Luxury electric mobility in India is no longer a concept—it’s a lifestyle choice. As urban infrastructure evolves and consumer expectations grow, the battleground for electric supremacy among premium brands is heating up. Two giants—Mercedes-Benz and BMW—have entered the ring with their flagships: the Mercedes EQE SUV and the BMW iX50.
The BMW iX xDrive50 made its Indian debut in March 2024, introducing an electric SUV that looked like it time-travelled from the future. Mercedes-Benz, staying true to its poised strategy, launched the EQE 500 4MATIC SUV in September 2023, aligning its electric DNA with comfort-first luxury.
Battery, Range & Charging Capabilities
| Feature | Mercedes EQE SUV | BMW iX50 |
| Battery | 90.56 kWh Li-ion | 111.5 kWh Li-ion |
| Range (WLTP) | 465–550 km | 635 km |
| Max DC Charging | 170 kW | 195 kW |
| Fast Charging (10–80%) | 32 min @100 kW | 35 min @150 kW |
| AC Charging | 11 kW (Wallbox) – 9.5 hrs | 11 kW |
In the world of electric vehicles, batteries aren’t just components—they’re the heart of the experience. BMW equips the iX50 with a massive 111.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, enabling a WLTP range of up to 635 km on a single charge. That’s the kind of figure that not only removes range anxiety but also empowers long-distance weekend drives without second thoughts.
Mercedes counters with a slightly smaller 90.56 kWh battery, offering a WLTP range between 465 to 550 km, depending on driving conditions. While slightly behind on total range, the EQE SUV offers one of the most efficient powertrains in its class, with energy consumption as low as 18.9 kWh/100 km.
Both SUVs support 11 kW AC charging through a wall box and have robust DC fast charging capabilities. The iX50 can juice up to 80% in about 35 minutes at 150 kW DC chargers, while the EQE SUV achieves similar results in 32 minutes at 100 kW.
Performance & Driving Dynamics
| Feature | Mercedes EQE 500 4MATIC | BMW iX xDrive50 |
| Motor Layout | Dual motor (Front + Rear) | Dual motor (AWD) |
| Max Power | 408 hp (300 kW) | 523 hp (385 kW) |
| Torque | 858 Nm | 765 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 sec | 4.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 200 km/h |
The BMW iX50, with its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, produces a staggering 523 horsepower and 765 Nm of torque. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, placing it firmly in sports car territory.
The EQE 500 4MATIC SUV follows closely, packing 408 hp and 858 Nm of torque. Its acceleration from 0–100 km/h takes 4.9 seconds. What sets the Mercedes apart is its buttery-smooth power delivery and a drivetrain that feels engineered for serene, composed cruising—ideal for those who prioritise refinement over adrenaline.
Top speeds for both are electronically limited: 210 km/h for the EQE and 200 km/h for the iX50.
Design and Road Presence
Aesthetically, these SUVs are poles apart, reflecting the identities of their makers. The EQE SUV embraces the flowing, minimalist elegance of Mercedes’ new electric design language. The signature black panel grille with tiny Mercedes stars, 20-inch aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels, and seamless LED light strips give it a calm, sculpted sophistication.
BMW, however, has taken a bolder route. The iX50 turns heads with its massive kidney grille (which is more cosmetic than functional), angular lines, and a confident stance. It’s unapologetically futuristic, designed to provoke and impress.
Inside, the EQE offers an ambience inspired by luxury lounges. With ambient lighting in 64 colours, soft ARTICO man-made leather, magnolia wood inserts, and comfort-contoured seats, it’s a cabin that cocoons you in indulgence.
The iX50 takes a more futuristic, minimalist approach. Its flat-floor architecture allows for a spacious cabin with a floating centre console, slim dashboard, and premium vegan materials. The curved display houses both infotainment and driver info, blending innovation with sustainability.
Features & Interior Tech
| Feature | Mercedes EQE SUV | BMW iX50 |
| Infotainment | MBUX with Voice Control | iDrive 8 with Curved Display |
| Sound System | Burmester 3D Surround (15 speakers) | Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Audio (30 speakers) |
| Ambient Lighting | 64-colour | LED Sky Lounge Glass Roof |
| Panoramic Roof | Standard | Standard |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Wireless | Wireless |
The Mercedes EQE SUV brings a traditional richness to its feature list. As standard, you get MBUX infotainment with voice control, a 15-speaker Burmester 3D sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The Hyperscreen package, if equipped, turns the dashboard into a tech art piece.
BMW’s iX50 comes with BMW’s iDrive 8, a large dual-screen layout, and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice-controlled functions. A highlight feature is the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof with LED light patterns that change mood as day turns to night.
Safety, Warranty, & Peace of Mind
| Feature | Mercedes EQE SUV | BMW iX50 |
| ADAS | Active Lane Assist, 360 Camera, Digital Light | Driving Assistant Professional, Rear-wheel Steering |
| Airbags | Full safety suite incl. side, knee | Full safety suite incl. pedestrian detection |
Warranty & Service
- EQE SUV: 10-year / 250,000 km battery warranty
- iX50: 8-year / 160,000 km battery warranty
The EQE SUV features a complete suite of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) like Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, 360-degree camera, and even Digital Light Projection for adaptive beam distribution.
BMW’s iX50 is equipped with its Driving Assistant Professional package which includes features like lane control assist, steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and front collision warning. The iX also offers rear-wheel steering (Integral Active Steering) to aid in tight manoeuvres—a real boon on Indian roads.
Space & Practicality
| Dimension | EQE SUV | iX50 |
| Length | 4863 mm | 4953 mm |
| Width | 2141 mm | 1967 mm |
| Height | 1685 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3030 mm | 3000 mm |
| Boot Space | ~520L (est.) | 500L |
The Mercedes EQE SUV’s larger width and longer wheelbase help offer superior shoulder room and second-row legroom. BMW’s iX50, with its longer overall length and flat-floor platform, delivers an incredibly open cabin feel.
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Final Verdict – Which One Deserves Your Garage?
Both the Mercedes EQE SUV and BMW iX50 redefine what electric luxury means in India. The iX50 is the more powerful and longer-range option, wrapped in a daring design that demands attention. It’s built for those who want to lead the tech revolution on four wheels.
The EQE SUV, on the other hand, is about understated class, comfort, and an immersive cabin experience. It’s ideal for buyers who value elegance over edge and prefer a serene driving experience wrapped in plush interiors.
If you’re leaning toward innovation and speed, the BMW iX50 will steal your heart. If comfort, richness, and refined sophistication are your priorities, the Mercedes EQE SUV is hard to beat.
Our Expert Suggestion:
- Choose the BMW iX50 if you’re driven by acceleration, tech innovation, and futuristic design.
- Choose the Mercedes EQE SUV if you value luxury craftsmanship, long-term peace of mind, and premium comfort.
Whichever you choose, you’re not just buying a car—you’re buying into the future of luxury.
Bonus Tip: Test Before You Invest. Both models redefine luxury in their language. If you’re serious about investing upwards of ₹1.4 Cr, we highly recommend booking test drives for both. Spend time behind the wheel, explore the cabin, and experience the features firsthand. You’ll quickly know which one suits your lifestyle best—and that’s where true luxury begins.