When it comes to electric vehicles, an SUV may still not be the first thing that comes to mind. After all, when we think of off-roading, all-terrain vehicles, we tend to picture the fat-tired gas guzzlers of the decades past. But where Mercedes set the standard for luxury gas-powered SUV’s via its G class, it is now ushering in a new era of electric SUVs that outpace their turbo powered predecessors. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 2023 GLE vs the 2023 EQE SUV.
2023 GLE vs EQE SUV Specs
Both the 2023 GLE and EQE SUV come standard with rear wheel drive with the option to upgrade to a 4MATIC all wheel drive. The EQE 350+ 4MATIC sacrifices a little range, going down from 279 to 253 miles. However, Mercedes consistently tests above its maximum range estimates, so that shouldn’t be a deterrent for most buyers.
The GLE utilizes a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that cranks out 255 hp in both the RWD and AWD options. Buyers looking for maximum hp can upgrade to the 450 4MATIC (362 hp) or the 580 4MATIC, which gets a whopping 483 hp.
That being said, the horsepower behind the EQE SUV is nothing to sneeze at. The base 350+ rear-wheel drive model outpaces the GLE 350+ at 288 hp and offers more than 1.5 times the torque (417 lb-ft!). The RWD vehicle is powered by a massive 90.6 kWh battery, while the 4MATIC option utilizes a slightly smaller 89.0 kWh battery.
2023 GLE Cost Compared to EQE SUV
Like most electric vehicles, the up front cost of the EQE SUV is significantly higher compared to the 2023 GLE. The MSRP for the EQE 350+ is $79,050, which is over $20,000 more than the GLE (MSRP $58,850).
However, the up front cost of the electric SUV is quickly mitigated when you factor in incentives, less frequent maintenance, and fuel savings over time, which will be significant. The GLE gets better fuel economy than many luxury SUV’s out there, but it still maxes out at 25 mpg on the highway, 20 in the city. The 2023 EQE SUV, on the other hand, has an EPAA MPGe estimate of 87 on the highway, and 94 in the city.
You also have the option to lease an EQE SUV, and many dealerships offer zero down lease deals. Check out the Mercedes Benz of Littleton specials page to see our current electric vehicle lease offers.
Size and Cargo Space of GLE and EQE
The 2023 GLE is roomier than the EQE, especially where height is concerned. It is actually a couple inches shorter than the EQE, but a full 9 inches higher and 2 inches wider in the base model. It also has significantly more cargo space: 33 cubic feet with the rear seats in place compared to the 20 cubic feet available in the EQE. With the seats down, however, you can increase the cargo space in the EQE to 59 cubic feet.
Technology in the GLE versus the EQE
The luxury and tech of the 2023 GLE 350+ is mostly on par with that of the standard EQE 350+. The standard EQE does have a year of live traffic and navigation updates, however, and is also equipped with the 3D Burmester surround sound system (an option in the GLE). Biometric authentication is also available in the standard EQE. This is not even an option in the GLE.
The upgrades available for the EQE are what really sets it apart. The EQE has package options that incorporate its most futuristic technology, including active ambient lighting, and AIR BALANCE systems that purify the air in the cabin and infuse it with fragrances to suit your mood and music selection.
Test Drive a 2023 EQE SUV
We may be biased, but we feel that the EQE SUV is one of the best luxury electric vehicles available on the market. It knocks it out of the park for range, power, handling, and, of course, comfort. But don’t take our word for it: stop by the Mercedes Benz of Littleton dealership to test drive one of these amazing vehicles. If you want to make a direct comparison, go ahead and try out the all new 2024 GLE, while you’re at it. Call or go online today to get started.
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