Mercedes-Benz EQE Review 2023
Written by Andy Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Stunning, high quality interior
- Impressive electric range
- We quite like its relaxed nature
Cons
- Not as practical as you'd hope for a car of this size
- Unless you go for an AMG, it's not that quick
- Quite expensive to buy compared to a BMW i4
Overall verdict on the Mercedes-Benz EQE
"The Mercedes EQE is one of the most desirable electric cars to hit the market in 2022. It feels posher than a Tesla Model S, while its aerodynamic design and upmarket interior give it a mini Mercedes EQS vibe. Combine that with a long electric range and the EQE makes a compelling case for itself against rivals."
The Mercedes EQE is an electric car that's similar in size to the conventional Mercedes E-Class (hence the 'E' in the name). It's been designed from scratch as a pure-electric vehicle, though, sharing mechanical bits (and, in fact, a lot of its design) with the bigger and more expensive Mercedes EQS. Rivals range from the aforementioned Tesla Model S to the Audi e-tron GT, BMW i4 and even the Porsche Taycan.
All Mercedes EQE models come with the same 90kWh battery pack, which is pretty chunky as far as EV batteries go - and means the EQE can travel quite a distance between charges. The most efficient models have a range of up to 384 miles, while the EQE can be charged at a rate of up to 170kW - that means you can top up the battery in around half an hour at a public rapid charger.
There are three core models to choose from: the EQE 300, EQE 350 and the sporty Mercedes-AMG EQE 53. The entry-level Mercedes EQE 300 isn't that quick as far as electric cars go, while even the Mercedes EQE 350 doesn't shove you back in your seat like we've become accustomed to in electric cars. For the ultimate in Tesla-baiting acceleration, you'll need the Mercedes-AMG model - which comes with an extra electric motor and a price tag to match.
The Mercedes EQE is more of a relaxed cruiser than a frantic rocketship, though. It's the kind of car that isolates you from the outside world, with incredible refinement and an impressive ride quality for a car so heavy. Keen drivers will prefer the Porsche Taycan, but there's a lot to be said for schlepping along in luxury and letting everyone else tussle with traffic in the outside lane.
The opulent cabin helps here, too. There are a variety of trim levels to choose from, but all are well-finished and pretty comprehensively kitted out. We like the large infotainment screen in the centre of the dash, although tech fans will be disappointed to discover the huge 'hyperscreen' the EQE was initially revealed with is currently quite difficult to get - blame the global microchip shortage for that.
One thing the Mercedes EQE isn't is practical. If you're looking for a spacious family EV, you might be better looking at electric SUV alternatives (conveniently, a Mercedes EQE SUV is on its way). The small saloon-style boot hatch means loading bulky items into the EQE is a pain, while rear-seat passengers won't be particularly impressed either. None of that matters if you're the driver, though - and the front is suitably spacious, with plenty of adjustment in the large, comfortable seats.
If you can live with the compromise in practicality, the Mercedes EQE is a very appealing choice. We love the interior, while its more relaxed nature is quite welcome in an increasingly fraught world. You can get a BMW i4 for less, which is perhaps the biggest challenge the EQE faces, but we reckon the Mercedes manages to feel that little bit more special than its direct competitor.
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Is the Mercedes-Benz EQE right for you?
If you're looking for a luxurious electric car but don't need the space of the bigger Mercedes EQS, the Mercedes EQE is a good choice. It has its limitations: as well as the lack of interior space, it's not as rapid or fun to drive as some electric cars, but that'll suit some buyers. The luxurious cabin is a big selling point, as is its generous equipment levels and impressive technology (both in terms of driver assistance and the user-friendly infotainment).
What’s the best Mercedes-Benz EQE model/engine to choose?
The mid-level Mercedes EQE 350 strikes a good balance between affordability and performance. We're yet to try the entry-level Mercedes EQE 300 but, on paper at least, it's not as quick as we'd expect from a relatively expensive electric car. At the other end of the spectrum, it's easy to see the appeal of the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53, but you'd have to really want the performance to splash out for the high price tag.
In terms of trim level, it comes down to personal taste and how much you're willing to pay, really. Even the entry-level AMG Line ticks pretty much all of the boxes in terms of specification, although we'd be tempted by the AAMG Line Premium for things like the Driving Assistance package and interior ambient lighting.
What other cars are similar to the Mercedes-Benz EQE?
