The introduction of the Mercedes EQE has put this new electric SUV in the crosshairs of Audi Q8 e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and BMW iX. Based on the EVA2 platform, the new Mercedes EQE slots between EQS and EQB and will take the electric battle to the doorsteps of the rivals. Well, how capably it can ward off the competitors, we find out in this spec-comparison review:
Output and Performance
With 400 bhp and 850 Nm of torque at its disposal, the Mercedes EQE is the most powerful in terms of performance numbers here. However, the Jaguar I-Pace is 0.1 seconds quicker when it comes to sprinting from 0-100 kmph despite having lower power and torque rated at 394 bhp and 696 Nm respectively. Audi Q8 e-tron is good for 402bhp and 664Nm although BMW lags behind by a fair margin with puny output of 330.5bhp and 630Nm.
Battery and Range
Audi’s Q8 comes on the top with 600km of claimed range thanks to its largest 114kWh battery. Mercedes is not far behind with its 90.6kWh capacity battery delivering a decent range of 590km. Jaguar follows the Audi and Mercedes and offers 446 km of range with the help of its 90kWh battery pack. BMW again stacks at the bottom with the smallest range of 425km owing to its battery pack of just 76.6 kWh.
Size and Dimensions
Mercedes EQE has the longest wheelbase allowing occupants to cherish the legroom and knee room while enjoying a completely noise-free and hush cabin. BMW iX is the lengthiest, widest, and tallest of the lot which should translate into class-leading space for occupants. Jaguar I-Pace, on the other hand, is the smallest vehicle in this comparison while Audi offers a mixed bag of things on dimensional fronts.
Creature Comfort and Features
Mercedes EQE has class-leading safety features including the segment-first 9 airbags along with other standard fitments such as ABS with EBD, 360-degree camera, parking sensors (both front and rear), and traction control system. What truly distinguishes EQE from others is its 56-inch hyperscreen which is offered as a standard feature on the SUV. Other goodies on EQE include a fully digital instrument cluster, wireless connectivity, electrically adjustable front seats (22-way) with message function, panoramic sunroof, Burmester sound system, and HEPA filter.
BMW iX is well equipped and thanks to its latest Drive 8 entertainment system, it offers seamless connectivity and entertainment options to occupants. iX also features a virtual assistant, Harman Kardon speakers, 4-zone automatic climate control, head-up display, surround-view camera, wireless charging, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The list of features on the Audi Q8 e-tron includes 8 safety airbags, a virtual cockpit, electrically adjustable front seats with massage, memory, and ventilation, a 10.1″ infotainment system, ambient lighting, 4-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera. The SUV also receives an adaptive suspension system that takes the ride comfort to a different level altogether. The Jaguar I-Pace is well-equipped too and features Luxtech Sport Seats, a Pivi Pro infotainment system, a Meridian 3D surround sound system, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, driver condition monitoring system, adjective cruise control, and a solar camera with 3D capabilities among others.
Prices
Mercedes EQE is the costliest of the lot with a starting price of Rs 1.39 crore. Audi’s Q8 e-tron retail starts at Rs 1.14 crore and goes all the way up to Rs 1.30 crore for its top-spec 55 Sportback model. BMW has an asking price of Rs 1.21 crore for its xDrive 40 variant while the price of Jaguar I-Pace ranges from Rs 1.19 Crore to Rs 1.24 crore (app prices, ex-showroom).
