Luxury electric 4x4s go head to head as the new Mercedes EQE SUV takes on the BMW iX
Pictures: Pete Gibson
MERCEDES and BMW have been natural rivals for longer than most of us can remember. As two of Germany’s big three premium brands, they have competed across a number of segments over the years.
Whether it’s in the compact executive class, super-saloons with the firm’s M and AMG badges, or attempting to earn conquest sales among younger customers with small hatchbacks such as the 1 Series and A-Class, there’s always a pair of adversaries looking for a fight.
Historically, the larger the car, the more likely a Mercedes victory; the Stuttgart brand has always excelled at luxury. But with the segment moving towards electrification, does that still ring true?
We’re pitting the marques against each other for this latest battle in the class for high-end luxury electric SUVs that break the six-figure barrier.
Mercedes offers up the new EQE SUV, while in BMW’s corner is the iX – a car that defeated Audi’s e-tron (since revised as Q8 e-tron) in an Auto Express road test a couple of years ago. So can Mercedes still hold the luxury crown, or will the iX remain undefeated against newer German competition?
WHAT IS A REAL-WORLD ROAD TEST?
THE Auto Express Real-World Road Test subjects the latest cars to our rigorous assessment processes, which are focused on buyers’ needs.
We consider the merits of each car, not only the way that it drives, but also every aspect important to owners, from the space inside to the usability of infotainment systems.
Equally importantly, we give you a clearer indication than ever of how much you can expect to pay if you place an order today, thanks to our in-depth number crunching.
NEW CAR
Mercedes EQE 500 SUV AMG Line Premium Plus
Price: £121,760
Powertrain: 2x e-motors, 91kWh battery, 402bhp, four-wheel drive0-62mph: 4.9 secondsTest efficiency: 2.4mi/kWhMax charging rate: 170kW
10-80%: 31 minutes
CLASS LEADER
BMW iX xDrive50 M Sport
Price: £104,285
Powertrain: 2x e-motors, 105kWh battery, 516bhp, four-wheel drive0-62mph: 4.6 secondsTest efficiency: 2.7mi/kWhMax charging rate: 200kW
10-80%: 34 minutes
Mercedes EQE SUVMODEL TESTED: EQE 500 SUV AMG Line Premium Plus PRICE: £121,760 POWERTRAIN: 2x e-motors, 91kWh battery, 402bhp
IT really hammers home the premium positioning of the Mercedes EV line-up that the EQE 500 SUV, tested here in £121,760 AMG Line Premium
