Last week, Mercedes-Benz introduced the EQE electric SUV in the Indian market. This luxury SUV, positioned between the EQS and EQB in Mercedes' electric lineup, utilises the EVA2 platform, which is also used in the EQS sedan. The main competitors of this SUV include the BMW iX, Jaguar I-Pace, and the Audi Q8 e-tron. Let’s see how the EQE SUV compares with the rest of its rivals in this spec comparison!
The EQE stands out as the most potent, boasting a dual-motor configuration that generates 402bhp and 858Nm. However, this doesn't necessarily translate to it being the quickest, as the Jaguar I-Pace manages to narrowly outpace it. The I-Pace achieves a 0 to 100kmph acceleration in 4.8 seconds, just 0.1 seconds faster than the Mercedes, despite having slightly lower performance figures of 394.2bhp and 696Nm. On the other hand, the Audi Q8's dual motor setup produces a respectable 402bhp and 664Nm, but it takes 5.6 seconds to go from 0 to 100, placing it slightly below the EQE and I-Pace in terms of acceleration. Finally, the BMW iX is the least powerful among the group, with its dual-motor setup delivering 330.5bhp and 630Nm of torque.
Coming to the SUVs’ battery and range, the Q8 e-tron leads the pack here as it delivers up to 600km of range (WLTP cycle). However, the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is not too far behind as its 90.6 kWh battery pack gives it a range of up to 590km, which is only a smidge lower than the Audi. The BMW iX has the lowest range figures of the bunch, extracting a range of up to 425km from its 76.6 kWh battery pack just below the Jaguar I-Pace that extracts 446km from its 90 kWh battery pack.
The EQE SUV is slightly smaller in length and width compared to the BMW iX and the Audi Q8 e-tron, measuring 4864 mm in length and 2141 mm in width, including mirrors. However, it stands out in terms of height, ranking second on the list and being 51 mm taller than the Q8 e-tron but 11 mm shorter than the BMW iX, which is the tallest among these vehicles. When it comes to wheelbase, the EQE takes the lead, making it the most spacious option. On the other hand, the Jaguar I-Pace is the relatively smaller vehicle in this group, with dimensions of 4682 mm in length, 2139 mm in width, and 1566 mm in height.
The EQE offers a wide array of features, some of which set it apart from its three competitors. When it comes to safety, it boasts nine airbags, one more than the other three models. Additionally, it provides essential safety features such as ABS with EBD, traction control, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. What truly distinguishes the EQE from the other electric SUVs is its impressive 56-inch Hyperscreen, which comes as a standard feature. This enormous screen setup comprises three displays: a fully digital instrument cluster, an infotainment system, and an additional screen for the front passenger. The infotainment systems run on the latest MBUX operating system. Moreover, it offers luxurious amenities like 22-way electrically adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless connectivity, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter for the cabin and massage functions for the front seats
The BMW iX features a single-piece curved glass that houses a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment display, both angled toward the driver. It utilises BMW's latest iDrive 8 infotainment software. The iX is generously equipped, including an electrochromic panoramic glass roof, multi-functional seats with memory and massage features, custom leather upholstery, ambient lighting, BMW Virtual Assistant, head-up display, wireless charging, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 4-zone climate control, an 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, soft close doors, surround-view camera, reversing assistant, and more.
The Q8 e-tron comes equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including 8 standard airbags along with additional safety features such as a reverse camera and a 360-degree camera. It also boasts adaptive air suspension to guarantee a comfortable ride quality. On the features front, this electric SUV includes 12-way electrically adjustable front seats with a memory function, a 10.1-inch infotainment system, and an 8.6-inch screen on the lower part of the centre console dedicated to climate control.
The Jaguar I-Pace comes equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, which includes a 10-inch touchscreen display that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also boasts a premium 16-speaker 380-watt Meridian 3D surround sound system, wireless charging capability, a PM 2.5 air filtration system, a panoramic sunroof, and Luxtech Sport Seats with 8-way semi-powered adjustability. The vehicle is further enhanced with features like an interactive driver display, a 3D solar camera, driver condition monitoring, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control.
With a starting price of Rs 1.39 crore (ex-showroom), the EQE stands as the priciest SUV among its competitors. To put this in perspective, the Audi Q8 e-tron's price range starts from Rs 1.14 crore and extends to Rs 1.30 crore for its highest-end 55 Sportback model, whereas the iX and I-Pace are priced even more competitively and lower.