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The Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV sits at the intersection of luxury and performance. A high-end electric SUV, it showcases the best of what Mercedes-Benz offers in their electric vehicle (EV) portfolio. Priced north of $120,000, this model promises more than just refinement. It delivers a unique design approach that we explore in this detailed Mercedes EQE SUV teardown, focusing on the underbody and suspension system.
Built on the EVA platform (Electric Vehicle Architecture), which also underpins the EQE and EQS sedans and their SUV variants, the AMG EQE SUV represents the brand’s push toward modular and scalable electric mobility.
Premium Materials and Forged Aluminum Components
From the start, the EQE SUV signals its AMG pedigree with forged aluminum suspension components throughout. The tension links, lateral links, upper control arms, and knuckles are all high-grade forged aluminum, ensuring stiffness, reduced weight, and high durability.
A noteworthy design detail is the ball joint interface. Instead of a conventional nut-and-stud setup, Mercedes uses a recessed interface where the nut is embedded within the knuckle itself. This design enhances packaging efficiency—especially critical when accommodating different wheel and brake packages across model variants. For example, while this model features 21-inch wheels, lower trims may use 18-inch variants, where traditional designs could create space constraints.
Carbon Ceramic Brakes and Aerodynamic Wheels
This particular unit features a $5,000 carbon ceramic front brake option. While the manufacturing cost is nowhere near that, the performance value added—especially for spirited driving—is significant. It’s worth noting that this option applies only to the front brakes; the rear still uses standard steel rotors.
The wheels themselves continue Mercedes-AMG’s trend of blending aesthetics with function. With a subtly aerodynamic design, the wheels help reduce drag while preserving the aggressive AMG styling cues. Interestingly, the SUV’s proportions may appeal more to customers than its EQE sedan sibling, which has seen limited traction—perhaps due to design compromises.
Noise, Vibration, Harshness (NVH) and Underbody Shielding
Unlike some competitors such as Tesla or Lucid, which often leave the flat battery tray exposed for aerodynamic efficiency, Mercedes takes it a step further. Beneath the EQE SUV lies a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) underbody shield. This additional layer helps reduce underbody noise. It’s a critical consideration for luxury EVs where road and wind noise become more pronounced due to the lack of engine masking.
This focus on NVH mitigation extends to other underbody components as well. Numerous aerodynamic shields and vortex breakers—like small teeth near the wheel wells—disrupt turbulent air and reduce wind noise. Wheel spats and aero trims at the front and rear further contribute to this effort, maintaining airflow efficiency and cabin quietness.
Mixed-Material Subframes and Modular Adjustability
The EQE’s front subframe is made from steel—a choice that may seem counterintuitive in a world pushing for lightweight materials. However, steel’s ductility offers greater energy absorption in crash scenarios, making it ideal for front-end impact zones. Rear subframes, however, are constructed from cast and extruded aluminum. This is where Mercedes showcases true modular thinking.
The aluminum subframes use mirrored sand-cast nodes. These are joined by deep extrusions that can be lengthened or shortened based on the vehicle variant. This allows Mercedes to alter the width of the chassis without retooling. As a result, this greatly reduces production costs and accelerates platform flexibility across models.
Cast Shock Towers and Partial Gigacasting
Though not full gigacastings like those used by Tesla, the EQE SUV features cast front and rear shock towers. These castings reduce part count, increase local stiffness, and enhance suspension mounting robustness. Rear rail castings work in conjunction with internal cast components to create closed sections in the body-in-white, enhancing torsional rigidity and crash safety.
Rear-Wheel Steer and Active Anti-Roll Bar
One of the standout features in the rear architecture is the ZF-supplied rear steering system, which enables up to nine degrees of rear-wheel articulation. This dramatically improves the turning radius and agility, especially for a vehicle weighing nearly 6,000 pounds.
Also in the rear is an active anti-roll bar—a sophisticated system that uses an electric motor to dynamically connect or disconnect the left and right suspension. When cornering aggressively, the system engages to reduce body roll. Under casual driving, it disengages to allow greater ride compliance and comfort, isolating impacts like potholes from transferring across the chassis.
Spring Links and Air Suspension
The rear also includes forged aluminum spring links and air suspension that interfaces directly with the subframe. Damping is managed through upper shock mounts tied into the body, with steel brakes rounding out the rear setup. Mercedes uses mixed braking systems to balance cost and performance. They reserve expensive materials for the front, where most braking force occurs.
Packaging and High Voltage Component Placement
A surprising observation is the packaging of high-voltage charging hardware. Most ground-up EVs place these components in a dedicated frunk area. Instead, Mercedes locates some of them in the rear trunk. This shift in placement suggests packaging trade-offs—and raises questions about space efficiency. Given that the front hood does not open for user storage, this is a missed opportunity in packaging optimization, especially when compared to EV leaders like Lucid, who fully leverage space freed up by the absence of internal combustion engines.
This decision may stem from compromises made to accommodate crash safety, cooling systems, or legacy design carryovers. However, from a lean design perspective, there’s room for improvement in how Mercedes utilizes available space in a vehicle that claims to be a ground-up electric platform.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Performance, Luxury, and Legacy
The Mercedes EQE SUV AMG brings serious engineering to the EV space. Its strengths show especially in the suspension system. In addition, it excels in aerodynamic NVH control. The modular chassis design further highlights Mercedes’ technical focus. Yet, certain aspects like packaging inefficiencies and substantial weight (heavier than even some Ford F-150 variants) reveal the challenges of transitioning a legacy luxury brand into the EV age.
While not a paradigm-shifting teardown like a Tesla gigacasting or Lucid packaging marvel, the EQE SUV demonstrates how Mercedes incrementally integrates electric performance with traditional AMG character. It’s a premium product that reflects a mix of forward-thinking modularity and entrenched design conventions.
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