The Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV has just been launched in Malaysia, expanding the brand's battery-electric vehicle (BEV) portfolio here to seven models. Imported from the United States (CBU Tuscaloosa) just like the EQS SUV, the EQE SUV is priced from RM 485,888.

For comparison, the EQE 350+ Sedan is priced from RM 419,888.

Exterior features

The exterior features the signature EQ family face, a black panel grille, and LED Digital Light headlamps. Ours is with the AMG Line kit, so that brings with it 21-inch AMG wheels, AMG-specific front- and rear bumper, as well as high-gloss chrome and black trim pieces.

Aero-enhancing air channels, flush-fitting electric door handles, aero-claddings for the wheels, and clever design of flaps and seals as well as careful placement of the wing mirrors result in a car that's quite slippery for its size; with a 0.25 cD drag coefficient.

On the back there's 3D helix tail lights, as well as as an integrated spoiler that works in concert with the roof spoiler. Its underbody has extensive panelling to further advance its efficiency-focused dynamics.

Also read: 20 photos to decide if you prefer the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV over BMW iX

Dimensions include a 3,030 mm wheelbase, and a rather large footprint with the car measuring 4,863 mm long, 1,940 mm wide, and 1,686 mm tall.

Interior features and space

Inside, the EQE SUV mirrors the EQE sedan, dominated by large screens ahead of the driver. There's a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and the 17.7-inch vertical, driver-facing infotainment that comes preloaded with the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) software.

The Malaysian-spec car also comes with the Acoustic Comfort Package that bundles laminated glass on the windscreen and side windows, for better noise insulation.

Naturally space is what the EQE SUV gives in oodles, and there's about one metre of headroom in the first and second rows; along with another metre's length of legroom in the second row.

Also read: Report: Future Mercedes-Benz EVs will not be called EQ anymore

Creature comforts include leather seats all around, metal and wood finishing, Burmester audio, and over-the-air (OTA) technology for updates to the Sound Experience (a dynamic set of sounds that play depending on drive modes), among others.

Connectivity comes via wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though there's also a smattering of USB ports within the cabin. The boot space is 520 litres with the split-folding rear bench up, 580 litres if the second row seats are in 'cargo position', and expandable to 1,675 litres with the bench stowed away.

Driving and range

On-the-road chops come from a 90.6-kWh lithium-ion battery, powering dual electric motors for 408 PS and 858 Nm, offering a range between 464 km to 552 km per the WLTP cycle.

The battery can be charged via Type 2 AC connection up to 22 kW, which allows the car's battery to charge to full from empty in 4 hours 45 minutes.

DC fast charging at speeds up to 170 kW is possible too, which will see it charge from 0% to 80% in just 32 minutes, and good to recover up to 250 km in just 15 minutes.

Road-holding prowess comes from four-link suspension in front, as well as an independent multi-link setup at the rear. Suspension is of the Airmatic adaptive air variety, and it also has four-wheel steering with up to 10.2 degrees of turn angle.

The EQE SUV for Malaysia comes with Driving Assistance Plus Package, bundling Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist and more.

Aftersales and deliveries

As with all other brand new cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia offers a four-year, unlimited mileage warranty. There's also the Extended Limited Warranty Programme to consider too, for those who want to keep their car protected for longer.