Driving the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQE300 SUV today – a luxury SUV at $134,900 drive-away. Utilising a 180kW/550Nm electric motor, rear mounted, driving the rear wheels powered by an 89 kWh battery providing a claimed 539km. Energy consumption is rated at 18.9kWh per 100km however over my week drive I average around the 20kWh mark which lowered my total distance available to just under 500km. With a large battery pack the Mercedes-Benz EQE300 is no lightweight, a tare weight of 2546 kgs and with somewhat stiff 40-series run flat tyres on 21-inch alloy rims it can ride hard on a rough surface – better on a smooth road but ride quality on our generally poor road surfaces is not a high point. As with most electric vehicles drive smoothness and performance is very re-assuring, effortless with nice torque, 0 to 100km in 7.3 seconds, and you arrive feeling relaxed even on a demanding drive. Seat comfort is about as good as it gets in a cabin that’s high class with a large and impressive central touchscreen. Great active and passive safety, Mercedes-Benz active safety elements well sorted and not over-intrusive. Warranty: five-years/unlimited kilometre, battery warranty: 10years/250,000km, service costs $2240 over three years. I’m David Berthon

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