With EU regulations getting tighter each year for car manufacturers, the three German premium brands – BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz – took different roads to electrify their vehicle range.

BMW officially entered the electric vehicle market with the launch of the BMW i3 in 2013. The i3 was an all-electric city car designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a distinctive carbon fibre-reinforced plastic body and a focus on urban mobility.

Alongside the i3, BMW also introduced the i8 the same year, a plug-in hybrid sports car that combined an electric motor with a petrol engine for enhanced performance.

These initial entries laid the foundation for the company’s subsequent efforts to expand its electric vehicle line-up. BMW New Zealand’s full electric line-up now includes nine vehicles, covering SUVs and sedans.

Audi’s entry into the electric car market came in 2018 with the launch of the e-tron, the brand’s first fully electric SUV. The Audi e-tron SUV combined luxury and performance characteristics with electric propulsion technology.

Since the introduction of the e-tron, Audi has expanded its electric vehicle line-up, introducing additional models like the Audi e-tron Sportback and the Audi Q4 e-tron. The company has expressed its commitment to further electrification and plans to introduce more electric and plug-in hybrid models in the coming years.

Electric commitment

Mercedes-Benz officially entered the electric vehicle market with the launch of the B-Class Electric in 2014. They significantly expanded the commitment to electric mobility with the introduction of the EQC, an all-electric SUV, which was unveiled in 2018 and began production in 2019.

The EQC marked Mercedes-Benz’s entry into the fully electric SUV segment and represented a more substantial effort in the company’s push towards electrification.

Since the launch of the EQC, Mercedes-Benz has continued to develop its electric vehicle line-up, introducing additional models under its EQ brand, such as the EQA and EQB. The company has expressed its commitment to further electrification and aims to offer a comprehensive range of electric vehicles across various segments in the future.

Mercedes-Benz has seven electric options, including a van. The latest to join the line-up is the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC SUV.

To break down the model description, “AMG” is the performance division of the brand with vehicles’ power and appearance enhanced, while “4Matic” simply means four-wheel-drive.

The Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV blends the opulence and performance synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand with the sustainability and innovation of electric powertrains.

Striking design

As the latest addition to the EQ lineup, the EQE SUV brings forth a harmonious fusion of cutting-edge design, exhilarating performance, and eco-conscious engineering.

The EQE SUV has a striking design, which seamlessly marries sleek aesthetics with aerodynamic efficiency. From its dynamic LED headlights to its sculpted body lines and assertive stance, it exudes elegance and modernity.

Behind the wheel, the EQE SUV delivers a performance that is nothing short of exhilarating. Powered by dual electric motors, it boasts instant torque and seamless acceleration, propelling it from 0 to 100km/h in an impressive 3.7 seconds.

The advanced all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional traction and handling, allowing for confident manoeuvrability in various driving conditions. Additionally, the adaptive air suspension ensures a smooth and refined ride, enhancing the driving experience.

With the driving modes, in Comfort it’s exactly as the name implies. It’s soft enough to cruise for long distances without fatigue. In Sport and Sport+ modes, the suspension stiffens, and the rear-wheel steering system sharpens up, giving the EQE agility that is otherwise hidden and locked away.

I drove it in many road conditions; on the motorway where it excelled at overtaking, and around town where I was grateful for such features as a 360-degree camera and parking sensors when navigating tight spaces such as supermarket car parks.

Made for speed

I also took it on country back roads where the size (4863mm length) and weight (2580kg) plus 22-inch wheels impacted tight turns. This means it’s not the sharpest AMG at manoeuvring.

But this SUV hasn’t been created for twisting roads ... it’s made for speed. And that shows in situations such as accelerating on the motorway and overtaking. It’s fast and is sure to impress your passengers, as it did mine.

When it comes to electric cars, brands go for range or torque and with the EQE 4Matic, it’s the latter. The range for the electric performance SUV is just 432 kilometres and it’s a “thirsty” vehicle due to the weight and focus on power. I had to charge it twice to 100 kilometres during my seven-day test period.

Factors that affected the range were using air conditioning, and I like my temperature to be at the lowest setting and blasting on me during Auckland summers. But to help reduce the impact of using air-con, you can turn on the ventilated front seats to cool you down.

While people talk about range anxiety with electric vehicles, there is also charge anxiety, when you have to rely on public networks if you are going on road trips or can’t have a charging wall box at your home or apartment complex.

To combat this, you can join companies such as ChargeNet, with an increasing network of charging stations around NZ, or download apps such as PlugShare that help you find your charging stations.

What I liked about the AMG version of the EQE was the meticulously crafted interior that exudes luxury and sophistication, providing a serene environment.

It’s also a good-looking SUV, with a sleek and modern design that commands attention on the road. It has futuristic features, such as the LED headlights and large information screens, but it remains part of the Mercedes design DNA.

What sets the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV apart from its competitors is its unparalleled combination of luxury, performance and sustainability. While many electric SUVs focus solely on eco-friendliness, the EQE SUV goes above and beyond by offering a level of refinement and performance typically associated with traditional internal combustion vehicles. Its cutting-edge technology and meticulous craftsmanship set it apart as a true standout in the electric vehicle market.

Liz Dobson is the former motoring editor of the New Zealand Herald’s Driven publication and website. In 2020, she established AutoMuse.co.nz and in 2022 was made a judge for Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year.