The Mercedes EQE is essentially a slightly smaller Mercedes EQS, intended to rival cars like the BMW i4 and Tesla Model S (as well as higher-spec versions of the Tesla Model 3). If you're in the market for a premium electric car, you'll also want to look at the Audi e-tron GT, while the Porsche Taycan isn't that much more expensive.
Family buyers might also want to consider electric SUVs like the upcoming Mercedes EQE SUV, Audi Q8 e-tron and the new Volvo EX90.
Comfort and design: Mercedes-Benz EQE interior
"Take a seat in the Mercedes EQE's cabin and you'll soon see why it's pricier than rivals. It feels very special inside - like a slightly smaller EQS, with an array of super sharp touchscreens and a yacht-like wooden dash on select models."
The interior of the Mercedes EQE manages to feel satisfyingly different from the brand's petrol or diesel models, without being weird for the sake of it. You get big, comfortable seats with loads of adjustment, while the floating centre console hides some useful storage space beneath.
Each trim level does have its own unique vibe: with its lime wood dash and part-Artico leather seats, even the most affordable EQE AMG Line feels far from basic. Ambient lighting on the AMG Lane Premium makes it feel a bit fancier, particularly when driving at night, while the Premium Plus model adds desirable features such as a head-up display and premium Burmester surround sound system.
While the majority of buyers are expected to opt for some kind of EQE AMG Line, the Exclusive Luxury model looks pretty classy to us - with its Nappa leather interior and walnut wood dash.
We're yet to try a Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 but it promises to up the specialness inside, with highlights including some extra leather on the dash, stainless steel sports pedals, an AMG Performance steering wheel and an array of AMG logos dotted around the cabin. You also get climatised front seats in the AMG 53 (as well as the Exclusive Luxury model) - that's Mercedes language for seats that'll heat you up or cool you down at the touch of a button.
Quality and finish
The Mercedes EQE generally feels exceptionally well finished, with lots of premium materials and nice-to-touch buttons. The pleasing thing is you don't have to spend a fortune on one of the higher-spec models for this - even the most affordable Mercedes EQE AMG Line feels sufficiently special (but what else would you expect with its relatively high start price?).
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Mercedes-Benz EQE
One of the biggest talking points about the Mercedes EQE when it was first revealed was the Hyperscreen: a huge infotainment display made up of three separate screens running across the entire width of the dash. Unfortunately, the microchip shortage means this is actually a pretty rare option in the EQE and it's not currently available in certain markets (including the UK) - tech fans will have to wait a little longer for the ultimate in infotainment.
What you do get, though, is a large 12.8-inch central touchscreen media display running the latest MBUX software. You can navigate the infotainment using touchpad controls on the steering wheel (as well as, obviously, leaning forward and touching the screen), but it's still not as user-friendly on the move as using a separate rotary controller like the one you get in a BMW i4.
Another way around this would be to use the 'Hey Mercedes' voice activated personal assistant which, in our experience, actually works quite well. It responds to vague commands such as "I'm cold" (turning up the climate control), while artificial intelligence means the MBUX will soon learn your personal habits (such as playing the radio station you like to listen to on your way home from work). Of course, you can bypass all this by connecting your phone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to access your Spotify playlists and use Google Maps for navigation.
As well as the slick central display, all Mercedes EQE models come with an impressive 12.3-inch digital display behind the steering wheel. This is easy to understand thanks to sharp graphics, while it's also easily configurable - although not quite as user-friendly as the Virtual Cockpit you'll find in the Audi e-tron GT.
Space and practicality: Mercedes-Benz EQE boot space
Like many of its competitors, the Mercedes EQE is quite a large car. It measures 4964mm in length, 2104mm in width (including door mirrors) and 1503mm in height (or 1493mm for the AMG 53 models).
It does have its limitations in terms of practicality, though. Because it's a saloon, it has a relatively small boot opening. If you're looking to transport bulky items, you'd be much better looking at the BMW i4 with its hatchback-style boot lid - or an SUV alternative like the BMW iX or soon-to-be-launched Mercedes EQE SUV.
Aside from the tight access, the Mercedes EQE's boot isn't a bad size. It can accommodate up to 430 litres, while the rear seats collapse 40:20:40 to provide more luggage space if required. Unfortunately there isn't any extra space under the bonnet for stowing away charging cables.
We found that the back seats of the Mercedes EQE feel surprisingly claustrophobic for the size of the car. There's a reasonable amount of legroom, but you sit quite low down, so it never feels that comfortable. Headroom for adults is pretty restricted, too.
