Select Page

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Review

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Review

With 300 miles of range, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is a formidable battery-electric, but it gets even better with a list of improvements for the 2024 models.

An exterior view of the EQE SUV with a red painted expansion bridge in the background

The Mercedes-Benz EQE battery-electric SUV is sold in four trim levels of Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle in rear- or dual-motor 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Pricing starts at about $80,000. (Photography courtesy of Mercedes-Benz or as credited)

Table of Contents

What is EQ?
Pricing and Warranties
What’s New for 2024?
Powertrain and Performance
Charging Times
Ride and Handling
Human-Machine Interface
Safety Features and Ratings
Oddities and Observations
Why Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

If the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV was a love interest, it might best be explained as “Complicated.” It is beautiful to look at, dreamy to drive, and the interior is a gallery of gorgeous. This big, voluptuous SUV is a definite swipe right to get the details and to winnow the traits you like and those you could not live with — and there are a few.

For those who remember the vault-like Benzes of old, this new Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is a direct descendant. Among its outstanding features is the traffic-calmed cabin created by a team of “aeroacousticians.” They applied a lot of soundproofing and aerodynamic tuning to reduce wind resistance and noise. Mercedes-Benz says that the aero engineering resulted in an extremely low drag coefficient of 0.251. (And that Cd is slipperier than the Toyota Prius.)

The EQE SUV went on sale in spring 2023 as the platform-mate to the EQE executive sedan, which has been on sale since fall 2021. However, the EQE SUV is more compact than the EQE sedan, with a wheelbase (119.3 inches) 3.5 inches shorter than the sedan.

With its 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, the EQE 350+ SUV has an official EPA estimated range of 279 miles. When I charged at home, a 100 percent charge went to 320 miles. However, most EV makers recommend charging to 100 percent only for highway-distance driving.

Buckle up for this ride. It is more than mere electric transportation, the Mercedes-Benz EQ brand goes boldly into an alternate existence of augmented reality. The EQ vehicles are an immersive experience enhanced with computer-generated visual elements amid OLED portrait displays, interactive aural soundscapes, and the luxurious stimuli of materials to suit an affluent buyer.

With a smartphone and the Mercedes Me app, the adventure begins.

The front seat area with 10-way power front seats and natural grain linden wood in vertical strips along the dashboard.

The EQE SUV is a gallery of gorgeous.

What is EQ?

EQ stands for “Electric Intelligence,” the new all-electric brand for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It is an all-in global approach as the carmaker plans to become fully electric by 2030 “wherever market conditions allow.” The ambitious plan includes becoming CO2-neutral by 2039 — while connecting luxury with sustainability.

Production of the EQE SUV began at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in Dec. 2022. The battery factory in nearby Bibb County supplies the batteries for this model and the EQS SUV. Since 2022, all of Mercedes-Benz’s own passenger car and van plants worldwide have achieved net carbon-neutral production as part of their eco-balance — including the two Mercedes-Benz plants in Alabama.

All vehicles in the Mercedes-EQ brand are on a single platform — EVA2 — developed specifically for electric drivetrains. The model line is extensive, with several vehicles targeted for European production, such as the small EQA crossover, EQB compact SUV (also available in the US), an EQV minivan, and a commercial van.

Most models in the U.S. Mercedes-EQ line are rear-wheel drive with optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. Here is the EQ lineup to date:

  • EQB small SUV with seats for 5-7, starting at $53,900;
  • EQE sedan, $76,000;
  • EQE SUV, $80,000;
  • EQS sedan, $105,000;
  • EQS SUV, $105,000;
  • EQS SUV Maybach, $180,00 and up.

Check this link for current Mercedes-EQ pricing.

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV parked along a lake.

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV.

EQ Global Charging Network

Last year, Mercedes-Benz announced a far-reaching plan to launch a global high-power charging network across North America, Europe, China, and other key markets. By 2027, the company plans for a network of more than 400 hubs across North America, including more than 2,500 high-power chargers.

The three spoke steering wheel in the Mercedes EQE SUV

A heated steering wheel adds $250

EQE SUV Pricing and Warranties

The current Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is sold in four trim levels of Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle in rear- or dual-motor 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Manufacturer retail pricing includes the $1,150 freight charge from Vance, Ala. US buyers of the EQE SUV will receive two years of free 30-minute DC Fast Charging sessions at Electrify America public charging stations.

EQE 350+ RWD $79,050-$84,800; 90.6 kWh battery, 288-hp, 418 lb.-ft. torque, 279 miles of range, 6.3 seconds 0-60 mph. (Plus stands for the highest range version in that class.)

EQE 350 4MATIC AWD $79,050-$84,800; 89 kWh battery, 288 hp, 564 lb.-ft. torque, 253 miles of range (with all-season tires), 6.2 seconds 0-60 mph.

EQE 500 4MATIC $90,650-$96,400; 90.6 kWh battery, 402 hp, 633 lb.-ft. torque, 269 miles of range, 4.6 seconds 0-60 mph.

AMG EQE 4MATIC $111,950; 90.6 kWh battery, 617 hp (677 hp with Race Start mode), 701 lb.-ft. torque (738 when using Race Start), 3.4 seconds 0-60 mph, 235 miles of range.

Today’s tester is a 2023 EQE 350+ Premium that was $86,290 with 10 packages. Among the optional equipment is 10-degree rear axle steering ($1,300), the driver-assistance package ($1,250), and the Acoustic Comfort package ($1,100). (Fresh from its spring debut, the EQE SUV will not have a freshening until 2027, according to a report in Automotive News.

There are no current federal incentives or rebates, but MBUSA.com is advertising a $7,500 lease bonus cash, which is the top tax rebate once offered by the government. Check here for special  EQ offers.

A view of the front seat area showing the white MB tex upholstery

10-way power front seats. (Mark Maynard)

What’s New for the 2024 EQE SUV?

For the 2024 EQE model year, Mercedes-Benz has significantly added to standard equipment for the exterior, interior, and powertrain. The 2024 EQE models are expected in dealerships in the first quarter; retail pricing will initially stay the same as for 2023.

Powertrain Updates

New battery for improved range: 96.0 kWh on EQE 350+ and EQE 500 4M, 90.56 kWH on EQE 350 4Matic.

The large battery will also extend the electric range:

  • EQE 350+: 307 miles, a 28-mile increase;
  • EQE 350 4MATIC: 265 miles, a 12-mile increase;
  • EQE 500 4MATIC: 287 miles, an 18-mile increase;
  • New Standard Equipment for all EQE SUVs:

Mechanical and Digital Changes

  • All-new braking system for improved brake feel;
  • Flex charging cable for Level 1 and Level 2 charging;
  • Power opening and closing charging port door. The charging door can be opened via the user experience screen. When the cable is removed, the door closes automatically. Opening and losing can still be done manually by pressing the charger port door.
  • Communications module upgrade to 5G service;
  • 2nd-row occupant reminder and seatbelt detection system;
  • New “Serene Breeze” soundscape tone;
  • 20-inch wheels (an $850 option in 2023);
  • MBUX Hyperscreen, 56-inch curved glass instrument panel; EQE 500 4MATIC only.
  • New paint choice of Sonoran Brown Metallic;
  • MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic replaces MANUFAKTUR Diamond White Metallic;
The MBUX hyperscreen spans the instrument panel

The MBUX hyperscreen.

Miscellaneous Changes and Updates

  • New interior trim choice of Natural Grain Yacht-Design Norway Maple replaces Yacht-Design Walnut;
  • Head-up display is optional with the Exclusive model, and included with the Pinnacle model;
  • Beginner and Valet driver mode discontinued, and now only via Mercedes Me Store;
  • Sable Brown and Neva Grey Nappa leather upholstery discontinued;
  • 4-zone climate control now only on Pinnacle

EQE Warranties

All Mercedes-EQ models have bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage of 4 years or 50,000 miles. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles. The MSRP includes free scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 20,000 miles.

High repair costs and finicky electronics make a Mercedes extended warranty worth considering. Extended Limited Warranty activates after the factory warranty expires. The plans are expensive and are available in increments of 1, 2, or 3 years, but the potential peace of mind could be worth it. Start your research here.

EQE Powertrain

All models of EQE use permanently excited synchronous electric motors. An advanced cooling system helps maintain consistent motor performance in forceful driving and through various climates.

“Permanently excited” motors use less power and have a smaller motor case. The permanent magnet rotor also has a higher torque capacity, which is essential for a vehicle that weighs 5,412 pounds. Rear-drive EQE models have one motor on the rear axle, while 4Matic AWD adds another motor at the front axle. To help stretch driving range, the front motor can decouple when not needed; it will re-engage in 100 milliseconds, Mercedes says.

The EQE SUV's huge tow pin.

The EQE SUV monster tow pin. (Mark Maynard)

A single-speed automatic transmission capably controls the acceleration force without delay in uptake. Performance in Comfort mode is not quick or sharp, but it will keep the driver out of harm’s way. Switch to Sport mode for quicker and more consistent power flow.

Paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to vary the intensity of energy recuperated by deceleration and braking during everyday driving. There are three levels of recuperation:

  • Normal, which can allow one-pedal driving to bring the EQE to a stop;
  • None, effectively coasting when the driver lifts off the pedal.
  • D Auto, which activates intelligent ECO Assist. The system uses radar, a stereo camera, and GPS map data, including topography, traffic, and nearby vehicles. With those parameters, ECO Assist can optimize energy recovery and allow one-pedal driving in some situations.
EQE Goodyear Eagle F1 tire and five spoke alloy wheel

The Goodyear Eagle F1 summer tire, showing wear, below. (Mark Maynard photos)

Goodyear F1 Eagle tire showing premature wear.

Wear is showing on the Goodyear Eagle F1 summer tires.

EQE 350+ Performance

Maximum total power outputs range from 215 kW for the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ rear-wheel drive to 300 kW for the EQE 500 4Matic. The EQE AMG packs 350 kW of power and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds. The EQE 350+ has 288 horsepower and 417 foot-pounds of torque, channeled through a single-speed automatic transmission for 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. 4Matic AWD models also have 288 hp but 564 lb.-ft. of torque; battery driving range drops to 253 miles.

Towing capacity: The EQE 350+ RWD is not recommended for towing, but 4Matic models have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

EQE Charging Times

LEVEL 1 household 110-volt outlet: 2-4 miles of range per hour of charging. It has the slowest charging power available and is only recommended if no other option is available. Use a Level 1 cable to plug into a standard 120V household outlet for up to 1.9 kW power.

LEVEL 2, 240-volt (home or public charging): 20-30 miles of range per hour of charging. Charge up to 9.6kW on 40 amps for a full charge overnight.

LEVEL 3 DC Fast Charging, from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 30 minutes: Public station output can range from 50kW to 350kW. Some EQ models can support charging power of up to 200kW; the EQE can manage charging power of up to 170kW.

Onboard charger: 9.6 kW, with the optional cable, $250. (For 2024, this cable was made standard equipment.) This 9.6 kW cable is for use in 110-volt or 240-volt household outlets. Like a spare tire, the cable is better than nothing to pull in a few miles when visiting family or a friend. Hyundai includes a 10.9-kW onboard charger as standard equipment for its EVs.

Most owners of EQ vehicles will have a wall-box charger in the garage. If not, the Mercedes-Benz dealership can help with sales, installation, and accessing the Electrify America free charging via the Mercedes Me app.

The charge door shows colorful graphics to show proper charging procedures.

Universal advisory graphics on the charge door. (Mark Maynard)

Vacation Prep for Charging

Special charging care is required when a Mercedes-Benz EQE owner goes on extended travel and leaves their vehicle in the garage. After two weeks or longer, the all-important 12-volt battery likely will be weakened or dead, making it impossible to open the EQ or even get it started.

Mercedes provides no external 12-volt battery charge points, so the car must be towed to the dealer when the battery dies.

Here is what Mercedes-Benz recommends when leaving their EQ vehicle for extended periods:

  • Park the vehicle with the high-voltage battery charged between 30 percent to 50 percent.
  • Do not leave the vehicle plugged into a wall box or household outlet during the extended parking period.
  • Every six weeks, at least, the owner should check the status of the high-voltage battery charge (in-vehicle or through the Mercedes Me app). If the traction battery dips below 30 percent, it must be charged. During times of extended non-use, do not disconnect the 12-volt battery.
  • The high voltage system also charges the 12V battery.
The bridge console with large storage below

The bridge console with large storage below.

EQE SUV Ride and Handling

The 5,400-pound EQE SUV rolls as if on memory foam, but there is some bound and heave when braking and making evasive maneuvers. The tester had the standard four-link suspension at the front and an independent multilink suspension at the rear. The components gave lush control over speed bumps and dips in the road without aggressive head-toss.

An optional AIRMATIC suspension ($1,900) substitutes electronically controlled air springs. The system can adjust to road conditions, compensate for cargo or passengers, and vary the ride height. The air springs will lower the EQE at higher speeds for improved aerodynamics or raise it up to an inch for added ground clearance.

There is not much communication of road feel through the steering, but does that matter to owners of this elevated electric SUV.

I was impressed by how nimble this big rig pivoted into tight parking with the 10-degree rear axle steering ($1,300). It shortens the turning circle from 40.4 feet to 34.4, which compares to 35.4 feet for the Subaru BRZ sports car. At speed, ear-axle steering helps tuck the EQE neatly back into place after passing a vehicle. This function is so worth the cost.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 asymmetric summer tires contribute to the comfortable and quiet ride. The tester’s 20-inch Goodyears (255/45) have a 10-inch-wide footprint and a very soft 300AAA treadwear rating (UTQG).

Electric vehicles are heavy and wear out tires faster than other vehicles. The Goodyear tires wrap the ride like a plush bathrobe, but these soft tires will be ground down before their expected 30,000-mile life cycle. These are “Mercedes Only (MO)” tires sourced through the dealership.

EQE Driving Assistance Systems

The optional Driver Assistance package ($1,250) allows Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with hands on the steering wheel. Other technologies in the package include active distance assist Distronic, active evasive steering assist, active lane change assist, active blind spot assist, active speed limit assist, and traffic sign assist.

Lane-Change Assist. As part of the optional Driver Assistance Package, and when Driver Assist is engaged, the EQE SUV can automatically initiate a lane change and pass slower vehicles without driver intervention. In my experience, the auto lane change was sometimes confused when highway lines converged or led off to an exit ramp. Because I am an active driver, the lane change action was distracting, though it might become a handy tool with more drive time to become accustomed to its inputs.

Route planning. Using “electric intelligence,” the navigation system can plan the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops and traffic jam rerouting. The system also calculates the expected charging costs for a charging stop (and these fees can be widely variable, such as time-of-day use.) Of course, the driver can edit the planned route to add preferred charging stations and exclude other charging stations.

A front door panel shows the tightly stitched and appealing Saddle Brown MB-Tex upholstery.

Tightly stitched and appealing Saddle Brown MB-Tex upholstery. (Mark Maynard)

Interior Function

Get settled behind the flat-bottom steering wheel and take in the breadth of an interior with the creativity of a concept design in real-time. Natural grain linden wood shows pristine craftwork in thin vertical strips across the instrument panel. The EQE 350+ tester is smartly dressed in MB-Tex upholstery, a manufactured vinyl. It feels richly supple, as if it were inch-thick leather. Both front seats are 10-way power adjustable and heated; ventilated seats are a $450 extra. And do not expect a heated steering wheel as standard on this $86,000 Mercedes, as I did. For 2023, a heated steering wheel is $250.

All cabin functions are accessed by digital screens, which were easy enough to figure out. The touch sensors are well-calibrated for a light and accurate selection.

The cabin is inset from the exterior by about 8 inches, which is good for side-impact crush space, but the inset and cab-forward design make forward views seem enclosed. The view looked awkward on my first drive, but there was no compromise to sightlines over the hood and fenders.

Small storage space is limited in the front seat area, and the phone charging pad is hard to access in the forward console space. But the center console storage is a canyon, about 11 inches deep by 6 ½ inches wide. The “bridge” space below the console is also huge, such as for stowing a handbag.

I like the exterior appearance of the optional and lighted running boards integrated with the lower body. But put that $650 option toward rear-axle steering. The running boards create an awkward half-step and a foot-wide step-in dilemma, causing dirty scuffs on pant legs or stockings. There are no roof rails, so the lift of a running board is unnecessary.

The EQE SUV back seat space is a little cramped.

Entry to the EQE back seat is complicated by a narrow door opening, the 12-inch span of the optional running board, and no grab handles. (Mark Maynard)

Back Seat and Cargo Space

Despite generous headroom of 39.3 inches and maximum legroom of 40.5 inches, the EQE SUV back seat space feels compact. The raised bench seat has a short bottom, and legroom depends on long legs in front. There are no cup or can holders, but bottle storage is in the doors. The fold-down padded armrest has a short slide-out to tuck a phone and run a charging cable to one of the dual charging USBs in the back of the front console, which protrudes into center-seat footroom.

Between the narrow rear door aperture and the obstacle of the wide running board, it can be a struggle to enter the back seat. Oddly, there are NO grab handles to give an assist. The wide boards and narrow entry will also be challenging for parents when securing children into car seats.

Cargo space of 14 cubic feet (stacked to the headliner) is broad and square, 41 inches wide and 36 inches to the seatback with 28 inches to the headliner. Fold the 40/20/40 back seat for up to 55 cubic feet. (The black carpet mat in my photo is a $90 accessory.)

There is no spare tire, only an inflator kit stored under the cargo floor where there is space for the optional charging cable. If the EQE SUV takes a header into a snowbank, there is the largest recovery tow pin I have ever seen in any vehicle. Mercedes spared no weight in providing it.

The open cargo area with a portion of the 40/20/40 back seat folded.

Cargo space of 14 cubic feet is broad and square. The black carpet mat is a $90 accessory. (Mark Maynard)

Human-Machine Interface

Electric vehicles are rolling computers with distinct characteristics not always available to a combustion engine vehicle. Among the Mercedes-EQ features are:

Soundscapes. Without the noise (sounds) from a combustion engine, Mercedes-Benz adds “holistic sound staging.” Several sound choices can be piped into the cabin.: Serene Breeze (relaxed and unagitated), Silver Waves, Vivid Flux, or Roaring Pulse (sonorous and extroverted). Interior speakers play the sounds, such as on entry, a different sound when exiting, and a driving sound that changes with accelerator position, speed, or energy recovery. The sounds can be switched off if desired.

Pre-entry climate control. A climate control algorithm uses machine learning to predict driver behavior around departure times. The system can detect a pattern if the vehicle regularly sets off from a particular place at a specific time. In that case, the activity is automatically entered into the departure time menu to provide pre-entry climate control. Another asset of this tech feature is that it allows for gentler (slower) battery charging to the required level in time for departure. This function is activated in the Mercedes Me app.

Heat pump, not radiant. Waste heat from the electric drive (inverter and electric motor) and the high-voltage battery can be used to heat the interior. Using a heat pump rather than traditional radiant cabin heating drastically reduces the draw on battery power for the heating system, which increases the range, Mercedes says.

EQE Safety Features and Ratings

There are no official safety ratings for the Mercedes-Benz EQE models from the NHTSA  or IIHS. According to online reports, it is not uncommon for luxury cars, supercars, and hypercars that sell in small numbers to not undergo government crash testing.

The European NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) has tested the EQE and awarded it a five-star rating. But Consumer Reports advises car shoppers against relying on ratings from safety agencies in other countries because protocols and safety standards can differ from country to country. Vehicles sold in other markets might also have design differences that affect their performance in crash tests, even if those variations are not visible.

Standard safety technologies on all Mercedes-EQ models include active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist with a surround-view camera system, active brake assist, and a Pre-Safe predictive occupant protection system. The status and activity of the systems can be viewed in the driver’s gauge display.

Of particular interest is the Guard 360 vehicle protection with parking damage detection. Guard 360 is a relatively new anti-theft technology provided by Mercedes-Benz. It is an “intelligent” system comprised of an anti-theft alarm system, a tow-away protection system with visuals and alarms, and various sensors and monitors for parking collision detection.

When there is an incident, the driver receives detailed information via the Mercedes Me App. The system also records images of damage, which can be viewed on the MBUX screen or in the app. If the vehicle is stolen, damaged, or towed, the owner will get notifications on their smartphone, including photos, dates, and time stamps. The system also presents a local contact number for police. There is a good explainer YouTube video by the MBZ Master here.

EQE SUV Oddities and Observations

The external washer-fluid door on the EQE SUV left front fender.

External washer-fluid door on the EQE SUV left front fender. (Mark Maynard photos)

External wiper-washer-fluid access. The first thing I noticed on the front left fender of the EQE SUV 350+ tester was a slim cutout panel. It is the access point to add windshield washer fluid. I thought odd, but the reason for it is in the next paragraph.

Factory-secured hood. I learned that the external washer-fluid access is because the owner cannot or should not open the hood. Per the owner’s manual, a certified Mercedes-Benz technician or qualified specialist service facility must perform any under-hood maintenance. That includes charging the 12-volt battery when needed; the 12-volt battery powers features such as door locking and unlocking, audio, and the blinking light of theft monitoring.

No Vehicle to Load (V2L) capability. This EV technology uses “reverse compatibility,” or bidirectional, to allow an EV battery to be used as an alternate power source. Hyundai, for example, provides a special cable with its electric vehicles to tap the traction battery in the event of a significant power outage. I consider this function a simple survival asset. V2L is handy for operating small appliances, recharging electronic devices, or giving a boost to another EV.

Back to the Dealership. Mercedes-EQ vehicle owners depend on just about every aspect of maintenance for their vehicle, from factory-specific tires to a simple charge of a dead 12-volt battery.

A rearview of the EQE SUV along a shoreline with a red lighthouse in the distance

There are no current federal incentives or rebates for the EQ line, but MBUSA.com is advertising a $7,500 lease bonus cash, the top tax rebate once offered by the government.

Why Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV?

Mercedes-Benz knows its customer base and builds the EQ lineup to their satisfaction. Many EQ owners are long-time Benz owners and have a combustion-engine Mercedes in their garage. Take a look at MBWorld.com  or Benzworld.com.

Mercedes is not fazed by what other brands do for their EVs except to meet or surpass engineering standards and the driving range. There are many well-done battery-electric competitors to the EQ, but Mercedes’ presentation of luxury makes it unique. Other marques in this luxury queue include the Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW i5, Genesis Electrified G80, Polestar 2, Lucid Air, and Volvo EX90.

There have been growing pains with this new Mercedes-EQ platform, primarily in electronic glitches, which EQ owners well document in online forums, including this one. The owners are not happy having to go back to the dealership, and sometimes, it can take days to solve a problem. However, owner comments make it appear that M-B takes care of customers when issues arise, and the owners praise how their vehicle drives and handles.

Electric vehicle technologies are still in their nebula stage, and electronic glitches will continue as we drive into the future.

The electrification plan for Mercedes-Benz EQ, including the manufacturing process, is at the forefront of innovation, shaping a greener, more efficient future. And Mercedes EQ owners want to be on the point of that spear.

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Specifications

Body style: midsize 5-seat battery-electric SUV with rear-wheel drive

Motor: rear axle, 215 kW permanently excited synchronous

Power, RWD: 288 hp / 417 lb.-ft. torque

Battery: lithium-ion, 90.6 kWh, 330 volts, 180 cells in 10 modules

Transmission: single speed, with adjustable regenerative braking via steering wheel paddles

EPA-estimated driving range: 279 miles

Fuel economy equivalent, MPGe: 94/87/91 mpg city/hwy/combined

0-60 mph acceleration: 6.4 seconds

Charging

  • Level II standard 120-volt: 9.5 hours
  • DC fast charge, 170 kW: 32 minutes, 10% to 80%;
  • Onboard charger: 9.6 kW

BY THE NUMBERS

Cargo space: 14-55 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.4*/40.6 inches *w/sunroof

Rear head/leg room: 39.3/40.5 inches

Length/wheelbase: 191.5/119.2 inches

Width/height: 84.3*/66.3 inches *76.4 inches w/o side mirrors

Curb weight: 5,412.3 pounds

Turning circle: 40.4 feet, or 34.4 with rear axle steering

FEATURES

2023 EQE SUV standard equipment includes: Keyless-Go entry with push-button start, MBUX multimedia system with 12.8-inch OLED portrait display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation with EQ optimized routing, wireless smartphone charging pad, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Mercedes Me connect services trial period, Burmester 3D surround sound audio system, power tilt-sliding panorama roof, 10-way power (heated) front seats, 64-color ambient lighting, power closing tailgate with kick opening, LED headlights with adaptive high-beam assist.

Safety features include: 7 air bags, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist with surround-view camera system, active brake assist, Pre-Safe predictive occupant protection system, and Guard 360 vehicle protection with parking damage detection.

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Brakes: Regenerative 4-wheel ventilated discs, 15.3 inches front, 14.9 inches rear; with brake assist, hill hold control, and electric parking brake

Steering: Electric power-assist speed-sensitive; 40.4 turning circle of 34.4 feet with the optional 10-degree rear axle steering

Tires-wheels: Optional, 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 asymmetric summer tires, 255/45 (Mercedes Only);

Suspension: standard four-link at the front and an independent multilink suspension at the rear. Optional air springs.

