The Electrified Apex Predator: A Deep Dive into the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV
As an industry veteran who has spent the better part of a decade navigating the tumultuous yet exhilarating shifts within the automotive world, few transitions have been as impactful or scrutinized as the wholesale pivot towards electrification. Mercedes-AMG, a brand synonymous with raw, visceral power and uncompromising performance, finds itself at the vanguard of this revolution, meticulously crafting a new identity for its iconic badge. The journey began with the AMG EQS Sedan, a statement piece that demonstrated electric propulsion could amplify, rather than diminish, the core AMG tenets of opulent luxury and formidable on-road presence. Following swiftly, the AMG EQE Sedan continued this narrative. Now, as we approach 2025, Mercedes-AMG pulls the curtain back on its first truly high-performance electric SUV, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV – a vehicle that compels us to redefine what “performance” truly means in the silent, rapid future.
This isn’t merely a scaled-up sedan; it’s a recalibration. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV borrows heavily from its sedan counterpart, particularly in its advanced powertrain and digital architecture, yet introduces a crucial element: practicality. This is a machine designed not just for breathtaking acceleration but for the multifaceted demands of daily life, offering enhanced interior volume and cargo flexibility. However, with this added utility comes an inescapable truth: mass. The inherent heft of a substantial battery pack means the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV navigates a delicate balance, aiming to deliver thrilling dynamics while embracing the serene comfort expected of a six-figure luxury electric SUV. The pertinent question, then, isn’t just “how fast is it?” but “does its performance ethos truly resonate with the demands of the modern, affluent buyer?”
Having spent considerable time dissecting the nuances of this innovative machine, my perspective is clear: this luxury EV SUV is more than just a car; it’s a statement about the future of high-performance vehicles. It challenges traditional notions of what an AMG should be, evolving beyond purely aggressive track performance into a domain where refined power and daily usability coalesce. For those exploring EV lease deals or considering a significant luxury car financing investment in a segment increasingly defined by innovation, understanding the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is paramount.
Design Evolution: Aerodynamic Artistry Meets SUV Form
The aesthetic language of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is unmistakably EQ, yet infused with AMG’s subtle but purposeful touches. It shares the aerodynamically optimized silhouette that has become a hallmark of the EQ lineup – a design philosophy initially met with mixed reactions but now solidifying into a unique brand identity. Upfront, the signature Panamericana-style “grille” in gloss black immediately declares its AMG lineage, artfully integrating sensors behind its surface. A subtly sculpted lower fascia incorporates a discrete splitter and functional air inlets, guiding airflow with precision. This design, while less overtly aggressive than its V8-powered predecessors, speaks to a sophisticated form-follows-function principle, prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing presence.
From the side, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV benefits from the characteristic short front and rear overhangs of the EQ platform, complemented by a sloping roofline and a pronounced shoulder line. The rear features a discreet roof spoiler, a compact rear window, and a substantial gloss black diffuser – elements that reinforce its sporting intent, albeit with a clean, contemporary execution that wisely eschews faux exhaust outlets.
Dimensionally, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is adeptly proportioned, often appearing larger in photographs than it is in reality. Measuring 192.1 inches long, 76.4 inches wide, and 65.8 inches tall, with a 119.3-inch wheelbase, it slots into the smaller end of the mid-size SUV segment. This positions it more closely to vehicles like the Maserati Grecale and the Porsche Macan EV than the larger Tesla Model X or BMW iX, offering a compelling blend of commanding presence and urban maneuverability. Crucially, this footprint translates into commendable practicality, boasting 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats upright, expanding to a generous 59.2 cubic feet when folded. This flexibility is a key differentiator for discerning buyers seeking a premium electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on utility.
One might argue that its smooth lines lack the raw aggression of older AMG SUVs, eschewing widened arches and an overtly muscular stance. However, this shift is deliberate. It signifies a strategic alignment towards a more refined, luxurious aesthetic, a design ethos that acknowledges the serene power of electric propulsion rather than attempting to mimic the visual drama of internal combustion. This makes the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV a prime candidate for those seeking a sophisticated high-performance electric vehicle that commands attention through elegance rather than brute force.
Electrifying Performance: Raw Power, Refined Delivery
Beneath the sleek skin of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV lies an electrifying heart, a dual-motor configuration that mirrors its sedan sibling. This sophisticated setup delivers a formidable combined output of 617 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque. Engage the “Race Start” function – a true AMG ritual, even in the electric era – and those figures momentarily surge to an astounding 677 hp and 738 lb-ft. This power enables a blistering 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds.
