh.