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There are luxury SUVs, and then there are luxury SUVs that feel like they’re thinking two steps ahead of you. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE 320+ SUV fits squarely in that second category. It’s the latest all-electric entry from Mercedes’ EQ lineup, blending the brand’s hallmark refinement and technology with a new focus on range efficiency and everyday usability. With fresh styling cues, a larger battery pack, and a cabin that could double as a lobby at the Ritz, the EQE 320+ is Mercedes’ latest statement that electric luxury doesn’t have to mean compromise.
To help you with the Mercedes alphabet soup names, the EQE SUV doesn’t technically replace any existing Mercedes model, but it does occupy familiar territory. Think of it as the all-electric counterpart to the GLE-Class, (which I own by the way) offering similar size, comfort, and capability without a drop of gasoline. Built on Mercedes’ dedicated EVA2 electric platform, the same architecture that underpins the flagship EQS SUV, the EQE 320+ is part of the brand’s two-track approach—continuing to offer traditional “GL” models for gas and plug-in buyers while expanding the “EQ” lineup for those ready to go fully electric, assuming there are still some of those people out there.
Exterior
I find the exterior to be very attractive in Patagonia Red, and it is extremely aerodynamic. If you are opposed to somewhat of an egg shape, this may not be your jam, but overall, I love the looks.
Of course, an open grill is not needed, but there are functional vents on the lower fascia. The 21” AMG multi-spoke wheels look fantastic. Chromes surrounds the side windows and runs along the very bottom between the wheels.
A fairly large spoiler finishes up the rear view, and there is a large 3-pointed Mercedes emblem on the liftgate that you push to open the gate. All in all, this is a great looking SUV that does not have the “look at me, I’m electric” vibe at all.
Performance
Under the hood—figuratively speaking—the EQE 320+ SUV uses a single rear-mounted electric motor that delivers 315-horse and 417 pound-feet of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels through a seamless single-speed transmission, giving it the smooth, instant response that’s become a Mercedes-EQ trademark. A 100-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery feeds the system, supporting up to 9.6-kilowatt Level 2 AC charging at home and 170-kilowatt DC fast charging on the road, which can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes under ideal conditions. Drive modes are selectable through Mercedes’ Dynamic Select system. The Dynamic Select system offers Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual modes—each adjusting throttle response, steering feel, and regenerative braking to suit the driver’s preference, with an Off-Road mode reserved for 4MATIC all-wheel-drive versions.
Unlike some EVs that include a usable frunk (front trunk), Mercedes has packed the EQE’s front bay tightly with power electronics, HVAC components, and safety structures. The hood itself isn’t even meant to be opened by the owner—it’s sealed and can only be accessed by a technician. Mercedes routes the washer-fluid filler to a small pop-out port on the driver’s side fender for convenience, but that’s the only “user-serviceable” item up front.
There are paddles on the wheel to adjust the regeneration. I am a fan of one-pedal driving, which means as soon as you let off the gas pedal, the car starts to slow, and the friction from the brakes sends current to the battery to charge it. In addition, it cuts down on brake wear, great if you are a mostly in-town driver. For all the things they got right on this EV, I can’t figure out why the one-pedal regeneration does not bring it to a complete stop. It does have Auto Hold when you press the brake pedal.
Interior
Open the door of the EQE 320+ SUV and you’re immediately met with the kind of futuristic calm that only Mercedes seems to pull off. I’ve noticed this in every Benz EV I’ve reviewed.
The cabin feels more like a high-end lounge than a vehicle interior, with sweeping lines, ambient lighting that flows across the dash, and premium materials everywhere you look. The massive central touchscreen dominates the scene without feeling intrusive, framed by turbine-style A/C vents and a minimalist layout that eliminates most physical buttons, which I’m not a huge fan of to be honest. It’s unmistakably modern, but still warm and inviting in a way that reminds you this is a Mercedes first, and an EV second. Mercedes bucked a trend and stayed away from the stark interiors of most EVs, and remembered its luxury heritage, thank goodness.
