Mercedes-Benz EQE and EQS electric SUVs primed for launch

Mercedes-Benz is set to broaden its electric SUV arsenal as early as this year with the release of two additional models.

The timeline has prompted speculation that both models could launch in Australia at the beginning of 2023, however, there are no additional details forthcoming from Mercedes-Benz Australia.

First confirmed by Mercedes-Benz in 2020, the EQE and EQS SUVs are the third and four members of the German car-maker’s fast-growing electric SUV arsenal – leveraging the car-maker’s all-electric EVA platform to join smaller existing EQA and EQC models.

The EQE is believed to be based on the curvaceous and futuristic EQE sedan (revealed at the 2021 Munich motor show), which is itself based on the new E-Class, and is locked in for an Aussie launch in the second half of this year.

Similarly, the EQS SUV will be based on the S-Class limousine-based EQS electric sedan and has already been previewed by the more premium Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS super-luxury SUV.

Autocar confirms the EQS and EQE are being developed together in a joint engineering program, and that the former will ultimately underpin a fully-fledged electric Maybach SUV.

In time, the battery-powered large SUV duo is set to be followed by the long-rumoured EQG SUV in 2024, recently previewed by the stunning Vision EQG Concept.

Both the EQS and EQE are rumoured to debut at Chinese motor shows – the former at the Beijing motor show in April, the later at the Guangzhou motor show in November, Autocar says.

As we’ve reported previously, the EQE SUV is set to mirror the already-revealed EQE sedan with powertrain choices, anchored by an entry-level rear-wheel drive model using a 215kW/530Nm electric motor and 90kWh battery that’s said to offer a driving range of between 545km and 660km.

Meanwhile, the EQS SUV will reportedly upgrade to a 108kWh battery pack used in concert with two electric motors for power and torque figures in the vicinity of 377kW and 850Nm in the most powerful model.

Both vehicles are set to be manufactured at Mercedes’ Alabama factory in the US – currently the home of the ever-popular GLE and GLS high-riders.

A Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson declined to offer specifics on the EQE or EQS SUVs for Australia, but said any upcoming models would be on the local arm’s radar.

“We’re excited about the expansion of the EQ portfolio and we’ll evaluate any of those vehicles that became available. At this stage, however, it’s too early to talk about specific vehicles,” the spokesperson said.

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