ALL-ROUNDER WITH PERFORMANCE GENES: THE NEW MERCEDES-AMG EQE SUV
Mercedes-AMG presents the EQE SUV, a further milestone in its electrification strategy – the first all-electric SUV from the performance and sports car brand. With its variable interior and performance-oriented drive concept, it is the most versatile electric vehicle in the Mercedes-AMG portfolio. The new model also offers generous space for passengers and luggage. Like the AMG EQS Saloon and AMG EQE Saloon, the AMG EQE SUV is based on the electric platform from Mercedes-EQ. Two powerful electric motors and the fully variable all-wheel drive form the basis for the hallmark AMG dynamic driving experience. The Mercedes-AMG developers have also designed many other parameters independently. These include the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with Adaptive Damping System, rear-axle steering and AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL – an AMG-specific roll stabilisation system. Added to this are the AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE and the exterior and interior design. Two variants of the new performance SUV are available: The entry-level Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4MATIC (provisional WLTP combined power consumption: 25.1-22.0 kWh/100 km; provisional WLTP CO2 emissions: 0g/km) and the even sportier Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ (provisional WLTP combined power consumption: 27.8-22.6 kWh/100 km; provisional WLTP CO2 emissions: 0 g/km).
"The AMG EQE SUV is another milestone in our Future of Driving Performance. The new model is our first all‑electric SUV. And, after the AMG EQS and AMG EQE Saloon models, this is already the third performance model that we have realised as a derivative on the Mercedes-EQ electric platform. With its variable interior and high-performance all-wheel drive, it is Mercedes-AMG's most versatile electric vehicle. A real all-rounder – a real AMG!" says Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG Gmb.
"The compact format of the EQE SUV, the short wheelbase and the performance-oriented drive concept form the perfect starting point for realising an agile, highly emotional and luxurious driving experience with our AMG-specific solutions. This particularly applies to the drive system, suspension, brakes and sound. It ensures that our customers can look forward to the Driving Performance that is a hallmark of our brand," says Jochen Hermann, Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Exterior design with characteristic AMG features
The exterior design is characterised by generously modelled surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions. Dynamic proportions emphasise the sporty character. Many AMG characteristic features guarantee a high recognition value and help strengthen the brand. These include the AMG-specific black panel radiator grille with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome, integrated Mercedes star and "AMG" lettering. A new feature is the brand-specific badge on the bonnet with the AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes star: It now also adorns a purely electric vehicle from Mercedes-AMG for the first time. Another front-end feature is the AMG-specific front apron, painted in the body colour with A-wing in high-gloss black and a chrome trim. The same look characterises the front splitter in high-gloss black with chrome trim and flics and fins on the simulated air inlets. The air diffusers in high-gloss black on the left and right allow the AIR CURTAIN effect, which guides the air around the front wheels in a streamlined manner. The standard DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps feature a specific AMG projection when opening and closing the vehicle.
In the side view, AMG-specific wheel arch claddings in the body colour and the seamlessly integrated, fully recessed door handles add visual accents. Added to this are aerodynamically optimised 21 or 22-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. The rear apron in the body colour with aerodynamically optimised diffuser and longitudinal fins as well as the tail lights in a helix design round off the dynamic appearance.
Interior design with a particularly sporty touch
The interior is also dominated by style-defining AMG features. Here, the new models offer a sporty ambience including seats with individual graphics and special seat covers in ARTICO man-made leather with MICROCUT microfibre and red topstitching. Alternatively, seat upholstery in nappa leather is optionally available, also with AMG-specific seat graphics. In addition, the AMG badge on the backrests of the front seats and the embossed AMG emblems in the front headrests emphasise the brand identity. There are numerous other features that underline the distinctive style of the interior:
> Instrument panel and beltlines in space grey ARTICO man-made leather with NEOTEX grain and red topstitching
> Door centre panels and also transition from centre console to instrument panel in black MICROCUT microfibre with red topstitching
> AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather, flattened at the bottom, perforated in the grip area with silver-coloured aluminium paddles for setting various recuperation levels, and the standard steering wheel buttons for individual assignment of vehicle-specific settings
> AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and door sill panels with "AMG" lettering (illuminated with interchangeable cover)
The AMG Performance steering wheel with its striking twin-spoke design and seamlessly integrated buttons combines visual stability with lightness. The steering wheel rim, which is flattened at the bottom and covered in nappa leather, can be heated as an option. The standard AMG steering wheel buttons impress with brilliant displays. This allows important driving functions and the drive programs to be controlled without the driver's hands leaving the steering wheel. Numerous parameters can be selected directly. The menus on the left steering wheel button can be individually supplemented, exchanged or reduced. For this, there is a list in the Multimedia Touch Display or in the optional Hyperscreen with more than 15 information and setting options as direct selection for the steering wheel buttons.