Hit the start button and the real magic happens. The gauge cluster is a fully digital 12.3-inch display that sits directly in front of the driver, and it’s both elegant and endlessly configurable. The graphics are crisp and vibrant, with several display themes ranging from classic round dials to futuristic layouts that highlight EV data such as energy flow, charge status, and range estimates. Drivers can toggle through menus using the left-side touch controls on the steering wheel, adjusting everything from navigation and driver-assist info to trip data and media. In Sport mode, the layout tightens up with bold colors and performance-style displays; in Eco, it emphasizes efficiency and regenerative braking. The whole system runs on the latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) software, so it’s smooth, quick to respond, and can even be tailored with personalized profiles.
Front and center in the EQE is a 12.3-inch OLED touchscreen that serves as the hub for nearly every vehicle function. It is also running the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system and it handles navigation, audio, climate control, and smartphone connectivity through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The display is vertically oriented and beautifully sharp, responding instantly to touch or voice commands with natural-language recognition—just say “Hey Mercedes,” and it’s ready to help.
The system also manages drive settings, ambient lighting, seat comfort, and even over-the-air updates. For those who like a cleaner look, a new “zero layer” interface keeps the most-used features front and center so you don’t have to dig through menus. It’s intuitive once you learn your way around it, and it gives the EQE’s interior that tech-forward feel Mercedes has been refining with every new EV, but I will add that I would still prefer a knob for sound system volume. The slide control is a bit quirky and the volume slide control on the steering wheel is as well.
Also, from there you can activate one of my very favorite features in the GLE S63 AMG I own: Car Wash mode. It truly simplifies the prep before heading into an automatic wash. With one touch, it folds in the mirrors, closes all windows and the sunroof, disables the rain sensors, switches off the parking sensors and wipers, and adjusts the climate system to recirculate air. When you are through the car wash, just deactivate it and everything goes back to the way it was.
The center console features a floating layout that flows seamlessly from the lower dash, leaving an open storage space underneath for small items or a handbag. The upper surface is finished in piano gloss black, with a clean, minimalist look free of clutter. Just below the main touchscreen sits a slim control strip for quick-access functions like drive modes, camera view, and hazard lights. The main console houses a wireless charging pad, dual cupholders, and a covered compartment with USB-C ports for both front occupants. A padded armrest opens to reveal a deep storage bin lined with soft material, ideal for keeping valuables out of sight. Everything feels solid and well thought out, with just the right amount of ambient lighting to make it both elegant and easy to use at night.
For rear seat occupants, they are treated to the same level of comfort and quiet as those up front. The rear seats are generously cushioned with excellent thigh support and can recline slightly for longer drives. Legroom and headroom are both ample thanks to the flat EV floor and high roofline, and materials throughout—leather, soft-touch panels, and ambient lighting—mirror the luxury of the front cabin. Rear occupants also get their own climate-control zone with adjustable vents, USB-C ports for charging devices, and a fold-down center armrest with cupholders.
Utility
The cargo area offers about 18.4 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats and up to roughly 59 cubic feet when they’re folded flat. The load floor is low and wide, and there’s no lip to lift heavy items over, making it easy to slide in luggage or groceries.
The second row folds in a 40/20/40 split for flexible cargo and passenger combinations, and a hidden big, deep underfloor compartment provides extra space for charging cables or small items. The hands-free liftgate is standard, and it can also be opened with the key fob or a switch on the front door panel.
Standard Equipment
The EQE 320+ comes well equipped with features you’d expect from a luxury Mercedes. Standard amenities include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and taillamps, a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, keyless entry with push-button start, and soft-close doors. Inside, you’ll find dual 12.3-inch digital displays (instrument cluster and center OLED touchscreen) running the latest MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, voice control, and a wireless charging pad.
The cabin includes dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated front seats with memory, premium MB-Tex upholstery, ambient interior lighting with 64 color choices, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel.
Other niceties include a hands-free power liftgate, power-folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and selectable drive modes via Dynamic Select. Rounding things out are multiple USB-C ports, a Burmeister 3D surround-sound system, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column
Safety
On the safety front, this EV comes with advanced safety and driver-assistance technology, much of it standard. Every EQE 320+ includes Mercedes’ latest Driver Assistance Package, which bundles features like Active Brake Assist with automatic emergency braking, Attention Assist for drowsy-driver monitoring, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. It also comes with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and Crosswind Assist. Standard parking technology includes a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and Active Parking Assist that can automatically steer the SUV into and out of spaces.
