Mercedes-Benz shares sneak peek inside next EV SUV to be built in Alabama
A first glimpse inside the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. (Mercedes-Benz AG)
Mercedes-Benz has offered a first look inside the next EV SUV it plans to build in Alabama.
The EQE SUV will be a variant of the EQE sedan and will join the larger EQS SUV now being produced at the Tuscaloosa County plant. Whereas the EQS SUV seats eight, the new EQE SUV will seat five.
The EQE SUV will make its world debut Oct. 16. There is no set date for start-of-production for the EQE SUV at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), the official name of the automaker’s Alabama facility.
Elements Mercedes said the EQE SUV’s U.S. version will include:
- A 12.8-inch central OLED touchscreen portrait display with 12.3-inch instrument cluster;
- A center console that joins the instrument panel and is free-standing in space;
- A floating control cluster with integrated door opener and seat controls;
- Five coordinated color combinations; and
- Laser-cut trim element backlit with the Mercedes-Benz pattern.
Mercedes has invested more than $7 billion in Alabama, including $1 billion to open a battery plant for EVs and logistics centers at its Bibb County campus, along with upgrades to the MBUSI production line to make EVs.
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MBUSI directly employs about 4,500 people and supports an estimated 11,000 jobs with suppliers and service providers. The plant has produced close to 4 million vehicles since 1997, including 260,000 last year. Roughly two-thirds of the plant’s annual production is exported for sale in 135 countries, making the Alabama operation one of the largest exporters of automobiles in the U.S.
Currently, MBUSI produces the GLE Coupe, the GLE SUV, the GLS SUV, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV and the EQS SUV.
