Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC First Drive Review - The Best EV SUV In India?

The automotive industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation as electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain momentum. Among the pioneers in this electrifying journey is Mercedes-Benz, with its EQ lineup of electric vehicles. In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV, an EV that embodies the brand's commitment to luxury, performance, and sustainability. Priced at Rs 1.34 crore and sold as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit in India, the EQE 500 is positioned as a premium electric SUV, promising an electrifying driving experience. We drove this beautiful EV in a very beautiful place i.e. Gulmar, Kashmir. Read our detailed analysis of it where we tell you what's good & what's not so good about it.

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What We Liked!

• Beautiful crossover sort design with proportionate panels
• Quality is typical Mercedes-Benz - top-notch in every sense
• The ingress/outgress for passengers is very easy
• The hyper screen looks massive & pleases the design aesthetically
• Electric motor performance is deceptively fast
• 550 km of WLTP range doesn't get depleted even after driving with a hard foot
• Massive boot space can be increased by folding the rear bench
• Headlights perform brilliantly in dark conditions
• Braking is spot on - maybe one of the best in the whole EV segment of India

What We Don't!

• The suspension feels inadequate at times - a strong thud can be heard inside the cabin over potholes
• The overall crossover stance doesn't justify the price tag
• EQS is very closely positioned in terms of pricing & it offers better performance with more range
• Overall range can be improved
• Thick A & C pillars hinder visibility a lot

Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC Video Review

Just in case you've missed our detailed drive review of the EQE 500 4MATIC, please watch it below. Also, do share it with your friends & family for more unbiased and useful car reviews.

Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC Design - A Fluidic Masterpiece

Starting with its design, from the moment you lay eyes on the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500, it's clear that this vehicle was meticulously crafted with attention to every detail. The design language follows the ethos of other EQ models, blending fluidity with modernity. It presents itself as a crossover, combining the rugged appeal of an SUV with the sleekness of a coupe. The EQE 500 sits above the EQB SUV in Mercedes' electric lineup, catering to those who seek a more premium and spacious experience. At the front, the EQE 500 boasts a distinctive LED daytime running light (DRL) bar that gives it a futuristic and unmistakable presence. The integration of this light element in both the front and rear design elements ties the vehicle's aesthetics together, creating a harmonious look.

The side profile of the EQE 500 is imposing and substantial, commanding attention with its presence. The 20-inch alloy wheels not only enhance the SUV's aesthetics but also provide great stability and control. The rear design is reminiscent of a coupe, with a gracefully sloping roofline that seamlessly merges with the rear end. LED taillights, similar to those seen on the EQS sedan, contribute to a cohesive and distinctive rear profile. Practicality is not compromised either, as the EQE 500 offers a massive boot space of 550 liters, ensuring that you can carry your luggage and more for those long journeys.

Interior - A Glimpse into Tomorrow's Luxury

Step inside the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 & you'll feel like entering a realm of modern luxury that's both comfortable and technologically advanced. The interior is inspired by the rest of the EQ lineup, featuring the same level of attention to detail that one expects from Mercedes-Benz.

The steering wheel, borrowed from the EQS, offers a premium touch, with intuitive controls at your fingertips. It also has pneumatic touch controls for infotainment, MID, & cruise control operations. Meanwhile, the dashboard is elegantly finished with premium vegan leather and soft-touch materials, reinforcing the luxury quotient. One striking feature that we always liked about the latest Mercedes vehicles; is the turbine-type air conditioning vents, which not only add to the futuristic aesthetic but also provide efficient climate control.

Customers also have the option to choose from a palette of nine body colors and two interior color schemes: grey/white and black. The seats in the EQE 500 are generously comfortable, providing supreme comfort on the go. The front seats offer 8-way electric adjustment and seat ventilation for added comfort. However, the A-pillar's thickness can hinder visibility while driving, which is something to be mindful of, especially in city traffic. Also, the C-pillar is very fat which makes the rear visibility limited. The learning curve of driving it with ease is a bit tough. But, once you adjust to the visibility; the EQE feels just at home.

