EQE SUV 350

Overview

The EQE SUV takes the E-Class-sized EQE platform and expands it into a large SUV body - standard five seats, optional seven-seat configuration with a third row. It occupies a similar market position to the Kia EV9, BMW iX, and Audi Q8 e-tron, offering the Mercedes premium EV experience in a package designed for family touring and weekend travel.

The 350 variant is the AWD entry point of the EQE SUV range in Australia. The 90.6kWh battery and 598km WLTP sit at a level that covers Australian interstate routes with one charging stop - Sydney to Melbourne with a brief recharge, for example. The Mercedes SUV body provides commanding road presence and the high seating position Australian family buyers consistently prefer.

At $139,900, the EQE SUV 350 is positioned against the Kia EV9 Earth ($115,000), BMW iX xDrive40 ($130,000), and Audi Q8 e-tron ($159,900). The Mercedes counters with the Hyperscreen option - unavailable on any Korean alternative - and the brand’s most refined ride quality.

Pricing & Variants

The EQE SUV 350 is the accessible entry to Mercedes’ large EV SUV range. The EQS SUV steps up with more battery capacity and a more luxurious specification at a significant price premium.

Performance

The EQE SUV 350 uses an AWD configuration. 0-100 km/h takes approximately 7.3 seconds from a large family SUV of this proportions - composure rather than aggression defines the driving character. Top speed is limited to 190 km/h. The AWD system distributes torque between axles for confident all-weather traction.

Air Body Control suspension - standard on the EQE SUV - scans the road ahead and pre-adjusts each corner for the surface it is about to encounter. The result is a ride quality that is among the best in the large SUV segment. 1800kg towing capacity enables boat or caravan use for Australian weekend touring requirements.

Range and Charging

• WLTP range: 598km
• Real-world estimate: 470-520km at mixed highway/urban driving
• DC charging: 170kW (CCS)
• AC charging: 11kW (Type 2)
• 10-80% at 170kW DC: approximately 31-35 minutes
• Full charge at 11kW AC: approximately 9.5 hours

The 598km WLTP range is among the strongest in the large SUV segment. With 1800kg towing capacity and the touring range, the EQE SUV 350 is a genuine alternative to a diesel SUV for families who tow occasionally. The 170kW DC charging is functional for the touring buyer profile - 10-80% in approximately 32 minutes covers a lunch or coffee stop on a road trip.

Interior and Technology

The EQE SUV 350 standard specification uses MBUX on a 12.8-inch central display with a 12.3-inch driver display. The optional MBUX Hyperscreen replaces both with the 141cm curved OLED panel found on the EQE sedan - the most technologically impressive in-car display available in Australia. It is genuinely distinctive in a segment where the Kia EV9’s interior is premium but less dramatic.

Air suspension, 64-colour ambient lighting, optional Burmester surround sound, and Mercedes’ executive material quality create an interior environment that justifies the premium over Korean alternatives for buyers who experience it directly. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

The optional seventh seat adds a third row for children or occasional short-trip adults - the compact third row seats are similar in character to the EQB’s.

Practicality

Five seats standard, seven optional. Boot space with five seats is generous for the large SUV class. With the third row in use, cargo space is reduced. The 1800kg towing capacity is the EQE SUV’s most practically useful specification for Australian buyers who need to tow. V2L is not available.

The large SUV dimensions require a spacious garage or driveway. Urban parking requires care with the EQE SUV’s length and width.

Safety

Five-star NCAP. Mercedes PRE-SAFE system: Active Brake Assist with intersection detection; Lane Keeping Assist; Blind Spot Assist; Active Lane Change Assist; Active Parking Assist with 360-degree camera; Driver Attention Assist; Active Speed Limit Assist. The comprehensive safety suite is consistent with Mercedes’ executive SUV standard.

Running Costs and Ownership

• Energy cost: (90.6 ÷ 598) × 100 × $0.30 = $4.55/100km at $0.30/kWh
• Warranty: 4 years (confirm current Mercedes EV terms)
• Dealer network: Mercedes-Benz Australia’s national network

At $4.55/100km, the EQE SUV’s running costs compare very favourably against a diesel SUV of comparable size. The 4-year warranty is the main ownership consideration; Mercedes’ extended warranty options should be explored at point of purchase. The established Mercedes dealer network provides strong national service coverage.

Verdict

The EQE SUV 350 serves Mercedes buyers who need a large premium EV SUV with touring range and the option of additional seating. The 598km WLTP, 1800kg towing, and optional Hyperscreen create a compelling package for the touring-oriented Australian family SUV buyer. 170kW DC charging is the functional limitation relative to Korean competitors; the overall ownership experience - interior quality, ride comfort, and brand premium - is what justifies the premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the EQE SUV tow a caravan?

Yes - the EQE SUV 350 is rated at 1800kg towing capacity. This covers light caravans and boat trailers. For heavier caravans (2000kg+), the rating is below what some diesel SUVs offer. Towing at maximum capacity will significantly reduce range below the WLTP figure; plan charging stops accordingly when towing on long trips.

How does the EQE SUV compare to the Kia EV9?

The Kia EV9 Earth ($115,000) offers faster DC charging (233kW vs 170kW), a genuine adult-capable third row, and Kia’s 7-year warranty at approximately $25,000 less than the EQE SUV 350. The EQE SUV counters with Mercedes interior quality, the optional Hyperscreen, and the Air Body Control suspension ride quality. The Kia wins on specification per dollar; the Mercedes wins on brand prestige and the Hyperscreen experience.

Is the optional seventh seat worth adding to the EQE SUV?

The EQE SUV’s optional third row accommodates children or occasional short-trip adults. If your use case requires regular adult third-row seating, the Kia EV9’s adult-appropriate third row is a better fit. If you need a compact third row for the school carpool or occasional family outing, the EQE SUV’s optional seat is a practical addition at relatively low cost.