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Deanne with the all-new Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV in Ivins after we took a long hike at Padre Canyon.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

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Sunset in St. George during a trip with the new Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. It was a great place to take in an awesome sight.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

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Inside the all-new, all electric Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV, loaded with screens across the dashboard for both the driver and passenger.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

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Inside the new Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV.

Courtesy photo

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Inside the new Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV.

Courtesy photo

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Deanne with the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV in Kolob Canyon, part of Zion National Park, as we made our way home on Sunday afternoon.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

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As more and more manufacturers make the move toward electrification, it is only fitting that that the AMG side of Mercedes would step in and come up with their first all-electric performance SUV. Combining electrifying performance with the luxury synonymous with the AMG lineage, this SUV is not just a mode of transportation; it was a statement.

Arriving at our home in mid-November for a week of pure excitement, it only seemed fitting that we take the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV on a longer journey, thus forcing us to use public charging facilities and get some real road time in! So, join us on a luxurious journey as we explore every facet of the EQE, from its sleek design to its electric prowess, culminating in a weekend road trip from Springville to St. George, with charging pit stops in Beaver.

Exterior design

As the latest addition to the Mercedes-AMG family, the EQE SUV captivated us with its dynamic exterior design. The sculpted bodylines seamlessly integrated form and function, emphasizing the aerodynamics for both efficiency and performance. The signature AMG black panel radiator grille takes center stage, flanked by futuristic LED headlights that not only illuminated the road but also underscored the SUV’s commanding presence. From the sleek silhouette to the distinctive rear, we loved the sense of modernity and sophistication that was present.

Performance

Beneath the stylish exterior lies the heart of the beast — a state-of-the-art electric drivetrain that propels the EQE SUV into the realm of high-performance vehicles. Coming in at a mere 617 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque, the dual electric motors delivered instantaneous torque to all four wheels, ensuring a 0-60 mph sprint that was nothing short of exhilarating.

It mattered not if we were navigating urban landscapes or conquering mountainous terrains or on the open road, the EQE always kept us captivated and comfortable with its adaptive air suspension system striking the perfect balance between our comfort and dynamic handling.

Electric range and charging

Embarking on our weekend journey from Springville to St. George, the EQE SUV impressed with its robust electric range. With an estimated range exceeding 250 miles after getting completely charged in our garage, range anxiety was not nearly as concerning as the last time we made this trip in an all-electric vehicle.

However, as the journey unfolded, it became apparent that we would need to make a stop to add range to the EQE to make our destination. There are only a couple of options along the Interstate 15 corridor that offer Level 3 quick chargers: Scipio, Beaver and Cedar City. We decided being new to the range of the EQE that Beaver would be the best option.

Our pit stop in Beaver went much better than previously, as all four Electrify American chargers were up and running with only three occupied upon our arrival. We were also very surprised to find that, upon plugging into the charger, the cost would be covered by Mercedes. The charging process took about 17 minutes to get us to 80% and cost $14.94, or 48 cents per kilowatt hour.

Deanne needed a few items from Walmart that we had forgotten upon our departure, so we took that opportunity in Cedar City, and while parked we plugged into a charging station at the Walmart that took us to 80% again in 23 minutes, which we spent inside Walmart and cost $16.80. We would have made St. George from Cedar as it is mostly downhill and would have regenerated mileage, but our thought was we were there we should charge.

We were able to stay at a hotel that had a charger that also had no cost to us, so plugging in overnight was easy to be 100% charged for the ride home. According to the EQE, we should have made it the 252 miles to our home. However, with all the climbs from the lower Dixie altitudes, that was not to be, so another stop in Beaver was warranted. Time: 33 minutes. Cost: $20.09.

Interior and comfort

Inside the EQE, the ambiance is a testament to Mercedes’ unwavering commitment to luxury. Plush leather seats with meticulous stitching, ambient LED lighting that would adapt to driving conditions, and sustainable materials throughout the cabin created an inviting atmosphere. The cabin’s spaciousness is complemented by a panoramic glass roof that allowed natural light to flood the interior and provided an unobstructed view of the nighttime sky.

Technology took center stage with the MBUX Hyperscreen, a sweeping display that spans the width of the entire dashboard, from driver to passenger. Touch-sensitive controls, voice commands and a myriad of customization options redefined our driving experience. There were even games for Deanne to play on the passenger side, somewhat like those found when on a flight.

Driving experience

As the miles unfurled beneath the EQE’s tires, the driving experience revealed the harmonious marriage of performance and sustainability. Navigating through the winding roads leading to St. George, the SUV maintained a planted feel. Even with the 80-mph speed limit, it continued hugging corners with precision. The adaptive regenerative braking system not only enhanced efficiency but also allowed for one-pedal driving in city traffic, showcasing the EQE’s versatility.

The absence of traditional engine noise gave prominence to a well-insulated cabin that created a serene traveling environment. The environment could also be transformed by adding relaxing music, graphics and smells to the SUV through the infotainment setting. It seems the engineers had thought of everything.

Technology and connectivity

The EQE SUV’s technological prowess extended beyond the driving experience. The MBUX Hyperscreen was a marvel of engineering, seamlessly integrating three displays under a single glass panel. Intuitive controls, augmented reality navigation and proactive suggestions based on driving habits redefined the in-car experience. Connectivity options abound, with seamless integration of smartphones and smart home devices, ensuring that the EQE SUV was not just a vehicle but an extension of our digital lifestyle.

Conclusion

As our weekend journey in the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV came to an end, the overall experience left an indelible impression. The SUV successfully combined the dynamic performance expected from an AMG vehicle with the sustainable ethos of electric mobility. The charging infrastructure, tested during our pit stops in Beaver, showed that Mercedes has indeed made charging a faster option over our last experience, which took upwards of 45 minutes to fully charge.

From the sleek exterior design to the luxurious interior and the advanced technology seamlessly integrated throughout, the EQE SUV shows Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation. As electric vehicles become a larger presence on the automotive landscape, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV not only embraces this future but also sets a high standard for others to follow.

Base price: $109,300

Destination charge: $1,150

Price as driven: $130,950

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