However, the base iX is a lot quicker than the cheapest EQE.
Mercedes-Benz USA has announced pricing and packaging structures for the locally-built EQE SUV, which will wade into the marketplace with a starting price of $77,900.
Customers will be able to choose from three variants across three trim levels, with the Premium grade occupying the lower rung of the lineup. The EQE 350+ SUV and EQE 350 4Matic SUV retail for $77,900. In return, buyers receive an array of standard luxury options, such as a panorama roof, Burmester sound system (which includes Dolby Atmos), 64-color ambient lighting, and heated front seats.
The Premium trim has to make do without leather and features durable MB-Tex Upholstery instead. Convenience features include keyless-go, the Parking Package – which includes the surround view system – and the superb MBUX EQ navigation that helps drivers plan charging stops.
The $89,500 EQE 500 4Matic is also available in Premium guise but receives leather upholstery, 20-inch wheels, AMG exterior styling, and 10-degree rear-axle steering on top of the aforementioned toys.
Should you want even more technology, you could step up to the mid-spec Exclusive. All the features of the Premium trim are included, along with active ambient lighting, a Driver Assistance Package with a new automatic lane change function, and MBUX navigation with augmented reality. Both 350 derivatives retail for $80,000, while the mightier 500 weighs in at $91,600.
Finally, we have the Pinnacle trim. The range-topping grade receives four-zone climate control, a head-up display, and the Energizing Comfort function. Other nice-to-haves include the Air Balance Package, Digital Light Package, and 100W USB-C Package. Lastly, Pinnacle variants receive Mercedes Star Pattern logo projectors.
Pinnacle models receive all the goodies found in Premium and Exclusive models, but you pay for these luxuries. The EQE 350 twins have an MSRP of $83,600 while the 500 commands $95,200. All the prices mentioned exclude a destination and delivery charge of $1,150.
The luxury electric vehicle will be built alongside the larger EQS SUV at the automaker's assembly plant in Alabama. While the EQE SUV certainly isn't cheap, it fares well against the 2024 BMW iX, which has an MSRP of $87,100 before options. The high-riding EQE is also more affordable than its bigger brother which comes in at $104,400.
It's worth mentioning that the Tesla Model X recently received a substantial price reduction, with the entry-level AWD coming in at just under $100,000.
EQE SUV customers do, however, benefit from free unlimited 30-minute DC Fast Charging sessions via the Electrify America network for the first two years.
As a reminder, the single motor 350+ produces 288 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, which makes for a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. The 350 4Matic receives an additional electric motor. While power remains unchanged, torque is boosted to 564 lb-ft. This model shaves 0.1 seconds off the sprint time to 60 mph.
The 500 4Matic is considerably quicker. With 536 hp and 633 lb-ft, the midsized luxury SUV can silently slink to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Regardless of which option you choose, all models have a top speed of 130 mph. Interestingly, the iX xDrive50 is quicker than all EQE models.
Mercedes-Benz says the EQE SUV will hit dealership floors in spring 2023.
Keyword: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Pricing Undercuts BMW iX By Nearly $10,000