My introduction to the Mercedes-Benz EQ lineup was with the EQS SUV, a majestic seven-seater I once took on a road trip to Penang, a route etched in my muscle memory as I frequently journey back to my northern hometown. Familiar roads demand fresh perspectives, and the smaller, five-seater Mercedes EQE SUV delivered just that.
Think of the EQE SUV as the EQS’s slightly younger, sprightlier sibling. It borrows the EQS’s sleek visual cues and much of its tech but trims the excess where it counts. Unlike the EQS, which caters to rear-seat VIPs with screens galore, the EQE puts the spotlight squarely on the driver. In this car, the best seat in the house is the one behind the wheel. Perched in my seat, I took the fully charged EQE eastwards to Kuantan, cutting through the imposing Tititwangsa range.
A Highway Ballet
Navigating the rollercoaster twists of the Karak Highway, the EQE SUV proved its mettle. Mercedes-Benz has nailed its regenerative braking system, controlled by paddle shifters that sit exactly where traditional gear-shift paddles would on a combustion-engine car.
This genius placement lets you switch between three recuperation modes: No, Normal, and Strong. In Strong mode, it’s a one-pedal driving experience—almost like a high-tech golf cart, but far more exhilarating. Lift your foot off the “power” pedal (yes, we’re rebranding it from “gas”), and the car gently brakes itself.
It’s intuitive, addictive, and downright fun. For my trip east and back, I opted for Normal recuperation on the straights, switching to Strong for the winding corners. The sensation mimics downshifting in a petrol-powered car, keeping the EQE glued to tight bends while seamlessly transitioning back to normal cruising.
Pair this with the car’s hefty kerb weight and low centre of gravity— even for an SUV—and you get a precision instrument that carves corners with grace. Driving an EV is already thrilling thanks to its instant torque, but this? This takes the joy to a whole new level.
Road Trip Ready, City-Savvy
With a rated range of 552 km, the EQE SUV handled my Putrajaya-to-Kuantan trip with 100 km to spare, despite my “spirited” driving. A four-hour top-up at a slow hotel charger left me fully juiced for the return journey, proving the EQE isn’t just a pretty face—it’s practical too. Speaking of practicality, when traffic grinds to a crawl, the EQE SUV lets you hand over control to its Driving Assistance.
Using an array of cameras and sensors, the system keeps the car centred in its lane and handles acceleration and braking. At first, it felt unnerving to let go, but the system works beautifully, adeptly differentiating between cars, lorries, and even motorcycles weaving through lanes.
Gaining back control is as intuitive as tapping the brakes or pressing the throttle—a gentle reminder that “assistance” means it’s there to help, not take over.
And those cameras? Mercedes has equipped this car with stunning imaging devices, feeding crisp visuals to a high-pixel-density display that feels leagues ahead of the grainy “good enough” reverse cameras most cars rely on.
The result? Borderline cinematic clarity. A quirky feature I couldn’t get enough of was the traffic light camera. Whenfirstinlineatajunction,thedisplay gives you a crystal-clear view of the lights. Somehow, this transforms Malaysia’s otherwise mundane traffic stops into scenes worthy of a road trip movie. It’s a small touch, but it feels so indulgent.
A Class Act
Inside, the EQE SUV coddles you with the kind of plush luxury you’d expect from Mercedes. Ventilated seats are a godsend under Malaysia’s tropical sun, and the wood-veneered dashboard—delicately engraved with the iconic three-star logo—adds a warm, natural contrast to the ultra-modern cabin.
For an AMG Line car, its styling is refreshingly understated. Subtle AMG badges on the wheels and floor mats whisper sophistication rather than scream performance.
A Star in the Urban Jungle
While the Mercedes EQE SUV shines on highways and mountain passes, let’s face it: most of us spend our days crawling through Klang Valley’s legendary traffic. Here, the car’s one-pedal driving and Strong recuperation mode come into their own.
The concept of single-pedal driving sounds alien until you try it—and then you’ll never want to go back. Accelerate by pressing down. Slow by easing up. Stop by lifting off entirely. The actual brake pedal becomes a backup plan, reserved for emergencies. It’s a revelation, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Final Thoughts
After two weeks and more than 2,000 all-electric kilometres, saying goodbye to the EQE SUV was harder than I anticipated. Sure, it’s a luxury car, but it’s luxury done right—delivering more comfort than expected, assistance that stays out of your way, and thoughtful features that delight without overwhelming. Beneath all the tech and opulence lies a well-built Mercedes, a car meant to be driven.
Whether it’s carving mountain roads, breezing through highway stretches, or navigating city chaos, the EQE SUV proves it’s more than just an electric car—it’s a masterpiece of modern driving.