PRICING

Base EQE SUV price: $79,050, including $1,150 freight charge; price as tested $86,290

Options on test vehicle: 10-degree rear axle steering $1,300, Driver-Assistance package $1,250, Acoustic Comfort package $1,100, home charging cable $250, ventilated front seats $450, black carpeted trunk mat $90, illuminated running boards $650, DE1 exclusive trim level package $850 (as active ambient lighting, MBUX augmented reality for navigation), 20-inch 5-spoke wheels with black accents and summer tires, Energizing Air Control Plus with HEPA filter $450

Where assembled: Vance, Ala.

Warranties: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper; 10-years/150,000-miles hybrid battery

Lexus LX 600 4WD Review

Lexus LX 600 4WD Review

The 2024 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury is ready for its red-carpet role, but it is also pure off-road elite, including an underbody trail cam

Side view LX

The 2024 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury is the most expensive of five LX trim levels, starting at $133,490. The tester was $135,870 with five accessories. (Photography by Lexus or as credited)

Table of Contents

Heritage and Inheritance
2024 Lexus LX Pricing
Off-Road Credentials
Ride and Handling
Twin-Turbo V-6 Performance
Interior Function
Ultra Luxury Assets and Liabilities
Why Buy the 2024 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The 2024 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury is big, bold, brassy, and unapologetic. This body-on-frame SUV has a 6,000-pound curb weight, an 8,000-pound towing capacity, and a 409-hp V-6 that can return fuel economy of 22 mpg on the highway.

Since its launch in 1995, the Lexus LX was the luxurious counterpart to the vaunted Toyota Land Cruiser. But while Toyota discontinued the old-spec Land Cruiser for North America in 2021, Lexus powered forward with a completely redesigned and re-engineered LX 600 for 2022. (Toyota will continue the Land Cruiser nameplate with a slightly smaller and less expensive model based on the Lexus GX; it is expected in dealerships this spring. Take a look at it here. And read my review of the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser)

Luxury SUVs are common now, but just a few are built with off-roading credentials. The most recognizable are the Land Rover Defender 110 ($96,950) and its prettier alter ego, the Range Rover Autobiography ($142,575), Mercedes-Benz G-Class ($140,000) and Mercedes-Benz GLS ($87,000).

Garden-variety gas-powered luxo-SUVS will include the BMW X7 ($95,000), Cadillac Escalade ($98,000), and Infiniti QX80 ($87,500).

A view of the front seats and instrument panel

Rich and rewarding interior materials, with a 10-way power driver seat. (Mark Maynard)

The ‘Golden Ratio’

Separating the Lexus LX 600 from most of its competitors is what Lexus calls the “golden ratio” of a 112-inch wheelbase. This stubbier span between axles has been carried over from the 1995 first generation. The LX 600 wheelbase is 7 inches shorter than the Land Rover Defender 110 and 6 inches shorter than the Range Rover.

A shorter wheelbase is nimbler for off-road maneuverability and to avoid the awkward potential of getting high-centered on a pointy trail crest. But creating a luxurious ride on a shorter wheelbase takes special finesse — an adaptable variable suspension.

There is much to unwrap about this credentialed but old-school SUV.

Sunflare semi-aniline leather upholstery, quilted and perforated, heated and ventilated.

Sunflare semi-aniline leather upholstery, quilted and perforated. (Mark Maynard)

Heritage and Inheritance

For its fourth generation, the Lexus LX was moved to a new 20 percent more rigid GA-F platform. Lexus says it is a robust and rigid foundation for its body-on-frame build. Compared to its predecessor, the curb weight is reduced by 441 pounds due in part to aluminum doors and a lighter engine.

Lexus grew its range of LX trim levels to five, including the entry LX Standard ($92,915) for those who actually would drive their LX off-road. And there is a new F Sport model for those who will not drive off-road and prefer a taut and tuned ride quality. (Pricing is listed below.)

Where once there was a V-8 powering the LX, there is now a high-output, high-torque 409-hp, 3.4-liter V-6 twin-turbo gasoline engine. With a new Direct Shift 10-speed automatic transmission, the LX 600 has some of this segment’s best achievable fuel economy ratings.

On-road or off-road, Lexus credits refined vehicle control to the electronically controlled brake system and electric power steering. With 22-inch wheels, the LX has a turning circle of 39.4 feet, which is 2.7 feet tighter than the Land Rover Defender.

Automotive News reports that the Lexus LX will be due for a reengineering in 2027.

Heated wood and leather steering wheel

Heated wood and leather steering wheel. (Mark Maynard)

2024 Lexus LX 600 Pricing

The big Lexus SUV is sold in five trim levels with seat configurations of seven, five, or four. All trims have permanent four-wheel drive, a 409-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6, and 10-speed automatic transmission.

Each trim level is well equipped with just limited option packages, but there is a range of accessories for pet carrying and sporting gear, and off-roading equipment by ARB.

The entry LX 600 starts at $92,915, including the $1,350 freight charge from Toyota, Aichi, Japan;

  • LX 600 Premium: $100,865;
  • LX 600 F Sport Handling: $107,125;
  • LX 600 Luxury: $108,865;
  • LX 600 Ultra Luxury: $133,490

There are seven paint colors. Three are no-cost choices (Atomic Silver, Nori Green Pearl, and Caviar); Eminent White Pearl is $500, and Manganese Luster is $595. Black Onyx and Ultra White are exclusive no-cost colors for the LX 600 F Sport Handling.

There are five interior color choices: Palomino, White/Peppercorn, Circuit Red, Black, and Sunflare.

Today’s LX 600 Ultra Luxury tester in Atomic Silver with Sunflare semi-aniline leather and Takanoha wood trim came to $135,870 with five accessories (highlighted in the specs box at the end of this review). The Ultra Luxury base MSRP is $2,735 more than in 2023, not including a $5 bump to the freight charge.

Find current pricing here. And find special offers here.

A digital screen shows climate controls and driving modes

7-inch screen for climate controls and drive-mode settings. (Mark Maynard)

LX 600 Safety Features

All LX trim levels have 10 air bags and extensive safety technologies in the Lexus Safety System 2.5. The collection of features allows level II semi-autonomous driving that is state-of-the-technology accurate. System features include:

  • All-speed dynamic cruise control,
  • Precollision system with pedestrian detection,
  • Lane-tracing assist,
  • Lane-departure alert with steering assist,

(Other safety features are listed below in the specs box.)

A left front fender view of the 22 inch tire

22-inch Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A 265/50 tires on forged alloy wheels. (Mark Maynard)

Off-Roading Credentials

Toyota says the LX inherits the golden ratio of a 112-inch wheelbase, carried over from the first generation in 1995. The LX has a climbing ability of 45 degrees and a maximum water crossing depth of 27.5 inches, the same level as the previous model.

Active height control can raise or lower the ride height from 1 to 3.3 inches. When parking, the ride drops another inch below the standard ride height, making the standard step rails unnecessary, except for loading gear to the roof rails (with the $450 cross bars).

LX 600 Ride and Handling

It is an engineering marvel that Lexus has created such a vaultlike and secure presence for the LX 600. The cabin is just so quiet that every drive feels like a respite from the calamity of traffic.

There doesn’t seem to be a wide difference in driving modes between Comfort and Sport-plus, except more body lean in the Comfort and Eco modes. And Eco is annoyingly resistant to throttle input for something this big and heavy.

For around-town driving, I kept the transmission in Sport or Sport-plus for its quicker acceleration uptake. Comfort mode is tuned for fuel savings and rolls out at a more relaxed pace.

It is somewhat surprising for Lexus to source the Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A tires. These 22-inch Dunlops are summer touring tires, which do not get great rave owner reviews for winter driving, and the tread face doesn’t appear traction-ready for the trail. But a full-size spare will fit under the cargo area. Replacing one of the Dunlops will run about $350 each, but alternatives are limited for a 22-inch 265/50 tire.

Backup camera showing guidance lines

The 12.3-inch top screen. (Mark Maynard)

Suspension

A lot is going on under the skin of this SUV. Much of the LX performance is focused on a high level of off-road driving performance — carried over from previous years — but also its on-road handling and stability.

The real magic is in the adaptive vehicle suspension, a sophisticated array of sensors, actuators, and advanced algorithms. These electronics monitor such elements as vehicle speed, steering input, body roll, and road conditions, then make immediate adjustments for stability and control.

