When it comes to luxury vehicles, the transition to electric doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort.
My week with the EQE 320+ SUV showcased how this fully electric utility vehicle effortlessly integrates modern technology while preserving the signature Mercedes-Benz experience. It feels less like a departure and more like an evolution into the electric age.
Years ago, I owned a Mercedes-Benz ML 500, and that experience continues to shape my expectations of the brand: solidity, comfort, safety, presence, and quiet confidence. The EQE 320+ SUV embodies these qualities in a contemporary format. It is visually stunning, exceptionally comfortable on the road, and particularly enjoyable during longer drives.
During my time with the vehicle, I drove from metropolitan Atlanta to Augusta, Georgia, on a single charge and used the complimentary EV charging at Mercedes-Benz of Augusta before returning home. This trip framed the EQE SUV as not just an electric luxury vehicle for short errands, but as a refined family and lifestyle vehicle capable of regional travel while maintaining the comfort synonymous with the three-pointed star.
Mercedes-Benz EQE
Mercedes-Benz EQE
The EQE 320+ SUV Reviewed
The model I drove was the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE 320+ SUV, finished in Twilight Blue Metallic with a Neva Grey and Biscaya Blue leather interior, complemented by Natural Grain Anthracite Linden Wood trim. According to the window sticker, the vehicle’s suggested retail price was $64,950, with a total retail price of $81,920 including options and destination fees.
Noteworthy options included Exclusive Trim, AMG Line Exterior Package, AIRMATIC air suspension, 21-inch AMG multispoke wheels with black accents, 10-degree rear axle steering, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, Burmester surround sound system, Energizing Air Control Plus with HEPA filter, and the Mercedes-Benz DC Fast Charging Adapter.
The result was an electric SUV that exudes a premium feel without relying on excessive flash. The color combination adds character, while the cabin materials create a tranquil refinement inherent to Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz EQE
Quiet Power, Not Loud Performance
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE 320+ SUV is rated at 315 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. While it’s not marketed as a high-performance SUV, it offers more than enough power for daily driving, comfortable highway merging, and relaxed long-distance travel.
Mercedes-Benz lists the vehicle’s acceleration at 5.9 seconds, which aligns with its character. The EQE SUV delivers power confidently without making every stoplight feel like an event. The power delivery is smooth and immediate, enhanced by the quietness that makes electric driving particularly suited for luxury vehicles.
This quiet characteristic was one of the highlights of my experience. During the drive to Augusta, the cabin remained composed over long stretches of highway, making the trip feel effortless—one of the highest compliments you can give a luxury SUV.
Mercedes-Benz EQE
Comfort is Paramount
The standout feature of the EQE 320+ SUV is its ride quality. With the optional AIRMATIC air suspension, the vehicle felt exceptionally comfortable, especially on the mixed road surfaces between Atlanta and Augusta. The suspension provides a settled, polished character while still maintaining a connection to the road.
Inside, the cabin boasts the visual elegance and technology-forward feel typical of Mercedes-Benz electric models. Features such as the 12.8-inch OLED multimedia touchscreen, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 64-color ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, power tilt and sliding panorama roof, and Burmester sound system all signify that this is a luxury SUV first and an electric vehicle second.
This distinction is important; while some EVs lead with technology and ask the driver to adapt, the EQE SUV focuses on making electric driving feel seamlessly integrated.
Mercedes-Benz EQE
Safety and Family Confidence
For families, safety is just as crucial as luxury. The EQE SUV is equipped with a robust suite of driver assistance and safety technologies, including Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Parking Assist with a Surround View System, ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE predictive occupant protection, an anti-theft alarm, GUARD 360 vehicle protection, and the Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service.
The model I drove included additional comfort and visibility features that enhance daily confidence, such as LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist and a head-up display. These systems do not replace the driver but rather make driving in heavy traffic, parking, and highway travel less stressful.
This is why the EQE 320+ SUV is effective as a family vehicle; it feels safe, substantial, and calm, equipped with enough technology to support daily life without turning the cabin into a distraction.
Mercedes-Benz EQE
Range, Charging, and the Augusta Drive
The window sticker for the EQE SUV indicates an estimated driving range of 270 miles, along with fuel economy ratings of 82 MPGe combined, 87 MPGe for city driving, and 77 MPGe for highway driving. It also lists an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,050 and projected fuel savings of $3,250 over five years compared to the average new vehicle.
For home charging, the specification sheet includes a 9.6 kW AC charging system, providing an estimated 240V charge time of 11.5 hours. This suggests an ideal charging routine for many electric vehicle (EV) owners: plug in overnight and start the day with a full battery.
Additionally, the EQE SUV features a 170 kW DC fast-charging system. This allows it to accept high-speed charging from compatible public stations, enabling drivers to add significant range during a stop rather than waiting for an overnight charge. Actual charging times vary depending on factors such as charger output, battery temperature, current state of charge, and route conditions. However, the availability of fast charging makes regional trips more feasible.
The drive from Atlanta to Augusta highlights how EV ownership is most effective when charging integrates seamlessly into daily life. Being able to charge at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Augusta before heading home creates a manageable and connected experience through the brand’s dealership network.
Mercedes-Benz EQE
A Natural Fit for Golf Travel
The EQE SUV is an excellent choice for individuals who lead a golf lifestyle, as it emphasizes comfort, safety, and a quiet driving experience. Golfers often travel between various destinations, such as the club, office, airport, resort, or on regional trips like the one from Atlanta to Augusta.
This Mercedes-Benz model aligns perfectly with that lifestyle. It provides the comfort needed for longer drives, the stature for a clubhouse arrival, and a calm cabin that makes travel feel less demanding. It is not designed to be flashy; rather, it embodies a polished, functional, and refined essence.
Mercedes-Benz EQE
What the EQE SUV Gets Right
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE 320+ SUV left a very positive impression as it successfully makes electric luxury feel familiar. Its design is beautiful, both inside and out, while it offers exceptional comfort and is rooted in the safety and refinement that have long been associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
For those interested in a premium electric SUV—especially families and golf enthusiasts—the EQE SUV presents a compelling combination of comfort, technology, range, and everyday usability. It does not attempt to reinvent the Mercedes-Benz experience; instead, it effectively carries that legacy forward.
