A Fine Model Y Rival

Pity the latest Merc EV costs more than twice as much as the Tesla

- Georg Kacher

WITH PRICING THAT makes it more expensive than some versions of the rival Audi Q8 e-tron, Polestar 3, and Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo and which makes the slightly smaller Tesla Model Y look like an absolute steal, the new SUV version of the EQE really ought to be exceptionally good.

You can get the entry-level EQE SUV, the 350 in AMG Line trim, for £90,560 (Rs 92.82 lakh) or you can go up to £121,760 (Rs 1.25 crore) for the 500 in Business Class spec. Other markets also get more potent and more expensive-AMG versions.

Our test car-the 500 in AMG Line Premium spec, which means it comes with just about everything apart from rear-wheel steering and the cabin-spanning Hyperscreen-sits on the high side of average in terms of price and performance. For £108,760 (Rs 1.1I crore) you get 408 hp and a 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time, plus a WLTP range that promises 520 km, but maximum charge power limited to a timeconsuming 170 kW.