The EQE SUV is the raised, more spacious sibling of the EQE sedan, built on the same EVA2 platform. The 300 is the entry variant, introduced in December 2023 with German catalogue availability from October 2023 rather than at the SUV's own 2022 launch. It uses a single rear motor, code EM0027, producing 180 kW (245 hp) with an 89 kWh usable battery from October 2023 to April 2025, and 195 kW (265 hp) since then, delivering roughly 460-500 km of real-world range. It combines SUV practicality with Mercedes luxury, though at around 2,445 kg it is one of the heavier vehicles in its class. Mercedes still lists it for 2026, so treat any end-of-production date as unconfirmed.· more· less
Good real-world EV rangeLow routine maintenance costs
Software and 12V battery issuesHeavy depreciation on used market
Buy if: You want a spacious luxury electric SUV with strong range and can verify all recall work and software updates have been completed.
Avoid if: You expect trouble-free ownership without dealer visits for software updates, or you are uncomfortable with rapid depreciation.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€58,200
median asking price, typically 15,000 km
Typical range€56,300 – €61,800
Maintenance cost
€750 – €1,450/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€400 – €700 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€350 – €750 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
12V battery drains or reports critical status despite being functional, disabling remote features · more· less
A widely reported issue across all EVA2 models. The car's dashboard and MercedesMe app frequently warn that the 12V battery is critical, even though the car starts normally. The root cause involves excessive parasitic draw from telematics modules and other always-on systems that drain the 12V battery within 1-2 weeks when parked. This prevents remote features like preheating and app connectivity from working. Mercedes has released software updates that adjust sleep behavior and telematics to reduce the drain, but the underlying architecture means the 12V battery still has a shorter lifespan than in conventional cars. Expect replacement every 3-4 years. A new 12V AGM battery costs around €150-250 for the part, with dealer labor adding another €100-150. While not a safety issue, it is a persistent annoyance. Many owners report the problem cleared after a specific dealer software update, so verifying the latest firmware is essential.
High-voltage battery management shutdown
up to €5002 of 8
Battery management software can overload and reset, causing sudden loss of drive power · more· less
This is a recall-level issue affecting EQE SUVs built between February 2023 and May 2024. The high-voltage battery control module can become overloaded by diagnostic requests from other control units. When this happens, the battery software may reset the controller, which can lead to reduced power or total loss of propulsion while driving. The SUV-inclusive European campaign is KBA 13902R, Mercedes 5496226, covering 50,744 vehicles worldwide and 8,896 in Germany. The 14,912 figure is the US NHTSA population of campaign 24V372, and KBA 012871 with 3,699 German cars was an earlier, separate drivetrain software action. The fix is a free dealer software update to the battery management system. If the recall has been completed (verify with VIN), this is no longer a concern. If it has not been completed, the vehicle should not be driven until the update is performed. The €0-500 range reflects that the recall repair is free, but if the shutdown caused secondary damage (worn brake components from sudden stops, towing costs), those expenses fall on the owner.
Cooling system expansion valve failure
up to €1,5003 of 8
Expansion valve Y140/1 in the battery refrigerant circuit sticks open, reducing charging speed and range · more· less
The electrically actuated expansion valve (part number A 297 830 54 03) in the battery thermal management circuit is prone to mechanical sticking, particularly in early-production EQ models. When stuck open, the system displays 'Cooling system fault. Operating energy input reduced. Service required' with fault code B3A0077. This limits charging speed and can restrict driving power in warm weather. Mercedes quietly revised the part (new number A 297 830 89 03) with improved durability, but many vehicles still have the original valve. The repair involves draining the refrigerant and coolant systems, replacing the valve, refilling, and running diagnostic purge routines. At a Mercedes dealer, expect €600-1,000 for the repair. Independent EV specialists may charge €400-700. This is treated as a silent revision rather than a formal recall, so the repair is not free outside warranty.
Flush door handle mechanism failure
up to €8004 of 8
Electrically operated flush door handles stick, fail to deploy, or become unresponsive in cold weather · more· less
The EQE SUV uses electrically deployed flush door handles that retract into the bodywork. These are reported to stick or fail to deploy, particularly in cold or wet conditions. The mechanism involves a small electric motor and linkage that can wear or freeze. Owners report handles that work intermittently or require multiple presses. In some cases, the handle cannot be opened from outside at all, requiring use of the Mercedes Me app or the emergency mechanical release inside. A single handle replacement costs approximately €200-400 for the part plus labor at a dealer. Some owners have needed multiple handles replaced over the first few years. Cold-climate regions see this issue more frequently.
MBUX infotainment freezing and software glitches
up to €1,2005 of 8
MBUX display freezes, goes black, or shows error messages requiring dealer software intervention · more· less
The MBUX Hyperscreen and standard infotainment system can freeze, go black, or display persistent error messages. A soft reset (holding phone and voice buttons for 15-20 seconds) resolves most episodes temporarily, but recurrent crashes may indicate corrupted software or, rarely, a failing head unit. Over-the-air updates sometimes fail or hang indefinitely, requiring the car to spend days at the dealer for manual reflashing. Some owners report that a comprehensive dealer software update (which can take up to 23 hours) resolved all issues permanently. In rare cases where the head unit hardware fails, replacement costs can reach €1,000-1,200. For most owners, this remains a software issue resolved through updates at no cost, but the frustration and time spent at the dealer is significant.
