4 Ways the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV Tries to Make EVs Exciting
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is part of the performance brand’s foray into the world of electric vehicles. Available with up to 677 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time in the low three second range, it has plenty of power. But this AMG is also quite the showman.
Using sights, sounds, and sensations, the all-electric SUV does its best to wow drivers and passengers alike. Is it a bit gimmicky? Sure. But it does make for a more entertaining driving experience. Below are our four favorite features.
Exterior Light Show
LED lights are nothing special in 2024, nearly every new vehicle on the market includes them. But many don’t perform sequenced dances or project messages on the road like the AMG EQE SUV does.
During start up, the lights dip up, down, side to side and pulsate in a pattern. It’s during shutdown where the real show begins though. The headlights project a series of bars turning on and off in sequence from the middle of the vehicle outward. After that is done, a giant Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star and AMG logo are projected about 15 feet in front of the vehicle. You know, in case the owner or neighbors forget what this electric SUV is.
Interior Light Show
Inside, the light show continues. On start-up, a flying animated AMG logo swoops across the various screens. Digging through the infotainment system, there are countless highly detailed, colorful menu animations available with a futuristic look to them.
While driving, the optional ambient lighting can be set to an assortment of solid colors, two-tone patterns, or even a dynamic setting where lights scroll along the LED strips in conjunction with the vehicle’s movement.
Sounds
Electric vehicles are quiet by nature – the polar opposite of gas-powered AMG vehicles. To provide an appropriate soundtrack, AMG includes an array of interior and exterior audio options. Starting with the interior, there’s an optional AMG Sound Experience that can be controlled through levels. It makes a constant electronic growling akin to sci-fi spaceships.
The pitch of the sound changes depending on vehicle speed and accelerator pedal application, to mimic how an internal combustion engine operates. In the quietest setting, it’s mostly unnoticeable unless large amounts of acceleration are called for. In the medium mode, there's constant sound and is our favorite setting. In the loudest setting, it’s just that, loud. It gets a bit tiresome after a while.
As mentioned, there are external sounds as well, and we don’t just mean the mandatory slow-speed EV warning chimes. When Race Start is engaged, the AMG EQE SUV lets out a loud audible whoosh noise as it launches towards the horizon.
Race Start
While on the topic of Race Start, this mode takes launch control and turns it up past 11. Prepping for Race Start requires pressing the accelerator and brake all the way to the floor and holding them there.
At this point, the driver information center starts flashing red bars with a message that race start is available. The vehicle begins shaking back and forth on its dampers, the seatbelts tighten up, and an electronic charging sound fills the cabin. Letting go of the brake engages Race Start and the vehicle hurtles away, emitting a loud electronic whoosh both inside and out.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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Notice the vestigial exhaust ports under the rear bumper cover. Big shield, ala Nissan Ariya on the front for those who just can't let go of the past.
HAA HAA HOO HOOO HOOO Aaaaaagh! What B.S.