These are not just numbers; they represent an engineering triumph, especially when contextualized by the vehicle’s substantial 5,930-pound curb weight. This electric SUV carries nearly 400 pounds more than its sedan counterpart, yet in a straight line, the difference is virtually imperceptible. With Race Start activated, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV catapults off the line with an immediacy that defies its mass. The instant torque delivery, a hallmark of EV technology, creates an illusion of even greater speed than the claimed statistics suggest, providing a truly intoxicating sensation of acceleration.
The Race Start feature is an integral part of the AMG Dynamic Plus package, which also elevates the SUV’s top speed to an impressive 149 mph. Complementing this is the AMG Sound Experience, a carefully curated suite of auditory accompaniments designed to enhance the sense of acceleration. While it won’t replicate the guttural roar of a V8, it offers a distinct, futuristic soundtrack that, once accepted on its own terms, adds an engaging layer to the driving experience. This package underscores Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive premium EV experience, marrying raw power with sensory engagement.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort with a Sporting Edge
On the open road, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV unmistakably delivers on its promise of a luxurious cruising experience. It’s engineered to be exceptionally plush, deftly absorbing road imperfections and isolating the cabin from intrusive road noise. Even with its larger 21-inch wheels and specialized Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, the ride quality remains impeccably smooth. This is largely attributable to the sophisticated adaptive air suspension system on all four corners, complemented by AMG’s Active Ride Control, which tirelessly works to maintain body composure and minimize roll.
The AMG Dynamic Select program offers a spectrum of drive modes – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. Progressing through these modes progressively sharpens throttle response, increases power output, and stiffens the suspension. However, a critical observation here, one gleaned from extensive experience with performance vehicles, is that even in its most aggressive settings, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV never devolves into an overly harsh or uncompromising ride. It retains a level of pliancy that emphasizes its luxury credentials, a deliberate tuning choice for its target demographic of buyers seeking a sophisticated performance SUV EV.
This comfort-first approach, while excellent for long-distance touring and daily commuting, does introduce a trade-off when the road becomes a winding ribbon of asphalt. While the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV possesses the raw power to maintain an impressive pace on twisty roads, its body motions can become less contained. It exhibits a noticeable degree of lean and a subtle bounciness, serving as a constant reminder of its substantial weight. This contrasts sharply with its unwavering stability in a straight line, highlighting the immense challenge of engineering genuine agility into a near-6,000-pound vehicle.
The braking system, like other EQ models, employs a “moving brake pedal” that adjusts based on the level of regenerative braking. This requires a period of acclimatization, as the pedal feel is not always where one expects it to be. Once accustomed, however, the pedal travel is commendably short, and the response is firm and reassuring, akin to what you’d find in a dedicated sports car, providing strong stopping power crucial for any high-performance EV. The steering, while nicely weighted and precise around town, leans more towards a luxurious rather than a purely communicative feel, lacking the razor-sharp feedback that purists might crave for a truly spirited drive.
My expert assessment is that while the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV can be driven quickly on a challenging road, it doesn’t beg to be. This isn’t a flaw but rather a reflection of its evolved purpose. The market for performance SUVs has steadily shifted towards greater luxury and comfort over the past decade. Buyers, it turns out, want something quick, practical, and supremely comfortable for daily use, an arena where the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV truly shines. This strategic choice by AMG perfectly aligns with current consumer trends, making it an excellent contender in the fiercely competitive premium electric SUV segment.
Range and Charging: Practicality for the Electric Era
For any electric SUV, range and charging capabilities are paramount. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV utilizes the same robust 90.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack found in the EQE sedan. While official EPA figures for the SUV were not available at the time of its initial review, the sedan’s 225-mile EPA estimate serves as a useful benchmark. Given the SUV’s nearly 400-pound weight penalty, it’s reasonable to anticipate a slightly lower but still competitive range figure.
When it comes to recharging, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV supports DC fast charging at up to 170 kW. This translates to the ability to recuperate approximately 100 miles of range in just 15 minutes, a crucial capability for long-distance travel and daily convenience. Mercedes-AMG has also integrated intelligent charging solutions, such as navigation-based battery preconditioning. This system automatically heats or cools the battery to an optimal temperature when approaching a charging station, ensuring the quickest possible charge times and enhancing battery longevity—a testament to thoughtful EV technology implementation. The rapidly expanding EV charging infrastructure across the United States further enhances the practicality and ease of ownership for this sustainable luxury vehicle.