One of the highlights of the interior is the hyperscreen which is a stunning integration of three different screens that seamlessly flow across the dashboard. Now this is not new as we've already seen on cars like EQS. However, the hyperscreen makes things very sorted for the front passengers. The user interface (UI) of the new MBUX infotainment system is easy to navigate, responsive, and visually crisp. It provides access to a wide array of features, including navigation, media, vehicle settings, and more. To elevate the in-car entertainment experience, the EQE 500 comes equipped with a 710W 15-speaker Burmester sound system, delivering an immersive auditory experience that audiophiles will appreciate.

For those long drives, the EQE 500 also offers an 8-way massage function for front passengers, further enhancing overall comfort and relaxation during the journey.

Performance - Electrifying Power and Agility

Under the sleek and sophisticated exterior of the EQE 500 lies a powerful heart - a 96.56 kWh lithium-ion battery. This formidable power source provides the SUV with an impressive WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) range of 550 kilometers on a single charge. To keep you on the road for longer, the EQE 500 supports 170 kW of fast charging and comes with an 11 kW home fast charger as well.

When it comes to performance, the EQE 500 doesn't disappoint. It's capable of producing 402 bhp of peak power & a staggering 858 Nm of peak torque. The acceleration is deceptively quick, with a 0-100 km/h sprint taking just 4.9 seconds, leaving no room for lag. The EQE 500 offers five distinct drive modes - eco, comfort, sport, sport+, and custom - allowing you to tailor the driving experience to your preferences and road conditions. The throttle response and the steering response change on selecting different modes. We found that even the Eco mode is more than sufficient for Indian roads in terms of power & performance.

The top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h, which should be more than enough for Indian roads. The steering is light at low city speeds, making maneuvering through traffic a breeze, while it progressively weighs up as the speed increases, providing a confident and sporty feel on highways. However, it's worth noting that the EQE 500 can exhibit understeer in certain situations, particularly during aggressive cornering. While the SUV offers a comfortable ride overall, we found the suspension a tad too soft as it was allowing strong thuds to transmit into the cabin when encountering potholes or rough road surfaces. Also, a lot of undulations are felt inside the car. This might be due to the low-profile tyres used.

Braking performance, on the other hand, is excellent. All thanks to the presence of four disc brakes that provide precise and controlled stopping power. The EQE 500 also features an adaptive air suspension that can raise the SUV by 25mm, making it suitable for occasional off-road excursions. But, it's important to keep in mind that the vehicle's low-profile tires may limit its capability on moderate or rough trails. Nevertheless, its more of a soft-road SUV rather than a proper 4X4. Although, the 4MATIC works like a charm on the go.

Safety and Technology - A Fortified Fortress

Mercedes-Benz leaves no stone unturned when it comes to safety and technology in the EQE 500. The electric SUV is equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including 10 airbags as standard, providing a cocoon of protection for occupants. In terms of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the EQE 500 offers a suite of features that enhance both safety and convenience. This includes lane assist, lane change warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. These systems work in harmony to reduce driver fatigue and enhance overall safety during long journeys.

Verdict - Is It Meant For India?

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV is a premium electric vehicle that combines striking design, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance. Priced at Rs 1.34 crore and sold as a CBU in India, it's undoubtedly positioned as a luxury offering in the EV segment. The design is fluidic and modern, seamlessly blending the appeal of a crossover with the sleek aesthetics of a coupe. The interior exudes luxury and sophistication, with an intuitive MBUX infotainment system and a top-notch sound system. Overall, it is the best EV SUV that your money can buy you currently in India. But, you'll have to drive it sedately for most of the time due to its explosive performance & the not-so-good suspension.

While the suspension might be softer than some would prefer, and the A-pillar could obstruct visibility, these issues are minor in the grand scheme of things. The Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 is not just a premium EV; it's a statement of luxury and panache, living up to the Mercedes brand's reputation. If you're looking for an electrifying driving experience with all the trappings of Mercedes-Benz luxury, the EQE 500 should undoubtedly be on your radar. You tell us in the comments about your thoughts on this new CBU EV from Mercedes India.

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