- Exterior: There Are No Winners In This Beauty Contest
- Performance: Brawnier Bimmer Falls Short Of EQE’s More Extensive Lineup
- Interior: A Fine Blend Of Leather, Tech, And Sumptuous Materials
- Pricing And Verdict: The EQE SUV Undercuts The iX On Pricing, But Is it The Better Choice?
It's a battle of the posh (and very German) electric luxury SUVs.
Electric luxury SUVs are hot property at the moment, and no one knows this more than the German automakers. This is evidenced by the BMW iX, which, despite its styling, is proving successful with monied buyers. Mercedes also wants a slice of the pie, though, and has introduced the EQE SUV to battle its rival from Munich.
They may hail from opposing sides, but these two share a lot more in common than you'd think. Both are controversially styled, boast gorgeous, plush interiors, and have up-to-date electric drivetrain technology that makes them quiet, quick, and efficient.
You can bet both will deliver a great driving experience and exceed customer expectations but, at this price point, great is not enough. Which SUV reigns supreme and is deserving of your hard-earned dollars? Let's find out in this comparison of posh electric status symbols.
Exterior: There Are No Winners In This Beauty Contest
Neither the iX nor the EQE SUV can be described as aesthetic masterpieces. Both have been on the receiving end of rather scathing attacks, with critics describing the Mercedes as “blobby” and anonymous, while the BMW has been criticized for the oversized, controversial kidney grille that dominates a fascia that seems unrelated to other Bimmers.
Let's begin with the Mercedes. While not as offensive as the BMW, the EQE SUV comes across as conservative and a touch bland. Stuttgart has attempted to enliven the luxury SUV with a fashionable lightbar front and rear, while the traditional Mercedes grille makes way for a black “radiator grille” panel that is available with smaller stars that radiate off the larger logo as an option.
The side profile and rear are fairly generic, and the EQE SUV can easily be mistaken for the larger EQS SUV or even the EQB from a distance.
That certainly won't happen with the BMW iX, which sets itself apart from other Bavarian SUVs. The slim headlamps and large grilles provide the iX with an angry and aggressive front fascia. The rear is far more successful, with its Z8-aping taillights and more conservative design.
Mercedes offers wheel designs ranging from 19- to 21 inches in diameter. BMW provides the same but also offers a 22-inch option.
Performance: Brawnier Bimmer Falls Short Of EQE’s More Extensive Lineup
The BMW iX is available in two flavors. The vigorous xDrive 50 and the even more potent M60 derivative. Thanks to 516 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque, the entry-level model can hurtle to 60 mph in a remarkable 4.4 seconds. Not bad for a vehicle that tips the scales around the 5,700-pound mark.
If you think that's impressive, the M60 wades into battle with 610 hp and up to 811 lb-ft, which allows for a rapid 3.6-second sprint time to 60 mph. Both models utilize a dual-motor setup and all-wheel drive, but the M60 has a top speed of 155 mph, while the xDrive 50 runs out of steam at 124 mph.
Comparatively, the EQE can't match its rival for speed and performance. The range kicks off with the 350+ and 350 4Matic, which both produce 288 horses. The 350+ makes do with 417 lb-ft while the 350 4Matic receives 564 lb-ft thanks to an extra electric motor.
This healthy dose of torque does little to the performance figures, with the 4Matic shaving just 0.1 seconds off the 350+'s 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds.
Even the range-topping EQE 500 4Matic can't match the iX xDrive50. Despite offering more power (536 hp) and torque (633 lb-ft), the mighty EQE hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. That's still quick, but it's 0.2 seconds behind the base iX. All EQE models have a top speed of 130 mph.
An EQE AMG with up to 677 hp and 738 lb-ft will arrive shortly and will give the M60 something to worry about. For now, the BMW has the performance advantage, but the Mercedes strikes back with more drivetrain options to choose from. For some reason, BMW elected not to sell the iX xDrive40 in the United States. However, the automaker is expected to release an even hotter iX M in the coming years.
As for range, the BMW iX xDrive 50 can travel up to 324 miles on a single charge, while the M60 manages just 288 miles. Mercedes is yet to release claimed range information for the US-spec EQE SUV, but overseas WLTP figures suggest the lineup will boast range figures between 233 and 341 miles.
Interior: A Fine Blend Of Leather, Tech, And Sumptuous Materials
BMW and Mercedes have taken different approaches when it comes to the interiors of their respective SUVs. The EQE SUV can be equipped with the Hyperscreen, which transforms the entire dashboard into a giant touchscreen. It's actually made up of three individual touchscreens and makes for a thoroughly modern experience.
Naturally, the MBUX infotainment system is standard and comprises a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch center touchscreen. In the USA, standard equipment on the base Premium derivative includes a panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, a Burmester sound system, Dolby Atmos, heated seats, and MB-Tex upholstery.
Those seeking more creature comforts will gravitate toward the pricier (but better-equipped) Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels. In terms of style, you'll either love or hate the interior of the EQE SUV. It's certainly eye-catching and feels suitably plush and luxurious.
More traditional buyers will, most likely, find the BMW iX's interior more appealing. The uncluttered, modern, and beautifully detailed cabin is a wonderful place to while away the miles. The digital instrument panel measures 12.3 inches while the center touchscreen comes in at 14.9 inches.
Thanks to the latest iDrive software, the system is a delight to use and many will find the setup to be user-friendly. The local specification is impressive, and the xDrive50 receives four-zone climate control, heated and power-adjustable front seats and steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and several more nice-to-haves. The M60 builds on this with a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, front seat ventilation, and rear seat heating.
Pricing And Verdict: The EQE SUV Undercuts The iX On Pricing, But Is it The Better Choice?
Both the Mercedes EQE SUV and BMW iX won't go easy on your wallet. The entry-level EQE, equipped with the Premium trim package, will set buyers back $77,900. The most expensive derivative is the 500 4Matic in Pinnacle guise. This derivative comes in at $95,450. Mercedes has cleverly made all models available with the three trim packages, meaning customers can select the drivetrain they desire and the luxuries they crave at a price point that agrees with their budget.
Over at BMW, the iX xDrive50 retails from $87,100 while the rip-snorting M60 commands an eye-watering $111,500. All pricing shown here excludes destination and delivery fees from the respective manufacturers.
So, which one should you go for? It's a tough choice and will almost certainly come down to personal preference. The BMW's challenging looks may discourage some customers, but we'd recommend taking a spin before you swear it off. BMW's electric iX is a truly superb electric luxury SUV with very few faults.
Until we drive both back to back, we can't make a definitive decision, but we will say the EQE has a worthy adversary in the iX. Whether it can conquer its foe remains to be seen, but assuming you can get past the iX's aesthetics, the BMW appears to be the more rounded offering.
Keyword: Luxury Electric SUV Comparison: Mercedes EQE SUV Vs. BMW iX