Mercedes-Benz has been on a roll lately with its EQ lineup of electric vehicles. The German automaker has launched several models that aim to challenge the dominance of Tesla in the luxury EV market, such as the EQS sedan, the EQC crossover, and the EQA hatchback. But what about the fans of AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz? Are they doomed to miss out on the thrill of driving a fire-breathing beast with a roaring V8 engine? Fear not, my friends, for Mercedes-AMG has a solution for you: the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG SUV.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG SUV is the first electric SUV to wear the AMG badge. It is based on the EQE SUV, which is itself based on the EQE sedan, but with a taller roofline and more cargo space. The EQE SUV is already a handsome and elegant vehicle, with a sleek silhouette, a large black panel grille, and futuristic LED lights. But the AMG version takes it up a notch with some sporty enhancements, such as chrome struts on the grille, an AMG badge on the hood, aerodynamic features on the front bumper and rear diffuser, and 21-inch or 22-inch wheels.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG SUV is not just about looks, though. It is also about performance. And boy, does it deliver. Under the hood (or rather, under the floor), there are two electric motors that can produce up to 677 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque in boost mode. That’s enough to propel this 5,500-pound behemoth from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 159 mph. That’s faster than some supercars! And it’s not just straight-line speed that impresses. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG SUV also has a fully variable all-wheel drive system that can distribute torque between the front and rear axles as needed for optimal traction and handling. It also has AMG air suspension that can adjust the ride height and damping according to the driving mode and road conditions. It also has rear-axle steering that can turn the rear wheels up to 10 degrees in either direction to improve agility and stability. And it also has AMG-specific roll stabilization that can counteract body roll during cornering.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG SUV is not just a performance machine, though. It is also a luxury vehicle that offers comfort and convenience for its occupants. The interior is spacious and lavish, with high-quality materials, AMG emblems, Dolby Atmos sound system, and a large MBUX Hyperscreen that integrates the instrument cluster, infotainment system, and climate control into one seamless display. The Hyperscreen also features an AMG menu that shows various performance data, such as power output, torque distribution, G-force meter, lap timer, and more. The interior also features an AMG sound experience that can simulate different engine sounds through the speakers or headphones to enhance the driving sensation.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG SUV is not without its drawbacks, though. One of them is the range. Mercedes has not released an official EPA estimate yet, but it is expected to be around 240 miles on a full charge. That’s not bad for an electric vehicle of this size and power, but it’s not great either. It’s less than what some of its competitors, such as the Tesla Model X or the Rivian R1S, can offer. Another drawback is the handling. While the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG SUV is agile and comfortable, it may not have the same sharpness and visceral feel as some of the gas-powered AMG models, such as the GLE class. The electric drive system is quieter and smoother than a V8 engine, which may reduce some of the excitement and emotion of driving an AMG. A third drawback is the availability.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG SUV may not be available until late 2023 or early 2024 in the U.S., which means you will have to wait a while to get your hands on one. Mercedes has not announced an exact release date, but it is likely to be after the EQE sedan, which is expected to arrive in fall 2023. A fourth drawback is the price. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG SUV may be very expensive compared to other electric SUVs or even other AMG models. Mercedes has not announced an official price, but it is estimated to start at around $110,000. That’s a lot of money for an electric vehicle, even an AMG.
So, is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG SUV worth it? That depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a powerful and dynamic electric vehicle that combines the innovation of the EQ class with the performance and luxury of AMG, then yes, it is worth it. It is a milestone in the Mercedes-Benz electrification strategy that offers a unique and exhilarating driving experience. But if you are looking for a more practical and affordable electric vehicle that has a longer range and a more engaging handling, then no, it is not worth it. You may be better off with another option, such as the Tesla Model X or the Rivian R1S. The choice is yours.
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