2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV Spy Shots: Affalterbach's First Electric SUV Spotted
Mercedes-Benz AMG engineers were spotted testing a high-performance version of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
The Affalterbach tuner is apparently not keen on spending time developing a new dedicated electric vehicle: after launching the high-performance EQS hatchback in 2022, AMG is now preparing this high-performance EQE SUV and a high-performance EQE sedan. A high-performance EQS SUV should also be on the way.
The AMG EQE SUV prototype is seen with wheels similar to those of the AMG EQS. The front mask has been flicked to create downforce. The ride height is also slightly lower than that seen on the regular EQE SUV prototype.
The EQE SUV is expected to go on sale later this year as a 2023 model; the AMG version will likely arrive in 2023 as a 2024 model.
The AMG EQE SUV is initially expected to come in 53 grades like the AMG EQS. This would mean a dual-motor powertrain comparable to the AMG EQS 53's 649 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque; the AMG EQS 53 also has a boost feature that temporarily boosts output to 751 hp and 752 lb-ft, which should also be available in the AMG EQE SUV.
Underpinning the EQE SUV is Mercedes' EVA platform, designed for large electric vehicles. As seen in the AMG EQS, which also uses the EVA platform, AMG's proprietary treatment of the AMG EQE SUV should include motor upgrades (windings, enhanced current, proprietary inverter software), all-wheel drive performance, suspension, and brakes.
Production of the EQE SUV, including this AMG variant, will take place at Mercedes' plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This is also where the larger SUV, the EQS, will be built.
AMG has extensive experience with EVs. Recall, the tuner was first tested in 2014 with the SLS AMG Electric Drive, which, with its 740 hp output, was the fastest and most powerful EV on the market at the time. Since then, AMG has gathered more experience from the Formula 1 program, especially in the area of energy discharge and recovery.