Optional Hyperscreen with AMG-specific functions and displays for the MBUX infotainment system
Both new models can be optionally equipped with the innovative MBUX Hyperscreen. This large, curved screen unit extends from A-pillar to A-pillar. Three screens sit under a single glass cover and appear to merge into one. With adaptive software, MBUX adapts completely to its user and offers personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. With the zero layer, the most important applications are always displayed situationally and contextually on the top level in the field of vision.
In Europe and China, dynamic content is also permitted on the passenger display while driving. Unrestricted viewing of films, text messages or presentations, plus internet surfing, are therefore possible. This is made possible by the "blanking function", which prevents the driver from seeing the content. But even without dynamic content, the passenger display remains an attractive eye-catcher because then a new, AMG-specific screensaver appears.
MBUX offers a range of additional AMG functions that emphasise the performance character. This is particularly true of the distinctive displays in the instrument cluster, as well as the multimedia display and the head-up display. Quick access to the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs is provided by the corresponding direct-entry button in the centre console.
The Dolby Atmos® sound format takes the audio experience in the EQE SUV to a new level. Individual instruments or voices in the studio mix can be positioned all around the listening area. A new kind of sound animation thus becomes possible: Because while conventional stereo systems usually have left-right dynamics, Dolby Atmos® can use the entire range and create a 360-degree experience.
With the premium digital entertainment platform from Californian specialist ZYNC integrated into a vehicle for the first time, customers enjoy a seamless digital entertainment experience. The advantages of the MBUX Hyperscreen are fully exploited. Through ZYNC, customers gain access to a wide range of renowned global and local streaming services. The ZYNC platform focuses exclusively on vehicle interiors, and integrates seamlessly with vehicle hardware and operating systems. This enhances the audio-visual experience, interaction and user-friendliness. ZYNC offers video streaming, on-demand content, interactive experiences, local video programmes, sport, news, games, and much more besides, via a single user interface.
High-performance drive battery with a capacity of 90.6 kWh
The new Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV models are equipped with a powerful 328-volt high-performance drive battery manufactured using the latest lithium-ion technology. It has a usable energy content of 90.6 kWh and consists of ten modules with a total of 360 pouch cells. The battery management system in the EQE 53 SUV is also tuned specifically for AMG. In the Sport and Sport+ drive programs the focus is on performance, in the Comfort drive program the focus is on operating range. The battery generation is characterised by a high energy density and has a high charging capacity. Another new feature is the possibility to install updates for the battery management system over-the-air for continuous improvements over the life cycle. The EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV also features an AMG-specific wiring harness adapted to the higher performance capability. A major advance in sustainability has been achieved in the cell chemistry: the cobalt content is reduced to ten percent, while the optimised active material consists of nickel, cobalt and manganese in a ratio of 8:1:1.
Short charging times through intelligent thermal management
Another advantage of the new battery generation is the short charging times. The energy storage system can charge with up to 170 kW at fast charging stations with direct current. In this case, electricity for up to 170 kilometres (WLTP) can be recharged in just 15 minutes. Thanks to the onboard charger, the electrified AMG can be conveniently charged at home or at public charging stations with 11 kW or optionally 22 kW with alternating current. In Japan, bidirectional charging will also be possible, i.e. charging in both directions. In addition, there are intelligent charging programs that can be activated automatically depending on the location. Functions such as battery-saving charging make operations even more efficient.
The efficient thermal management also plays a part in shortening charging times. If the intelligent navigation with Electric Intelligence is activated, the battery is preheated or cooled while driving to reach the optimal temperature for fast charging at the charging point. The desired temperature range of the battery is achieved with the aid of the cooling circuit and a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) booster heater integrated into it.
