The Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV arrives in the North American market with a significant disadvantage

There is no doubt that the Mercedes-Benz EQE is one of the most interesting electric SUVs on the market, especially in its slightly sportier AMG version. Its recent launch in the United States has, however, revealed what may be its Achilles’ heel when competing with other rivals in its same segment.

As is usually the case, the start of sales of the Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV in this country has been accompanied by the publication by the EPA of consumption and range data following the tests carried out by this agency on this specific model. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the 90.6 kWh battery pack that equips the German electric SUV allows it to travel up to 235 miles -378 km- on a single charge when fitted with 21-inch wheels. A figure that leaves it at a clear disadvantage compared to its most direct rivals in this area.

For example, just yesterday in an article we referred to the EPA range of the BMW iX. If we look at the data published there, we can see that the M60 version of the electric SUV from the Bavarian brand with 21-inch wheels -which would be the fairest possible comparison- offers an EPA range of 296 miles -476 km-. That is, almost 100 km more than the Mercedes-Benz model.

Range is precisely one of the aspects with the most weight for North American customers

A difference that is explained, fundamentally, by the figures relating to the battery pack capacity of both models. Thus, as we have said, in the Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV it is only 90.6 kWh for a vehicle of these dimensions and weight, while the BMW iX M60 goes up to 111.5 kWh gross, of which 106.3 are usable. This represents approximately 20 percent more.

The same comparison is also quite unfavorable for the Mercedes-Benz SUV when we pit it against the Tesla Model X Plaid. A vehicle that, although its dimensions are somewhat larger, is about 20 thousand dollars cheaper in the American market at the moment. Thus, as can be read on the manufacturer’s own website, the estimated range of the Model X Plaid is about 333 miles -536 km-. This means that with the American manufacturer’s Premium SUV it is possible to travel more than 150 km additional compared to the German one. That’s quite something.

Apart from range, one of the strong points of the Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV is undoubtedly its road performance. Although the truth is that it does not stand out excessively compared to the alternatives offered by BMW and Tesla. For example, although the Mercedes-Benz SUV in its AMG version is capable of reaching 60 miles per hour in just 3.4 seconds, the BMW iX M60 needs only two tenths more to achieve it -3.6 seconds-. Meanwhile, the Model X Plaid is much faster, stopping the clock at 2.5 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV also has a price in the United States that starts at 109,300 dollars, compared with the 112,495 dollars you have to pay for the BMW iX M60 with 21-inch wheels, and the 91,090 dollars that the Tesla Model X Plaid costs.

Which one would you choose?