Things are better in the front, where there's quite a lot of adjustment in the seats and loads of space for the driver and front-seat passenger. The door pockets are generous in size, while there's some useful extra storage space underneath the floating centre console.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Mercedes-Benz EQE like to drive?
"Our first impression of the Mercedes EQE is how large it is. Considering it's not Mercedes-Benz's biggest electric car, it actually feels quite cumbersome on a country road or negotiating a tight car park. Fortunately technology is on hand to make things that little bit easier."
Premium Plus models and above get rear-axle steering, which helps with the EQE's agility in tight spaces. The wheels will only turn by 4.5 degrees, so don't expect to outhandle a Smart Car, but it does make a difference in a multistorey car park.
Out of town, you can tell the Mercedes EQE puts more of a focus on comfort rather than sporty handling. Our Mercedes EQE 350 AMG Line Premium Plus test car was fitted with the Airmatic air suspension, which does a pretty good of hiding the EQE's hefty kerb weight. Even on 21-inch alloy wheels, it'll soak up lumps and bumps in the road without being too floaty.
There's loads of grip on offer and the EQE's relatively low centre of gravity means it doesn't sway too much in corners. The steering is communicative enough, too, but if you're after enjoyment you'd be better looking at the Porsche Taycan or BMW i4.
What motors and batteries are available in the Mercedes-Benz EQE?
The line-up currently starts with the Mercedes EQE 300, which uses a rear-mounted motor to produce 245PS and 550Nm of torque. It'll sprint from a standstill to 62mph in 7.3 seconds, which sounds quite sprightly compared to entry-level petrol or diesel executive cars. But in electric car terms, it's not that quick - the cheapest Tesla Model S can reach 62mph in 3.1 seconds, while a BMW i4 eDrive40 takes 5.7 seconds.
We'd recommend looking for a Mercedes EQE 350 for slightly more electrifying performance. This also uses an electric motor to power the rear axle, albeit one producing 292PS and 565Nm of torque. It'll reach 62mph in 6.4 seconds.
The fastest Mercedes-Benz EQE comes with an AMG badge. The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ (to give it its full name) has an extra electric motor on the front axle, meaning it's all-wheel drive. With a hefty 625PS available (not to mention 950Nm of torque), the AMG EQE 53 will cover 0-62mph in a pretty rapid 3.5 seconds. Significantly, that's quicker than a BMW i4 M50 - but it won't outrun a Tesla Model S.
Maximum electric range in the Mercedes-Benz EQE
Both the Mercedes EQE 300 and 350 have an official range of 346 to 384 miles according to WLTP tests. These figures aren't entirely indicative of what you'll see in the real world but our tests found that an EQE should comfortably cover more than 250 miles between top-ups, which is competitive with the longest range electric cars. The more powerful Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 has a lower range figure of up to 290 miles.
Refinement and noise levels
If you're looking for a refined companion for a long journey, you'll struggle to do better than a Mercedes EQE. It's sensationally refined, doing an impeccable job of isolating you from the outside world. You won't notice a whir from the electric motor, nor will you be irritated by wind or road noise. The only thing we can criticise is the selectable drive sounds piped through the speakers - they're irritating and unnecessary, but also very easy to turn off.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Mercedes-Benz EQE?
First things first, the Mercedes EQE has been awarded five stars by Euro NCAP - so, fundamentally, it's every bit as safe as you'd expect an expensive Mercedes-Benz to be.
For the ultimate in driver-assistance tech, you'll need to look for a Mercedes EQE with the Driving Assistance package (standard on AMG Line Premium models) or the Driving Assistance package Plus (standard on AMG Line Premium Plus, Exclusive Luxury and Mercedes-AMG models).
Highlights of the Driving Assistance package includes Active Distance Assist Distronic (which helps regulate the car's speed and distance to the vehicle ahead, braking to a standstill if required). It also features Active Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
The Driving Assistance package Plus brings a full array of semi-autonomous driving technology. Highlights include the Active Emergency Stop Assist (which can bring the car to a stop if it detects a lack of driver intervention), Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function (which can apply the brakes to prevent a collision - or at least reduce the severity) and Active Evasive Steering Assist (which applies extra muscle to the steering to help you steer around an obstacle in an emergency).
Charging times: How much does it cost to charge the Mercedes-Benz EQE?