Though the LX 600 is 74.6 inches tall, it absorbs speed bumps, driveway dips, and street transitions with next-to-no head toss. I’ve tested luxury sedans that are not as composed.

An open hood view of the LX 3.4 liter V-6

The 409-hp, twin-turbocharged and direct-injected four-cam 3.4-liter V-6.

Twin-Turbo V-6 Performance

The twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 gasoline engine (V35A-FTS) is more powerful than the outgoing naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V-8. The V-6 produces 409 hp and peak torque of 479 foot-pounds at 2,000 to 3,600 rpm.

Fuel economy ratings are 17 mpg city, 22 highway, and 19 mpg combined, using the recommended premium fuel. At 18.5 mpg, I got close to the official combined rating and would not complain in this market of $100,000 SUVs. The 21.5-gallon tank is large enough by today’s engineering, but for off-road exploring or vacation travel, I’d prefer 25 gallons or more, as you’d get in the old days. But weight savings are crucial to meeting EPA mileage standards, and the added weight of more fuel in a bigger tank is an awkward calculation. And fitting a full-size, 22-inch spare in the undercarriage takes more space where a bigger tank could go.

The Direct Shift-10AT is heavy duty for managing the curb weight, climbing power, and Sport-plus performance. Gear shifts are unnoticeably smooth, but the transmission has a low ratio first gear for steady starts on a hill, street, or trail. High gearing in 10th keeps the engine speed low at interstate speeds, benefiting mileage and a quieter ride.

Takanoha wood trim on the top door panel

The distinctive Takanoha wood trim. Can you see the hawk feather pattern? (Mark Maynard)

Interior Function

Inside the LX 600 is a leather-wrapped sanctuary with a charcoal-color headliner, muted and soft-touch accents, and Takanoha wood trim. The glossy wood treatment around the shifter console and upper doors is a wooden mosaic with a hawk feather pattern. Japanese woodworkers hone, polish, and then shave the piece three times while changing angles to bring out the feather pattern.

The instrument panel features Lexus Interface with dual display screens. A 12.3-inch navigation and infotainment screen is at the top, with a 7-inch screen just below for climate controls and drive-mode settings.

Upon first view of the driver area, there might seem to be an overwhelming array of buttons, switches, and knobs, all with graphic readouts. The access points span from the door panel window and lock controls to the digital gauge array, the steering wheel and side stalks, and the stack of center screens. Like any computer, I quickly figured out what I needed and the ones I could ignore until needed, like locking differential controls and multi-terrain switches.

Lexus sells an accessory dash cam for $375

The Lexus dash cam, $375. (Mark Maynard)

True to the LX heritage as a superior off-roader, the camera system includes an underfloor view of transparent-underfloor images showing wheel positions, front and rear. While on the trail, knowing where the differentials are is imperative to avoid that steel-busting rock in the road.

Notable Ultra Luxury features include power door closers, second-row massaging and reclining captain’s chairs, a right-rear power recliner with sliding ottoman, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, dual-screen rear entertainment system, a front center console cool box, active ride height control, and 25-speaker 2,400-watt Mark Levinson surround-sound system.

Looking from the cargo area forward from the back seats to the windshield.

VIP seating. (Mark Maynard)

Ultra Luxury Assets and Liabilities

Creating this four-seat LX 600 Ultra Luxury seems like a progressive choice for an executive-class “car.” Typically, an off-roadable SUV has a tall transmission-exhaust tunnel that compromises rear center seat footroom, so why not add a commanding console of entertaining features and a pair of massaging seats fit for a VIP?

Elements of the Ultra Lux package are all about Hollywood glam — for the two back-seat celebs. However, packing all the luxury features into this size of SUV creates a feeling of close quarters, in the front or back seat.

The second-row captain’s chairs look rich and regal, but legroom is tight at 33.8 inches. It is a chauffeur-like configuration. The front passenger seat can be moved forward for more legroom (up to 43 inches), and the seatback reclined. The curbside seat also has a footrest, but nothing for the seat behind the driver. There is also a separate air conditioning system with overhead ceiling vents.

This 2+2 configuration, however, takes away nearly all cargo versatility. The seatbacks do not fold, nor is there a ski passthrough. Cargo space is OK at 41 cubic feet stacked to the headliner.

And while there is a full 22-inch spare under the rear cargo area, the spindly jacking equipment is concerning for a three-ton lift, especially if performed on a trail.

Looking though the open doors of the LX 600 captain's chair seating.

Living not so large in the back seat space. (Mark Maynard)

Why Buy the 2024 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury?

The LX 600 Ultra Luxury is a formidable choice for its luxurious refinement and tractor-like determination in snowy travel or to access the country property.

But it will be a specific buyer who seeks a four-seat, $134,000 SUV that makes molehills out of mountain trails on the way to the red carpet.

A rear view while kicking up dust on a trail

The big Lexus LX 600 SUV is sold in five trim levels with starting prices that range from $92,915 to $133,490. The top-line LX 600 Ultra Luxury tester was $135,870 with five accessories.

2024 Lexus LX 600 Specifications

Body style: Large, 4-seat, 5-door full-time 4WD body-on-frame SUV

Engine: 409-hp, twin-turbocharged and direct-injected four-cam 3.4-liter V-6 with four valves per cylinder; 479 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000 rpm

Transmission: 10-speed direct-shift automatic with paddle shifters and multi-terrain select modes; full-time 4WD with electronic locking center differential; crawl control with turn assist

Fuel economy: 17/22/19 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel recommended

0-60 mph acceleration: 6.9 seconds, per Lexus

Tow rating: 8,000 pounds

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 21.1 gallons

Cargo space: 41 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 37.8/41.1 inches

Rear head/leg room: 38.7/33.8 inches

Length/wheelbase: 200.5/112.2 inches

Width/height: 78.3/74.6 inches

Curb weight: 5,945 pounds

Turning circle: 39.4 feet

FEATURES

LX 600 Ultra Luxury features include: 4-passenger diamond-stitch leather upholstery with embossed headrests, 2nd row massaging and reclining captain’s chairs, right-rear power recliner with sliding ottoman, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, dual-screen rear entertainment system, driver Lexus memory system, 4-zone climate control system with console cool box, heated wood and leather steering wheel, rear side sunshades, active ride height control, power door closers, 25-speaker 2,400-watt Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, 2nd-row wireless charger, illuminated door scuff plates, thematic ambient illumination;

Exterior Ultra Luxury features include: triple-beam LED headlights and taillights, 22-inch forged alloy wheels with 22-inch Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A 265/50, roof rails, tow package and hitch;

Standard equipment includes: Smartkey entry and push-button ignition, Takanhoha wood trim, power heated side mirrors, 10-way power driver seat with cushion extender, 8-way power front passenger seat with cushion extender, digital rearview mirror, 12.3-inch digital infotainment touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, panoramic view monitor with guidance lines, power moonroof, power tailgate with kick sensor, intuitive parking assist with rear cross-traffic alert and auto-braking, rear center armrest and table, headlight washers;

Safety features include: 10 air bags, trailer sway control, stability and traction controls, hill-start assist;

Lexus Safety System 2.5 includes:

  • All-speed dynamic cruise control,
  • Precollision system with pedestrian detection,
  • Lane-tracing assist,
  • Lane-departure alert with steering assist,
  • Road sign assist (readout in gauge array),
  • Intelligent (auto-dimming) high beams;

SUSPENSION COMPONENTS

Brakes: 4-wheel vented discs, 13.1 inches front, 13.9 inches rear; w/4-sensor, 4-channel multi-terrain ABS, brakeforce distribution, brake assist, and four-piston front calipers;

Steering: electric power; 39.4-foot turning circle

Tires-wheels: 22-inch 265/50 tires; forged alloy wheels with silver finish

Suspension: adaptive variable with active height control; front wishbone, rear multilink;

PRICING

Base price: $133,490, including $1,350 freight charge; price as tested $135,870

Options on test vehicle: 3M door edge film $95; illuminated cargo sills $475; dash cam $375; wheel locks $95; cross bars $450; all-weather floor protection $340

Where assembled: Toyota, Aichi, Japan

Warranties: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance, free first and second scheduled maintenance appointments, and lodging expense for emergency breakdown 100 miles from home; 6-years/70,000-miles powertrain

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Review

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Review

The fifth-generation 2023 Nissan Pathfinder feels built for the long haul. Nothing about it seemed budget constrained or cheap. Many of its design features are helping hands for parents.

