Mercedes-Benz’s EQE SUV is the first crossover to receive the AMG treatment

As part of its ambitious electric vehicle plans, Mercedes has taken the wraps off its latest model, the EQE SUV – along with a bonus high-performance AMG version. Highlights of the new models include slick aerodynamics, a large 90.6 kWh battery and very quick 0-62MPH times on the AMG model.

Mercedes calls the EQE SUV a “multifunctional variant of the recently launched flagship EQE sedan.” As such, it looks a lot like an SUV version of the EQE, even though it’s actually 3.5 inches shorter than the sedan. In terms of size, it is somewhere between the EQ-B and the EQS SUV.

It’s one of the most aerodynamic SUVs around, with a very slippery drag coefficient of 0.26 – even with the steps. Together with the large 90.6kWh battery, this contributes to an estimated range of 342 miles on the WLTP (probably less on the EPA scale). Mercedes didn’t detail the power or performance of the regular EQE model, but instead talked about battery efficiency, thermal cooling, energy recovery, noise and vibration comfort, and much more in its extremely detailed press release.

The interior features a combination of natural and synthetic materials such as NeoTex and leather. Front and center is the curved Hyperscreen, which features three separate displays for the infotainment system, vehicle controls and more. The automaker said it has already integrated more streaming services (Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music) into the MBUX infotainment system. There is also a front passenger display which is designed to allow the front passenger to watch TV without distracting the driver.

The AMG version is Mercedes’ first powerful SUV and takes everything on the regular EQE up to 11. Front and rear engines produce 617 hp. or up to 677 from a boost function with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package. The Race Start feature lets you put full power to the wheels (along with sound emitted inside and outside the car), accelerating from 0-62 MPH in 3.5 seconds.

Other AMG features include AMG-adapted air suspension, lowered ride height settings for Sport and Sport+ modes, active anti-roll bar, carbon-ceramic front brakes and rear axle steering as standard.

Some exterior touches include digital headlights that project the Mercedes and AMG logos when the car is turned off, large 21- and 22-inch wheels, and an AMG hood logo in place of the usual Mercedes. Inside, lucky buyers can choose from four interior options, with leather seats as standard. The Hyperscreen also gets custom AMG graphics, including performance readings in the central display.

More details on EQE powertrain options will be announced closer to market launch. Mercedes-Benz did not provide details on pricing or availability, but said the standard version of the EQE SUV will begin production in December at its US plant in Alabama. Unlike the EQS SUV, which starts at $100,000, the EQE SUV can have a chance to get under the $80,000 quality threshold for a $7,500 federal tax credit.