"All Mercedes EQE models come with the same 90kWh battery pack, which means they should cost the same to charge."
For comparison sake, let's assume you're paying 34p per kWh for your home electricity. If you can charge a Mercedes EQE at home, that means you'll pay a maximum of £30 to fully charge the EQE on your driveway. In reality, it's likely to be less than this - there are EV-friendly overnight tariffs, for example, while it's rare that you'll fully charge the car from 0-100%. If you have an 11kW home wallbox fitted (doing so requires a three-phase power supply), you'll be able to charge an EQE from 10 to 100% in around eight and a half hours.
You'll pay more for public rapid charging but the EQE can be charged at a rate of up to 170kW. If you can find a punchy enough charger (not something which should be taken for granted), you'll be able to top the EQE up from 10 to 80% in just half an hour.
How reliable is a Mercedes-Benz EQE?
Mercedes-Benz doesn't have the best reliability record, scoring pretty poorly in ownership surveys including the latest HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index. It seems to be its older, combustion-engined models that are contributing to that, though - we've heard of very few issues reported with cars like the Mercedes EQC and EQS. With very few mechanical parts to go wrong, we suspect the latest Mercedes EQE should be a very reliable electric car.
Insurance groups and costs
All Mercedes EQE models are in the most expensive insurance group there is - group 50. That means a Mercedes EQE is going to have quite high insurance costs, particularly if you're a new driver or live in an area with a lot of car crime. We'd recommend shopping around for insurance quotes before buying a Mercedes EQE.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Mercedes-Benz EQE?
If you buy a Mercedes EQE soon, you'll enjoy a brief period of respite from the annual tax bill. Currently, electric cars are exempt from road tax, which is a saving of £520 a year compared to a petrol or diesel car with a list price of more than £40,000.
That's set to change from 2025, though, with EVs set to be charged the same rate as combustion-engined cars. That'll apply to all zero-emission cars registered from April 2017 onwards - and you'll be hit by the £355 premium car tax, too.
How much should you be paying for a used Mercedes-Benz EQE?
"Prices start from around £74,000 for a new Mercedes EQE 300 in AMG Line, while you'll pay a premium of £3000 for the EQE 350."
The Mercedes EQE 300 AMG Line Premium is priced from around £79,000, while the Premium Plus starts from a little over £86,000 - matching the start price of the Exclusive Luxury trim level. Both the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 Night Edition and Touring models are priced from a smidgen under £115,000 when new.
Like most premium electric cars, the new Mercedes EQE is in high demand, so you'll struggle to save cash (or even skip the waiting list) by looking for an as-new or pre-registered model.
Trim levels and standard equipment
The range starts with the Mercedes EQE AMG Line. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, AMG exterior styling, a panoramic roof and privacy glass. Inside, the AMG Line model gets ambient lighting, a nappa leather sports steering wheel, AMG sports seats finished in Lugano leather, a dashboard finished in grey Artico man-made leather, heated front seats and automatic climate control. There's a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.8-inch central media display and a parking package with parking assist and reversing camera.
The Mercedes EQE AMG Line Premium builds on this with 20-inch alloy wheels, interior ambient lighting plus with 64 colours, keyless-go, memory seats and four-zone climate control. The AMG Line Premium also comes with the driving assistance package and a Mercedes-Benz sound system.
The Mercedes EQE AMG Line Premium Plus adds 21-inch alloy wheels, air suspension, digital light headlamp technology, a heated windscreen, head-up display and the acoustic comfort package. The Premium Plus also comes with an upgraded suite of infotainment, including a Burmester premium surround sound system and MBUX augmented reality navigation. It also comes with the driving assistance package plus, MBUX interior assistant, parking package with parking assist and a 360-degree camera.
As its name suggests, the Mercedes EQE Exclusive Luxury takes a more luxurious rather than sporty approach. Highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels and chrome exterior styling, while the interior features a walnut wood dash, black Nappa leather, climatised front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
Sitting above the regular Mercedes EQE are the AMG-badged performance models. Equipment highlights of the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 Night Edition include 21-inch alloy wheels (finished with black with red-painted brake callipers), AMG exterior styling and a panoramic sunroof. The AMG styling continues inside with an AMG Performance steering wheel, AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals, AMG door sills with illuminated AMG lettering and AMG velour floor mats.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 Touring features 21-inch AMG cross-spoke alloy wheels, a heated AMG Performance steering wheel finished in Nappa leather and a heated windscreen.
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