A side view of a red Nissan Pathfinder

The fifth-generation Nissan Pathfinder follows in the tracks of the nameplate’s first U.S. hardbody model from 1986. (Photos courtesy of NissanUSA or as credited)

Table of Contents

Pathfinder Through the Years
7 Cool Features
Oddities and Observations
What’s New for 2023?
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Pricing
How Is It To Drive?
Brakes, Steering, Suspension
Back Seats and Cargo Space
Why Buy the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Nissan Pathfinder has traveled many paths since it debuted as a “hardbody” in 1986.

The first-generation Pathfinder was introduced for model year 1987 as a two-door body-on-frame SUV. Built on a ladder-type frame, Pathfinder shared styling and most components with the Nissan Hardbody pickup.

Pathfinder’s optional 4WD system was considered unique at the time because it could be engaged electronically — “shift on the fly” — while the vehicle was moving. All versions of Pathfinder were available in two-wheel drive or manually engaged 4WD configurations. Base models had modest power from a 106-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional 143-hp 3.0-liter V-6.

Nissan’s new SUV was in response to the growing competition: Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco II, Jeep Cherokee, and import SUVs such as the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Passport, and the 1989 to 2004 Isuzu MU.

Today, there are more three-row SUV competitors than ever. Among the choices for 2023 are the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Highlander, and VW Atlas.

The front seat area of the 2023 nissanp pathfinder

A roomy driver area with headroom of 41.1 inches with the panoramic moonroof.

Pathfinder Through the Years

Nissan tended dutifully over the years to keep Pathfinder current and competitive. It was ahead of its time for some features, but not all variants endured the tests of owners.

It was October 1989 when Nissan debuted the four-door Pathfinder. Then, in late 1995, the second-generation Pathfinder was introduced with revised styling. There was another mild redesign in 2002.

A completely redesigned, third-generation Pathfinder debuted in late 2004 for the 2005 model year.

Model year 2013 brought a critical shift for the fourth-generation Pathfinder. The body-on-frame, truck-based SUV was replaced with a unibody design and sleek new (aerodynamic) exterior styling. It used the same platform as the Infiniti QX60, Altima, Maxima, Murano, and Quest minivan.

Nissan launched a short-lived gasoline-electric hybrid Pathfinder in 2014. Its powertrain was a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor paired with a compact lithium-ion battery. The hybrid model, however, was a one-year-only offering. Owners complained they could not get gas mileage close to the advertised 25 to 28 mpg.

The fifth-generation Pathfinder was unveiled in early February 2021 as a 2022 model, skipping the 2021 model year.

Nissan brought back more emphasis on the current Pathfinder as a family adventure vehicle. The more squared-off styling — and what might be the best-looking rear end of any new SUV — ever-so-slightly goes back to the roots of Pathfinder.

There is an active forum for Pathfinder owners at PathfinderTalk.com. Owners — some of whom are lifelong Nissan faithful — post their problems, remedies, and praise.

the view from the third row of the pathfinder panoramic moonroof

The panoramic moonroof is standard on the Platinum.

7 Features Owners Will Value

Nissan engineers and designers sweat the small details and provide many enhancements and innovations. Some of these emerge only after time on the road.

Auto on-off LED headlights linked to windshield wiper use. In California and other states, it is the law to use headlights with wipers in the rain. With Nissan’s auto function, drivers will know they are always compliant.

Capacitive touch lock-unlock rear side doors. Such a simple convenience, but many others save some budget and omit that access to the rear side doors. Walking up to the back doors with an armful of kid or groceries, the driver gains quick access with a touch of the door handle. Too often, back-door entry requires first touching a front-door handle.

“Bridge” storage. Nissan makes the most of the front center console with a deep bin and “bridge” under-storage space. The pass-through bridge is also convenient for the passenger. Most other shift consoles are solid, which wastes the extra storage potential.

The pathfinder's 'bridge' storage in the lower center console

‘Bridge’ storage below and above the shift console, with a phone-audio e-bin.

Storage shelf above the glove compartment. The slim shelf will fit any generation iPhone, Nissan says. It is also mostly out of sight and sunshine.

2nd-row pushbutton seat release. Loading kids into the third row is so simple any kid can do it. The pushbutton release at the door-side seat base of the captain’s chair boosts the chair up and forward for third-row access.

the second row captain's chairs

The Captain’s Chairs package with removable center console.

54.1-liter luggage box. The undercargo floor storage compartment (1.9 cubic feet) has a hinged lid and dividers to separate the good-sized compartments. It’s part of the Cargo package, $345, and worth it.

10-way power passenger seat for Pathfinder SL and Platinum. Some imports don’t even provide height adjustment for the passenger — and nobody likes being low in the front seat.

6,000-pound towing capacity. Base models can pull a trailer up to 3,500 pounds, but the Rock Creek and Platinum models are uprated to a 3-ton capacity.

the understorage of the pathfinder

The underfloor storage box is made more functional with the section dividers from the optional Cargo package. (Mark Maynard photo)

 Oddities and Observations

Transmission unexpectedly went into Park while sitting at a stoplight. I don’t believe I bumped the electronic shifter’s Park button atop the shifter grip, yet the Pathfinder transmission went into Park at a stoplight near my home. I didn’t discover the issue until the light turned green. The problem never occurred again in my test week.

Tilt-down mirror confused. When engaging reverse, the passenger side mirror is supposed to tilt down to show the curb and then go back into position when Drive or Park are engaged. The tilt-down can work on either left or right-side mirrors. The driver must select the left or right mirror control on the door panel. I tried both sides, and each time, the side mirror tilted up, not down.

Slow response to infotainment screen. Making a selection on the infotainment screen would take a second or two to activate. Of course, I’d tap the selection again, thinking I’d missed the icon. Nope, it’s just slow.

No wireless Android Auto. While Apple CarPlay has wireless connectivity, Android users must use the access cable.

ProPILOT Assist vagueness. This Level 2 driver-assist system was once at the vanguard of semi-autonomous driving. But the advanced technologies that go into Level 2 have been honed by others to be more accurate, especially in lane centering. In my experience, the system allowed the Pathfinder to drift wide in cornering, crossing the white lines, and then giving me an alert. It also seemed the Pathfinder was closer to the lane marking on the right than the left. Still, ProPILOT is welcome backup in heavy commuting, but  keep both hands on the wheel.

The pathfinder has an around view camera system

The Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.

What’s New for 2023 Pathfinder?

Nissan brought back the off-roading ready Pathfinder Rock Creek for 2023. Among its adventuring credentials are standard Intelligent 4WD, an off-road-tuned suspension, and a 5/8-inch suspension lift.

Using premium fuel gives the 3.5-liter V-6 engine a power boost of 11 horsepower and 11 foot pounds of torque. A Nissan spokesman explained that the bump in power for Pathfinder Rock Creek is by engine software programming to take advantage of the extra octane in premium fuel. “The engine computer senses the extra octane and adjusts accordingly. The other Pathfinder models don’t get this programming, so they won’t get a horsepower boost like the Rock Creek.”

I suggested that Nissan consider adding that engine-software programming as an option. How much would you pay for 11 more hp?

Other Rock Creek upgrades include:

  • 18-inch beadlock-style wheels with all-terrain tires;
  • Tubular roof rack with a 220-pound capacity;
  • Tow hitch receiver and harness with 6,000-pound maximum towing capability;
  • LED fog lights;
  • Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode. A front-view camera shows the terrain ahead, with a side view, all of which help driver’s place the tires where there is solid ground;
  • Orange interior stitching and second-row captain’s chairs.
  • Rock Creek pricing starts at $44,355.
The 12-inch digital 'dashboard' gauge array

The 12-inch digital dashboard.

Other 2023 Pathfinder Upgrades

  1. The upper-range SL trim levels now have a standard wireless phone charging pad;
  2. Pathfinder Platinum has a new captain’s chairs package, which adds a removable console between the second-row chairs. And it can be easily removed if needed for step-through access to the third row.
  3. 10-way power passenger seat for Pathfinder SL and Platinum. Hooray. Not all Japanese makes provide such adjustability for the front passenger.
The pathfinder third row

Third-row seating is kid class, but access is easy with pushbutton release of the second row.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Pricing

There are five trim levels for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder in front- or four-wheel drive. All trims have a 284-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Starting prices below include the $1,335 freight charge from Smyrna, Tenn.