The battery design aims to ensure the optimum battery operating temperature under all operating conditions. The aluminium extrusions of the battery frame have defined cavities through which the coolant flows. All in all, the intelligent temperature and charging management ensures that high charging currents can be maintained for a long time. The standard heat pump uses the waste heat from the electric drive (inverter and electric motor) and the high-voltage battery to heat the interior. This reduces the need for battery power for interior heating, and thus increases the range. Another function is pre-entry climate control.
The battery also stands out for its durability. The ECO Charging function makes a significant contribution to this: the intelligent control reduces the battery load during charging, and thus slows down the natural ageing process of the battery. Customers can also benefit from the "charging interruption" function: the charging process can be paused at freely selectable times so as to use cheaper off-peak electricity at a later time, for example. The battery certificate stands for the long service life of the high-voltage batteries. It is valid for up to ten years or up to 250,000 kilometres.
Intelligent recuperation for efficient energy recovery
The battery can also be charged through efficient energy recovery using recuperation. The recuperation power reaches up to 260 kW. The driver can adjust the level of recuperation in three stages via switches on the steering wheel, and receive situation-optimised support from ECO Assist. Here, one-pedal driving and combined braking to a standstill are possible in recuperation levels D and D-. In DAuto, up to 5 m/s² deceleration is achieved, 3 m/s² of which is due to recuperation (2 m/s² via the AMG high-performance brake system). With the help of the optional DRIVE PILOT, deceleration is automatic in response to detected vehicles ahead until they come to a standstill, for example at traffic lights.
Sustainable use of electrical power thanks to Mercedes me Charge
With Mercedes me Charge, customers can always be sure of "green" charging at every public charging station throughout Europe as of 2021. High-quality guarantees of origin ensure that as much green power from renewable energies is fed into the grid as is withdrawn via Mercedes me Charge. In the first three years after the purchase, there is no basic fee for Mercedes me Charge and thus Green Charging for customers. Another advantage is IONITY Unlimited: All European EQE SUV customers can use the IONITY fast charging network free of charge for one year via Mercedes me Charge. The new Plug & Charge function makes charging the AMG EQE SUV particularly convenient.
Mercedes me Charge is currently the largest charging network worldwide: It currently has more than 500,000 AC and DC charging points in 31 countries, including over 200,000 in Europe. Also included are the 336 fast‑charging stations of the IONITY fast-charging network co-founded by Mercedes-Benz. In addition, the functionality of Mercedes me Charge in MBUX has been expanded to include functions such as filtering and forecasting the availability of charging stations.
Mercedes me App: easy to use on smartphone and tablet
The Mercedes me App offers many improved and new functions since the last revision. These include a filtering option that allows the charging points to be sorted according to criteria such as availability or charging capacity. The app now also shows how busy the respective charging station is likely to be during the course of the day, based on a probability calculation.
Predictive route planning and efficient driving with Electric Intelligence
When it comes to navigation with Electric Intelligence, the name says it all. Because it plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors and reacts dynamically to traffic jams or a change in driving style, for example. Electric Intelligence plans a fast and comfortable route in advance, including charging stops based on numerous factors such as the calculated energy requirement. The system includes all relevant data in the calculation, from topography and route to driving speed and heating/cooling requirements.
With Electric Intelligence, the new AMG EQE SUV models also react dynamically to the traffic situation on the planned route. The AMG vehicle records traffic tailbacks and road closures, as well as changes in energy demand. For its calculations the system uses information from the cloud, which it combines with onboard data. The planned route can be edited individually. For example, the customer can set the additional reserve at the destination and at the charging station (SoC, State of Charge) – ten percent SoC is standard. If the "Charge at destination" function is selected, the set reserve may be undercut until the destination is reached. MBUX indicates whether the available battery capacity is sufficient to drive back to the starting point without charging.
Further options for individual route planning:
> The route calculation prefers manually added charging stations along the route
> The driver can exclude suggested charging stations
> Calculation of the expected charging costs per charging stop
If there is a risk of not reaching the destination or the charging station with the chosen settings, MBUX informs the driver in good time with a note to activate the ECO driving functions, thanks to "Active range monitoring".