You also get standard Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Sound systems, which detect imminent collisions or rollovers and prepare the cabin by tightening seatbelts, closing windows, and protecting occupants’ hearing from loud impact noises. Nine airbags are standard, including front, side, curtain, and driver knee airbags. The EQE also integrates Mercedes’ latest electric-vehicle safety design, with a rigid battery enclosure and structural reinforcements to protect the high-voltage system in a crash. Optional upgrades include the Driver Assistance Plus Package, which adds Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and route-based speed adaptation for semi-self-driving, which works extremely well.
Options
There is a long list of options totaling roughly $23,000. The main ones are $1,100 for the 21” wheels, 10-degree rear axle steering for $1,300, air conditioned front seats run $460, a terrific head-up display is $1,100, air suspension is $1,900, an upgraded Burmeister sound system is $1,100. For $2,200 you get the AMG Line exterior package which swaps the standard body trim for AMG-inspired design cues, including unique front and rear bumpers with larger air intakes, a sport-style lower grille insert, and gloss-black accents. The wheel arches are slightly more pronounced, and side sills and lower door panels are reshaped for a more dynamic stance, and you’ll find AMG Line badging to set it apart.
The paint charge is $1,750 and moving up to real leather from Simulated leather runs $1,620. The last option is the $3,500 Exclusive Trim. This transforms the EQE 320+ from nicely equipped to truly premium, adding many of the comfort and tech features buyers expect in a high-end Mercedes without stepping up to a pricier model. It adds nicer trim materials inside with additional metal trim and illuminated door sills.
Ride and Drive
The ride and handling are fantastic, it is a very composed SUV and is amazingly quiet inside. Acceleration is strong like most electric vehicles. I have to mention the Sound Experience, it totally captivated me. It creates custom, synthesized soundscapes both inside and outside the vehicle to give drivers an emotional connection to acceleration, braking, and driving modes—something many EVs lack due to their near-silent operation. You can choose between several themed sound profiles, such as “Vivid Flux” or “Silver Waves,” each offering its own blend of tones and ambient effects. The sounds play through the Burmeister audio system inside and meet regulatory requirements for pedestrian warning sounds outside at low speeds. For those who prefer serenity, it can also be turned off entirely inside.
What You'll Pay and MPGe
MSRP as equipped is $82,920 before any discounts, incentives, or specials. Fuel economy is rated at 87 MPG-e City, 77 MPG-e highway, and 82 combined MPGe.
Charging
Charging times using a standard household outlet, the EQE 320+ takes roughly 40 to 45 hours for a full charge; a Level 2 240-volt charger like I have cuts that to about 10 hours, while a DC fast charger at up to 170 kW can bring the battery from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
This SUV can use Tesla Superchargers through an adapter that connects its CCS port to the Tesla NACS plug, which comes with the EQE. Mercedes has also confirmed that starting sometime in 2026, its new EVs sold in North America will come with the NACS port built in, eliminating the need for an adapter altogether.
EQE owners can already access Tesla Superchargers through Mercedes’ Mercedes Me Charge network, which integrates billing and navigation routing directly through the MBUX system, making Tesla-site charging as seamless as any other DC fast-charge stop.
Verdict
Overall, this is an incredibly enjoyable SUV and is wonderful to drive or be a passenger in. Don’t feel bad about missing the $7,500 federal tax rebate, it did not qualify anyway. If you are going with an luxury electric SUV, this is one to look closely at to lease.
2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE 320+
- What I liked most: The exterior appearance, the amazing features, and really nice EV range.
- What I would change: A volume knob would make it perfect.
- MSRP: Base price $64,950 as equipped $82,920 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 87 MPGe in town/77 MPGe highway/82 MPGe overall.
- Official Color: Patagonia Red metallic.
- Odometer reading when tested: 500 miles.
- Weight: 5,400 pounds/GVWR 6,790.
- Spare Tire: None, tire repair kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 191.5” long/76.4” wide/66.4” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: N/A. Charging port right rear fender.
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds.
- 2025 EQE 320+ in a few words: A beautiful luxury SUV inside and out with amazing technology, great acceleration, and good range.
- Final Assembly Location: Vance, Alabama.
- Manufacturer’s website: www.MBUSA.com
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance and 10-year/155,000 mile battery warranty.
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