Pathfinder S: $36,535 2WD, $38,435 4WD (add $1,900 for 4WD)

Key S trim features include:

  • Nissan Safety Shield 360, driver-assist system;
  • Tri-zone automatic temperature control;
  • Apple CarPlay connectivity;
  • EZ FLEX seating system featuring Latch And Glide and 3rd-row 60/40-split fold-flat reclining bench seat.

Pathfinder SV: $39,355 2WD, $41,255 4WD

Key SV features include:

  • Heated front seats;
  • ProPILOT driver-assist system;
  • Intelligent Lane Intervention;
  • Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention;
  • 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar;
  • Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control.

Pathfinder SL: $44,855

Key SL features include:

  • Four-wheel drive;
  • Leather-trimmed seats in first and second rows;
  • NissanConnect 9-inch color infotainment touch-screen display;
  • Intelligent Around View Monitor;
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay integration;
  • Wireless charger;
  • ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link.

Pathfinder Platinum: $49,505 2WD, $51,405 4WD

Key Platinum features include:

  • 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels;
  • Heated and ventilated front seats;
  • Panoramic moonroof;
  • Head-up windshield display;
  • Bose premium audio system with 13 speakers, including dual woofers;
  • Tow-hitch receiver with 4-pin wiring harness.

Check here for current pricing and special offers.

The Pathfinder Platinum tester was $55,035 with seven options, including special paint for $790 and $550 for the Captain’s Chairs package, with the removable center console. But the most impressive (usable) option to me is the Cargo package, $345. Among its assets are heavy-duty rubber cargo floor and seatback protectors.

All of the tester’s options and pricing are in the specifications chart below.

Safety Features and Technologies

Every Pathfinder has the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This collection of technologies includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking.

And all versions of Pathfinder have 10 air bags, but there is an added driver-seat front-center bag on the Platinum.

Other safety features are in the specs chart below.

Dial-up performance modes from Sand to Sport.

Dial-up performance modes from Sand to Sport.

How Is It To Drive?

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder feels big and wide, though it has about the same size footprint as its competition. Nissan gave Pathfinder all the power and suspension elements to be driver-engaging, but the result is more fundamental than fun-demental. Most users wouldn’t pile in the family and head out to tear up some back roads.

The turning circle with 20-inch tires is a manageable 38.7 feet, with driver assists from the around-view camera when parking.

The sole powertrain is a 284-hp, direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 with a nine-speed automatic. Hallelujah, Nissan ditched the continuously variable automatic for this nine-speed, and few will be looking back. Shift points are well-timed but sluggish to downshift when going up hills. Overall acceleration, however, was quick enough that I didn’t feel the need to engage Sport mode. (However, I do use Sport when plugging along in the heavy commute. The quicker Sport kick is helpful to ward off those cretins who try to dive into the too-small space between you and the car ahead.)

With 259 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm, there is adequate force to handle the Pathfinder Platinum’s 4,625 pounds, not including occupants.

Fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway might be hopeful; 87 octane is recommended for all models but Rock Creek. Around town in my week of driving, my average fuel economy hovered between 11 to 16 mpg. I worked up to 22 mpg on more extended highway driving, meeting the EPA estimate.

The pathfinder's v6 engine

The 284-hp 3.5-liter V-6 for all Pathfinder trim levels.

Braking, Steering, Suspension

Pathfinder’s foundation feels robust and substantial, essential for towing and adventuring off the highway. The ride quality is comfortable but gives an unexpected sport-tuned jolt over rough road. Inputs to steering and braking are refined and steady.

But there is noticeable ambient cabin noise at highway speeds, which I attributed to the prominent roof rail cross bars.

The 6,000-pound towing capacity for Platinum and Rock Creek requires the Class III receiver hitch, the seven-pin connector for trailer braking, and the factory-installed transmission oil cooler. The upgrade is part of the Premium Package on the SV and SL models. The SV Premium Package is $2,170, and the SL Premium Package is $2,990.

Braking: Four-wheel disc brakes have vented rotors front and rear with 13.8-inch rotors front and 13-inch rotors rear.

Steering: electric power assist with vehicle-speed assist,

Suspension: four-wheel independent with front struts and rear multi-link setup; solid stabilizer bar front, hollow rear. Twin tube, dual-flow path shock absorbers;

Tires-Wheels: 255/50 20-inch all-season tires on machined aluminum-alloy wheels with a dark metallic gray finish. A temporary spare stows underbody at the cargo area;

The Pathfinder Platinum is well dressed in 20-inch all-season tires on machined aluminum-alloy wheels with a dark metallic gray finish.

The Pathfinder Platinum is well dressed in 20-inch all-season tires on aluminum-alloy wheels.

Back Seats and Cargo Space

Raised back seat height in the Pathfinder is very kid friendly for open views and helpful to ward off motion

electronic back seat ac and vent controls

Electronic climate controls for the second row.

queasiness. Also beneficial are ceiling vents just above each side window, with reading lights. There also is a lot of seatback recline, another parenting asset for sleeping youngsters.

A flat floor in the second and third rows is the great enabler for comfortable foot space, uncompromised by a transmission tunnel. Adult legroom in the second row is functional at 35.5 inches, which can be stretched a bit with a few inches of fore-aft slide.

And there is plenty of big-bottle space in the door panels.

a pair of chilld seats in the second row

Captain kids’ chairs.

Parents will appreciate the pushbutton spring release to slide forward the second-row seat for third-row access. And there’s a one-arm push to lock down the seat. As with most midsize, three-row SUVs, the way back is best for small children.

Cargo capacity ranges from grocery bag and gym bag space behind the third row (16.6 cubic feet) to family vacation capacity of 45 cu.ft. with the third row folded.

The liftgate opening is 49 inches wide, or 4 feet, 1 inch. With both rows folded, there is about 6 ½ feet in length for a wide bay of 80.5 cu.ft. Other cargo area features include two grocery bag hooks, four tie downs, lighting, and a 12-volt plug.

Cargo space behind the third row is 16.6 cubic feet

Check out the heavy-duty rubber cargo mat and seatback protector, both are part of the $345 Cargo package, and worth it. (Mark Maynard photos)

Both rows of seats are folded for big and open cargo space

Fold both back seats for 6 ½ feet-plus in length.

Why Buy the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?

The fifth-generation Nissan Pathfinder feels built for the long haul. Nothing about it seemed budget constrained or cheap. Many of its design features were helping hands for parents, at least for those who resist the “M” word for minivan. And the details of Nissan’s design and engineering will bring years of “Gee, I like that little extra.”

Pathfinder’s next midcycle freshening is planned for 2025, so there are long legs for the current model. But shop wisely for the most value.

The Platinum model has an appreciable load of standard features. However, you can step down a grade to the Pathfinder SL and add options that mimic the Platinum for a sticker of $48,190. I prefer a monotone paint scheme, saving $790. And to save another $395, stay away from optional paint colors, such as Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (a gorgeous red) or Pearl White TriCoat, for $395 each. Then save another $390 if you won’t use the (wind-noise generating) roof rail cross bars.

Add it up, and the Pathfinder SL 4WD, with leather-trimmed upholstery, saves nearly $7,000 over the Platinum. And that savings will buy a lot of gas for a driving vacation.

The good look rear end of the new pathfinder

Starting prices for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder range from $36,535 to $50,000.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Specifications

Body style: large-midsize, 3-row, 7-seat SUV with 4WD

Engine: 284-hp, naturally aspirated and direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6; 259 lb.-ft. torque at 4,800 rpm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic with manual shift mode paddle shifters, and electronic shift-by-wire drive selector; Intelligent 4WD with 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode

Fuel economy: 20/25/22 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane

Tow capacity: up to 6,000 pounds; class III tow hitch with harness and 4-pin prewiring; trailer-sway control

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons

Cargo space: 16.6 cubic feet behind 3rd row; 45 cu.ft. 3rd row folded; 80.5 with both rows folded

Front head/leg room: 41.1*/44.3 inches *42.3 inches w/o moonroof

2nd-row head/leg room: 39.6/35.5 inches

3rd-row head/leg room: 37.8/28 inches

Length/wheelbase: 197.7/114.2 inches

Curb weight: 4,625 pounds

Turning circle: 38.7 feet

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, Intelligent cruise control, panoramic moonroof (with one-touch power tilt-sliding glass with shade), tri-zone climate control, wireless phone charging pad, 12.3-inch gauge display, head-up driver windshield display, 9-inch color navigation-infotainment touch display, 13-speaker Bose premium audio system with subwoofer, 10-way power adjusted front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, sun visors with extenders and vanity mirrors, heated 2nd-row window seats, quilted semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery in first and second rows, power tilt-telescopic steering column, two-driver memory presets, automatic LED headlights (high and low beams), LED running lights and fog lights, body-color power-folding and heated side mirrors with reverse tilt-down, privacy glass (rear-side windows and liftgate window), silver-finish roof rails, motion-activated power liftgate, 2 12-volt DC power outlets (1 front console, 1 in cargo area);

Safety features include: 11 air bags (including for Platinum, a driver seat-mounted front-center bag), dynamic traction control, hill-start assist with hill-hold control and hill-descent control, brake-force distribution, brake assist, 4-wheel ABS; LED side mirror-mounted turn signals;

Driver-assist technologies include: ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driver assist with Navi-link, blind-spot warning and blind-spot intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic rear braking, Intelligent forward-collision warning, Intelligent lane intervention.