Interior Sanctum: Hyperscreen and Artisanal Luxury
Stepping inside the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV reveals an interior that is nothing short of a masterclass in modern luxury and advanced technology, precisely what one expects from a Mercedes-AMG product costing well into six figures. The cabin’s undisputed centerpiece is the expansive MBUX Hyperscreen. This breathtaking digital interface seamlessly integrates a digital instrument cluster, a central infotainment display, and a dedicated passenger screen into a single, flowing unit. Initially a point of contention, the Hyperscreen’s elegant integration of graphics and intuitive system architecture has matured beautifully, proving its worth as a sophisticated and user-friendly centerpiece of the premium EV experience.
The native MBUX system is exceptionally well-designed, with logically organized controls and a highly responsive interface that often makes third-party smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto feel almost superfluous. U.S. models receive the Hyperscreen as standard, along with sumptuous Nappa leather, which generously adorns the seats and the flat-bottom steering wheel. Throughout the cabin, the use of plastic is remarkably sparse; nearly every surface and control point you interact with exudes a sense of quality and solidity, reinforcing the vehicle’s luxury focus. This tangible sense of craftsmanship often feels lacking in some competing EVs, further cementing the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV’s position as a leader in sustainable luxury.
A significant advantage of the SUV form factor is the enhanced sense of light and openness afforded by its expansive windows and standard glass roof. When combined with a lighter-colored interior palette, the cabin of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV feels remarkably elegant and airy, creating an impression of greater spaciousness despite its proportionally smaller exterior dimensions compared to some direct competitors. This combination of thoughtful design, superior materials, and generous interior and cargo space makes the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV a truly magnificent place to spend countless miles, perfectly sized for the majority of today’s discerning buyers.
Market Positioning and the Evolving Definition of AMG
While official pricing for the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV has yet to be finalized, extrapolating from the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4Matic+ sedan’s starting price of $108,050 (including destination), we can anticipate its SUV sibling to commence at around $110,000, with comprehensively optioned examples approaching or exceeding $120,000. This places it firmly in the upper echelons of the luxury EV SUV segment, competing with established players and new entrants alike. For potential owners, understanding factors like electric vehicle insurance costs and the nuances of luxury car financing or EV lease deals will be part of the holistic ownership experience.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is exactly what I, as an industry expert, expected it to be: a straight-line missile, exquisitely built, brimming with cutting-edge EV technology, and supremely comfortable in the vast majority of driving scenarios. For the individual seeking a high-power, luxurious daily driver, it is exceptionally difficult to fault. This is where the vehicle excels, providing an unparalleled blend of rapid acceleration and serene refinement.
However, venture onto a challenging back road, and the narrative subtly shifts. The prodigious 5,930-pound curb weight becomes a palpable presence, manifesting as noticeable body lean in corners and a slightly unsettled, bouncy ride over undulating surfaces. The nuanced “moving brake pedal” also demands a period of adaptation, making seamless, intuitive braking a learned skill rather than an immediate one. While not inherently problematic, these characteristics underscore that this performance SUV EV prioritizes a different kind of “performance” than the track-focused AMGs of yesteryear.
Mercedes-AMG is undoubtedly at a tipping point. As its electrified lineup grows heavier but more powerful, the brand is making a conscious choice: to lean further into the realm of ultra-luxurious, high-power commuters rather than attempting to cling to the raw athleticism that defined its past. And truthfully, this strategic direction makes eminent sense. For most owners, an AMG is a high-status, high-performance daily driver, not a weekend track toy. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV embodies this new philosophy perfectly. While it may not deliver the raw, unadulterated thrill of a combustion-powered AMG on every single twisty road, it offers a sophisticated, potent, and incredibly comfortable premium EV experience that, for me, makes it the kind of AMG I would genuinely want to drive every single day. This is a crucial evolution, and it cements the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV as a top contender for those seeking the best luxury electric SUV on the market, perfectly balancing performance, luxury, and the demands of modern driving.
Take the Next Step Towards Electrified Luxury
Ready to experience the future of high-performance luxury firsthand? Explore the innovative engineering and unparalleled comfort of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. Visit your local Mercedes-AMG dealership or their official website to configure your own luxury EV SUV and discover comprehensive EV lease deals and luxury car financing options tailored to your needs. Embrace the silent power and sophisticated elegance that only a true Mercedes-AMG electric vehicle can deliver.
