• Mercedes-Benz South Africa is currently highlighting its latest all-electric vehicle slated for a local launch – the EQE SUV.
• The new EV does not have a precise date of availability yet, but recommended pricing for the 4MATIC model has been detailed.
• The EQE SUV will likely go up against other all-electric sporty SUVs like the Jaguar I-PACE.

Each month more and more options become available locally as far as electric vehicles are concerned. This is promising for motorists given the ongoing energy crisis, with German carmakers in particular aiming to electrify their South African fleets, which brings us to Mercedes-Benz and its all-new EQE SUV.

The company debuted the EV late last year as part of a global premiere and now it is getting ready to take its local bow.

When that will happen precisely remains unclear, as the EQE SUV is not listed on the Mercedes-Benz SA site for sale or coming soon at time of writing.

While Mercedes-Benz has not hinted at which rival luxury sports EV the EQE SUV will be going up against, having reviewed the Jaguar I-PACE earlier this year, we think that’s where the German firm will be aiming this latest offering.

In terms of what it’s packing, the EQE SUV 350 4MATIC is designed for South Africa.

“This model offers an impressive 215kW and 765Nm of torque. In the EQE SUV, the lithium-ion battery consists of ten modules. In certain cases, the innovative battery management software, which was developed in-house, can be updated over-the-air (OTA). Customers can expect a WLTP range of between 461-551 km,” highlights the company in a press release sent to Hypertext.

“The EQE SUV shares some aerodynamic measures with its model counterparts. The underbody with its numerous aerodynamic details plays a central role in a very good Cd value from 0.255, which was achieved despite the large load volume and short rear overhang. But the dimensional concept with the flat windscreen, sweeping roof line and indents were also important factors,” it adds regarding the aerodynamic elements of its design.

As for the pricing of this vehicle are concerned, the recommended retail price of the EQE SUV starts from R2 194 500. In terms of financing, Mercedes-Benz is punting its Agility offering.

“This tailor-made finance solution comes with a Guaranteed Future Value and customers can select their mileage and term upfront to suit their needs,” the company notes.

“The Guaranteed Future Value is an upfront commitment by Mercedes-Benz to the value of the vehicle which benefits the customers with a lower monthly instalment packaged with a shorter finance term. Agility is available from 12 to 60 months, while our price points are consistently advertised at 48 months,” it concludes.

While most of the EVs on the market today carry a premium price tag, not to mention a certain lifestyle setup in order to work in a country like SA, it is at least pleasing to see that the breadth of options improves with each passing month.