With the popularity of luxury SUVs and now EVs, it's not unexpected that we are seeing a surge of electric luxury SUVs. And the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is exactly that - an all electric luxury Sport Utility Vehicle. Out since 2023, the EQE follows a similar design style to the rest of the vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz EQ sub-brand. It is also the battery electric equivalent to the slightly larger Mercedes-Benz GLE.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is a two-row, five-seater vehicle. Rear-wheel drive is standard on base models; however all-wheel drive is optional on higher-end models which use Mercedes popular 4matic AWD system.
The EQE swaps out the GLE's gas engines for an electrified powertrain. And like all Mercedes vehicles, the numbers and letters after the model indicate which powertrain runs the vehicle, although in the case of the EQE, it is quite strange. Replacing last year's EQE350 and 500 are two models with 320 in their name. The base EQE is the EQE320+ which uses a single rear-mounted electric motor that delivers 315-horse and 417 pound-feet of torque and is rear-wheel drive. The EQE320 (note no plus in the name yet is a higher model) makes the same power, but that power is sent to all four wheels. At the top of the EQE chain is the EQE AMG. It makes a crazy 617 horsepower.
The tester arrived as a EQE320+ (the base model) and carries an MSRP of $82,920.
Inside the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV there is plenty of comfort and tech. Generously wide front doors make it easy to enter the EQE. The front seats have a sophisticated design and are comfortable, while those seated in back benefit from a flat floor yielding maximum rear seat legroom, and an overall spacious feeling.
Those into the latest technology will appreciate the large 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen centrally located on the dashboard. It responds to touch inputs, voice commands, and steering-wheel controls (although those are awkward). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, as are a wireless smartphone charger, a built-in nav system, and a Burmester stereo. If that is not enough you can opt for a dash-spanning Hyperscreen which puts the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster under a big sheet of glass along with a 17.7-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch passenger screen.
Being an SUV, the EQE offers a decent amount of storage space. There is 14 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, which expands to 55 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded down. The second-row folds in a very convenient 40/20/40 split. Up front, there is a floating center console which is very useful to store items that need to be kept in reach.
Driving the EQE320+ is a smooth and quiet experience. It feels surprisingly quick - and it is, able to reach 60 mph in about 6 seconds. However, it doesn't feel very sporty - step up to the EQE AMG would resolve that issue. While many, including myself, have complained about the lack of emotional connection when driving an EV, I will have to say, Mercedes-Benz has attempted to address that by adding the Sound Experience to some of their EVs, including the EQE320+. The Sound Experience adds synthesized engine and spaceship-like sounds (both inside and outside the vehicle) to help give some connection while driving. Some may be put off by this, but I think this adds a little to the otherwise lackluster driving experience. One thing all can agree on, it is very interesting.
Of course, being an EV, there is always that elephant in the room, which is its range. The EQE320+ has a range of 270 miles on a full charge, while the EQE320 can go 253 miles on a full charge. For 2026, the EQE comes with a standard NACS adapter so owners can use Tesla Superchargers.
As the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV stands out with its advanced technology, refined interior and respectable driving range, sadly it will be dropped from the Mercedes-Benz lineup after the 2026 model year. The brand will be retiring the EQ sub-brand and combining EV cars with their traditional model naming scheme. I would imagine today's EQE will live on, but as an E-Class. Regardless, the EQE remains a wise choice for those seeking luxury in an electric SUV.