The forthcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, which is tipped to launch in 2023, has been spied testing again in Germany.
The forthcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, which is tipped to launch in 2023, has been spied testing again in Germany.
The machine, which will be twinned with the recently revealed EQE in the German firm’s line-up of EQ-badged electric vehicles, was officially confirmed by Mercedes earlier this month with the release of a series of teaser images of a development prototype in camouflage.
The EQE SUV was first spied testing by Automotive Daily’s exclusive partner Autocar in the middle of last year, but the new spy shots show a number of developments from both those images and the more recent official images.
The grille area of the SUV is free of camouflage wrap, with a simple black covering instead that is likely to allow the sensors housed in the unit to be tested properly. The new photos also show a more stylised alloy wheel design, which will likely be designed to help improve aerodynamic efficiency by reducing drag.
The EQE SUV has been development at Mercedes-Benz under the internal codename X294. Unlike the current EQC SUV the new model will be based on the bespoke electric MEA (or EVA2) platform, and is being lined up to rival the Tesla Model X and BMW iX.
The recent confirmation of the EQE in sedan and SUV form and the forthcoming EQS SUV will expand Mercedes-Benz’s line-up of EQ models to eight. The firm has already launched the EQA, EQB and EQC SUVs, the EQS and EQV van. Mercedes has pledged to launch 10 full electric vehicles by 2025, which will likely include the recently confirmed electric EQG off-roader.
Power and torque is expected to eclipse the 300kW and 765Nm of the EQC. Crucially, the range should increase significantly, too. The target for the EQE saloon is a 600-kilometre range, although the crossover’s reduced aerodynamic efficiency may reduce this. The EQC’s range is currently quoted at between 371 and 417 kilometres, depending on specification.
Daimler CEO Ola Källenius has said SUVs are perfect for electric configurations, due to the battery placement being along the floor, pushing up the passenger compartment.
James Attwood