Reviewing the Electric Mercedes EQE SUV

Leasing a Mercedes EQE SUV in the UK

“New levels of modern luxury …” – the tagline on the Mercedes website in relation to their latest SUV innovation, the EQE. Where you cannot fault the MB Group is that their fastidious pursuit of becoming the leading all-electric car manufacturer is bringing about an enviable range of products for UK customers to enjoy; from small SUVs to luxury saloons to people carriers to bigger 4x4s, the German producer are providing a vehicle in almost every segment.

Except for a hatchback (like an A-Class) or a small saloon (like a C-Class), there really isn’t anything left to electrify under their EQ badge.

The EQE will be a cheaper alternative to the elite EQS. But the EQE will be anything other than “cheap” with prices to be around £80,000 - £120,000 depending on the motor and specification selected. But the EQE is not a compromise vehicle, with key facets like the black radiator grille, tail lamp elements in 3D helix design, flush-fitting door handles and MBUX Hyperscreen all set to make this “uncompromisingly visionary”.

Indeed, an AMG performance model will also feature in the line-up which will add the AMG emblem to the bonnet, AMG-specific black panel radiator grille, the multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels and the Night Package for black and black chrome designs. UK leasing customers will have a choice between luxury and comfort vs the sportiness and dynamic driving within the product suite.

And what competes with the EQE SUV?

Our e-car lease customers will be spoiled for choice, as they will have to compare this against the Audi e-tron, BMW iX and the new Polestar 3. Of course, none of these options are anything other than prestige and luxury, so it will never be the case of getting a “bad car”.

Much of our personal and business users will make a decision based on subjective aesthetic criteria and badge passion combined with objective metrics relating to the battery capability and performance. Using our unique “living with your …” tools, you, or a fleet manager, can make a wholly informed decision.

What battery configurations / motors will Mercedes be launching with their new EQE SUV?

The product line-up is set to include:

•  350+ – (from £80,000) the usable 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 7 seconds, 130 mph top speeds and 215 kW (or 288 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 245 miles with warmer weather allowing for 330 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hour and 45 minutes 0 – 100% charging times with the 173 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. The 4x4 EQE has a cargo volume of 520L and will tow 750 kg (braked or unbraked);
• 350 4Matic - (from £85,000)  the usable 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 6.5 seconds, 130 mph top speeds and 215 kW (or 288 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 240 miles with warmer weather allowing for 320 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hour and 45 minutes 0 – 100% charging times with the 173 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. Expect this EV to tow 1800 kg (braked) and 750 kg (unbraked);
•  500 4Matic - (from £110,000) the usable 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.0 seconds, 130 mph top speeds and 300 kW (or 402 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 240 miles with warmer weather allowing for 320 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hour and 45 minutes 0 – 100% charging times with the 173 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. Expect this EV to tow 1800 kg (braked) and 750 kg (unbraked); and
• 53 4Matic - (from £110,000) the usable 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 3.5 seconds, 149 mph top speeds and 460 kW (or 617 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 225 miles with warmer weather allowing for 300 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hour and 45 minutes 0 – 100% charging times with the 173 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. Expect this EV to tow 1800 kg (braked) and 750 kg (unbraked).

Where the EQE crossover is likely to be popular is with the business lease and salary sacrifice schemes across the UK. The tax incentives around EVs remain intact notwithstanding recent changes under the Truss Government. Unlike a combustion alternative, the confirmation of 2% BiK provides assurance to these customers that their tax liability will be relatively nominal.

Even in the case of an £80,000 EV, a 40% taxpayer will only be paying just over £50 per month in company car tax (which is payable by both BCH and Sal Sac customers). And with contract hire being both a cash-flow efficient product, with no deposit options available, in addition to its tax efficiency for the company, it is completely understandable why so many UK company car / salary sacrifice customers are utilising amazing and luxurious EVs like the EQE SUV. 

Ready to order your Mercedes EQE SUV?

Personal, business and salary sacrifice customers are welcome to use our EV-only website, which features some unique tools and guidance for helping you to work out if an electric car is suitable for you. Our “living with your ...” tools are available on each model, so that you, or the fleet manager, can be wholly confident that this is the perfect solution. And for those who are new to EVs or just need that extra service, don’t forget to call our expert term at e-car lease on 01942 910 001 or email  .