PRICING

Base Platinum MSRP: $51,405, including $1,335 freight charge; price as tested $55,035

Options on test vehicle: Two-tone paint $790; captain chair’s package $550; roof-rail crossbars $390; LED fog lights $345; lighting package (without running boards $945; carpeted floor mats with captain’s chairs (4-piece set) $265; cargo package $345

Where assembled: Smyrna, Tenn.

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with 24/7 roadside assistance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain

Volvo EX90 Electric SUV Reveal

Volvo EX90 Electric SUV Reveal

The 2024 Volvo EX90 is the company’s vision of a large family SUV in the electric age. Pricing will start at around $80,000.

The 2024 Volvo EX90 is the company’s vision of a large family SUV in the electric age. A home energy management system features a bi-directional wall box to power a home.

The 2024 Volvo EX90 is the company’s vision of a large family SUV in the electric age. A home energy management system features a bi-directional wall box to power a home. (Photos courtesy of Volvo Cars USA)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Volvo revealed its battery-electric EX90 SUV Nov. 9, 2022, in downtown Stockholm. The much-anticipated seven-seat SUV represents the start of a new era for Volvo as a carmaker of battery-electric vehicles.

Volvo has only one other battery-electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge. However, the company plans to offer only battery-electric vehicles by 2030 and expects to be carbon-neutral by 2040. The Sweden-based carmaker is now owned by Geely Automobile, a major automotive brand based in China

Though the EX90 debuted in Sweden, U.S. models will be built in Charleston (Ridgeville), S.C., beginning next year.

Volvo CEO Jim Rowan said, “The Volvo EX90 is a statement for where we are, and where we are going. It’s fully electric with a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge, designed to further raise our safety standards, the first Volvo car to be truly defined by its software and part of a wider ecosystem, connecting to your home and your other devices. The Volvo EX90 is the start of something new for Volvo Cars in many ways.”

Rowan also said that EX90 would be sold online or by going to a retailer. “You decide how you access it,” he said, “whether that is through outright ownership, by subscribing to it, or by leasing it. Whatever works for you.”

Front seats with the large vertical infotainment screen

Interior materials are made of recycled plastics and bio-materials that Volvo calls Nordico. The 14.5-inch vertical center screen has Google built-in for apps and services.

Battery-Electric Powertrain

The powertrain at launch will be a twin-motor all-wheel drive version. It is powered by a 111kWh lithium-ion battery and two permanent magnet electric motors. Total power is up 496 horsepower and 671 foot-pounds of torque, though a lower horsepower version will be available.

The frunk, or front trunk

Charging cable storage in the “frunk.”

Volvo says that the battery pack can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. However, the release did not mention which level of pubic charger could supply that charge rate, whether 150kW, 250kW, or 350kW, or if that charge rate requires a Level 3 DC fast charger, which is hard to find.

Also advantageous is bi-directional charging. The battery pack in the Volvo EX90 can be tapped as an extra energy supply, such as to power a home, other electric devices, or another electric Volvo. The company says that bi-directional charging will be available in the future and in select markets.

A side view of the ex90 connected to a battery charger.

The 111kWh lithium-ion battery pack can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.

EX90 Safety Technologies

The Volvo EX90 is the smartest and safest vehicle the company has ever made. And it can get smarter and safer over time as it learns from new data and receives over-the-air updates.

The company says that the latest network of Volvo’s sensing technologies creates an invisible shield of safety. Cameras, radars, and lidar function through high-performance core

Thor's Hammer headlight design.

“Thor’s Hammer” lighting.

computers. NVIDIA DRIVE runs Volvo Cars’ in-house software to create a real-time, 360-degree view of the world.

The lidar system, by Luminar, can sense the road ahead, whether day or night, and at highway speeds, Volvo says. The system can see small objects hundreds of yards ahead, which gives more time to inform, act and avoid. Volvo’s Pilot Assist driving function has been improved with a new steering assist while changing lanes.

Unsupervised Driving

Volvo says the EX90 is hardware-ready for unsupervised driving in the future.

Inside, special sensors and cameras track eye-gaze concentration. The technology can determine when the driver is distracted, drowsy, or inattentive. And if that fails and there is a collision, the Volvo EX90 is designed to safely stop and call for help.

San Diego-based Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms runs most of the core interior functions, from safety and infotainment to battery management.

A 14.5-inch vertical center screen has Google built-in for apps and services, including hands-free help from Google Assistant and Google Maps. And the Volvo EX90 will also be compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay.

Digital phone key technology will function as the car key through a smartphone app.

The second row back seat area

New interior radar developed by Volvo is sensitive enough to detect the tiniest movements at the sub-millimeter scale — such as those of a sleeping toddler. The radar feature covers the entire interior of the car, including the trunk.

Volvo EX90 Preordering Now

Pricing for the 2024 Volvo EX90 will start at around $80,000. Vehicles can be preordered in the U.S. with a $500 deposit. Get the details at VolvoCars.com/us. Customers placing preorders will be asked to configure their cars in the fall of 2023 and will receive prioritization when deliveries begin in early 2024.

Other information and full specifications will be available closer to the on-sale date.

The EX90 cargo space with the tailgate raised

Flexible cargo capacity.

Barbie Maserati Grecale Trofeo: A Collaboration of Mutual Desire

Barbie Maserati Grecale Trofeo: A Collaboration of Mutual Desire
An exterior studio shot of the pink Maserati Grecale

The Barbie Maserati Grecale Trofeo is a trident effort from Maserati, Mattel, and Neiman Marcus. (Photos courtesy of Maserati)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The House of the Trident and the world’s most famous fashion doll have embraced the power of pink for a bespoke edition of the Barbie Maserati Grecale Trofeo.

The unprecedented collaboration with Mattel, Inc. is motivated by a “mutual desire to break boundaries and showcase the unique flair of both brands,” Maserati said in a press release.

Inspired in part by the Barbiecore phenomenon, the Barbie Maserati Grecale is an ultra-limited Fuoriserie edition (Italian for “customized”) that is available in only two (maybe three) custom units globally. One of them was unveiled on the evening of Oct. 25 as one of the 2022 Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts at the luxury retailer’s holiday launch soirée in Los Angeles.

The pink and black interior

The interior features black leather seats with pink leather accents throughout.

A portion of the sales price will benefit the Barbie Dream Gap Project. The charitable initiative is a global outreach to help provide equal opportunities and remove barriers for girls.

Additional details regarding the second custom Barbie Grecale will be announced in 2023.

Black wheels of the Barbie Maserati

Gloss black elements include Neiman Marcus and Barbie logos.

The Maserati Grecale Trofeo

The bold pink Barbie Maserati Grecale is based on the Trofeo trim level, powered by a 530-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Nettuno V-6. In full Barbie fashion, the iconic pink hue covers nearly every inch of the compact SUV with fine acid-yellow pinstriping inspired by the Trident’s racing heritage. The Grecale Trofeo (Italian for “trophy”) has a starting price of $102,500.

The pink paint is sealed with an iridescent topcoat, creating a rainbow effect in sunlight. The black interior features full-leather seats, dashboards, carpets, doors — accented with pink stitching — and headrests embossed with the unique “B” badge.

A rear view of the pink Barbie Maser

Acid-yellow pinstriping highlights the iconic pink hue.

Barbie Maserati Grecale Price

The asking price for the Barbie Maserati Grecale is $330,000. With the purchase, Mattel will donate 10 percent of the sales price to the Barbie Dream Gap Project page on GoFundMe.org. No sale portion is tax deductible, and the promotion will run through March 31, 2023. The Fantasy Gift is available for residents in the lower 48 U.S. states.

For details, visit NeimanMarcus.com/FantasyGifts.