AIRMATIC air suspension strut leak (if equipped)
up to €3,5006 of 8
Optional air suspension can develop leaks in struts or compressor after 50,000-80,000 km · more· less
The EQE SUV 300 comes with steel spring suspension as standard, with AIRMATIC air suspension available as an option. If your vehicle has AIRMATIC, the air springs can develop leaks over time, typically becoming noticeable after 50,000-80,000 km. A leaking strut causes the vehicle to sag on one corner, and the compressor works harder to compensate, eventually failing as well. A single air strut replacement costs approximately €800-1,200 at a dealer. If the compressor also needs replacement, add another €700-1,000. The compressor and struts together can reach €3,000-3,500 at a Mercedes dealer. Independent specialists may quote €1,500-2,500 for the same work. This risk only applies to vehicles equipped with the optional AIRMATIC suspension. Cars on steel springs are not affected.
80-amp fuse and power distribution failure
up to €4007 of 8
Improperly manufactured fuse can cause electrical system failures and potential fire risk · more· less
Mercedes recalled select 2023-2024 EQE and EQS models due to a faulty 80-amp fuse that can overheat or fail, disabling connected electrical systems. In a worst case, this could lead to loss of drive power or fire risk. The recall covers replacement of the main fuse box at no cost. Mercedes reported no injuries or customer complaints related to this issue in the field before the recall. If the recall has been completed (verify with VIN), this is no longer a concern. For vehicles where it has not been completed, the repair is free at any Mercedes dealer.
ADAS camera and sensor malfunctions
up to €8008 of 8
Lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, and camera-based features become unavailable at random intervals · more· less
Driver assistance systems occasionally report calibration errors or become completely unavailable at random starts. The system may request recalibration of window and trunk cameras. Some owners find that the features return after a restart or short drive, while others require a dealer visit for sensor recalibration. Windshield replacement (for example after a stone chip) is particularly expensive because it requires full ADAS recalibration, costing €200-500 on top of the glass itself. Genuine Mercedes windshields for the EQE SUV cost €500-800, making a total windshield replacement with calibration potentially €700-1,300. This is especially relevant because the large, steeply raked windshield is vulnerable to stone damage.
Software-heavy luxury EV with manageable mechanical risks
The EQE SUV 300's main challenges are software-related rather than mechanical. The single rear motor and battery pack are robust, with no widespread reports of drivetrain failure. However, the 12V battery drain, MBUX glitches, and door handle issues are common across the EVA2 platform. The applicable battery-management and fuse-box recalls mean verifying recall status is essential before purchase. Cars with the optional AIRMATIC suspension carry higher long-term risk. On steel springs, the mechanical reliability is generally good for this class of vehicle.
Service history
Complete Mercedes dealer or authorized EV specialist records. Verify all software updates have been applied.
12V battery health
Check 12V battery age and voltage. If more than 3 years old, budget for replacement.
Tire condition
Check tread depth on all four tires. Rear tires wear faster on RWD EVs due to weight and torque. Look for uneven wear indicating alignment issues.
Test drive (30+ minutes)
Drive at varied speeds including highway. Monitor for warning messages, ADAS availability, and MBUX stability.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify all recall campaigns completed
Contact Mercedes with the VIN to check the battery management software recall (2023-2024 builds) and the fuse box recall. Do not purchase if an applicable recall is outstanding.
Test all four door handles
Press each flush door handle multiple times. They should deploy smoothly and consistently. Any sticking or delayed response indicates the mechanism is wearing.
Check for cooling system fault messages
Drive the car for at least 20 minutes and attempt a DC fast charge if possible. The expansion valve issue triggers a 'Cooling system fault' message under thermal load.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Test MBUX infotainment thoroughly
Navigate through all menus, test Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and check for any frozen screens or error messages. Ask the seller if the car has had dealer software updates.
Check battery health (SoH)
Request a battery health report via Mercedes diagnostics or an OBD2 scanner. At 100,000 km, state of health should be above 90%. Significant degradation below this suggests charging or thermal management issues.
Inspect suspension type and condition
Determine if the car has steel springs or optional AIRMATIC air suspension. If AIRMATIC is fitted, check for uneven ride height when parked and listen for compressor running when the car is stationary.
Test all ADAS functions
Activate lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors during the test drive. Any 'system unavailable' warnings indicate potential sensor or camera issues.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Battery management system software shutdown - the SUV-inclusive EU campaign is KBA 13902R, Mercedes 5496226, 50,744 vehicles worldwide and 8,896 in GermanyCritical - verify completed
80-amp fuse box / power distribution failure (select 2023-2024 models)Verify completed
Contact Mercedes-Benz with the VIN to verify which campaigns apply and have been completed. The battery management software recall, KBA 13902R, is the most critical as it affects driving safety.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years, no km limit)Expired on 2023 models, may remain on late 2024 models
High-voltage battery warranty10 years / 250,000 km with 70% capacity guarantee (Mercedes battery certificate for the EQE SUV in Europe)
Rust perforation warranty30 years (Mercedes standard for all models)
Extended warranty availabilityAvailable through Mercedes dealers, typically €1,500-2,500/year
The 2-year factory warranty is short by industry standards. Most used EQE SUV 300 models will be outside factory warranty. Mercedes issues a 10-year / 250,000 km battery certificate for the EQE SUV in Europe, which provides significant peace of mind for the high-voltage battery itself but does not cover the 12V battery, door handles, infotainment hardware or AIRMATIC suspension components.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
