German carmaker Mercedes-Benz has reportedly unveiled the all-electric EQE SUV, the fifth in its EQ model line-up, that also comes with a rapid 677bhp EQE 53 4Matic+ range-topper from the company’s AMG performance car division.

The new model will be available in the UK early next year, and is the ninth electric model launched by the group.

It is expected to be the second-most expensive model in the EQ lineup, having an initial price of around £100,000 ($113,170), next to the EQS SUV which is expected to cost around £130,000 ($147,121).

EQE SUV will also be the fourth model based on the brand’s second-gen electric vehicle architecture (EVA) platform, after the EQS SUV, EQS saloon, and EQE saloon.

Its rival, BMW iX comes with the option of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive-in combination along with three standard electric drivetrains.

The entry-level EQE 350+ SUV features single-motor, rear-wheel-drive with 416lb-ft and 288bhp, with the next being the more powerful EQE 350 4Matic featuring dual-motor, four-wheel drive, 148lb-ft and 288bhp. The last version is the EQE 500 4Matic with 632 lb-ft and 402bhp.

The model is powered by the same 90.6kWh lithium-ion battery unit as the EQ E saloon, supporting up to 170kW of charging. It makes the EQE350+ the most efficient model, claimed to reach a range of more than 298-367 miles on the WLTP test cycle.

In terms of appearance, the EQE SUV is similar to the EQS SUV, but with a more angled tailgate and heavily sloped roofline, while the AMG models come with their own individual styling cues, such as restyled bumpers, Panamerica-style grille, and unique wheel designs.

The five-seat model has two different options for dashboard layouts, with the one featuring the flagship Hyperscreen which can support up to 3 individual displays, set to be the high-cost option.

The display operated on Mercedes-Benz’s self-developed MBUX operating system and offers conversational speech commands along with software update functionality through an embedded SIM card.

The production of standard EQE SUV models will take place in its Alabama plant in the US, as well as in China under its JV with Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation.

Source credit: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-2023-mercedes-eqe-suv-gets-677bhp-range-topper