Mercedes-Benz EQE Review 2025: Price, specs & boot space
Written by Andrew 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 was one of the most desirable electric cars to hit the market on its launch 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.
Initially, all Mercedes EQE models came 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.
From the summer of 2024, Mercedes upgraded the battery to a 96kWh unit, which increased the range up to 429 miles in the newly introduced EQE 350+ model. Another new model, the EQE 500 4MATIC, has a 90kWh battery.
There were initially three core models to choose from: the EQE 300, EQE 350 and the sporty Mercedes-AMG EQE 53. In 2024, Mercedes added the EQE 350+ and the EQE 500 4MATIC models to the line up.
The entry-level Mercedes EQE 350+ 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?
Given it offers the longest range, perfectly serviceable performance figures and already comes very well-appointed and well-equipped, it’s difficult to look beyond the EQE 350+ Sport Edition which kicks off the range, particularly as it’s priced a little lower than the previous entry-level model. 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. Sport Edition has a pretty long list of kit already, from MBUX multimedia to adaptive high beams, ambient lighting, Artico artificial leather trim and more, although we'd be tempted by the AMG 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 larger 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 Sport Edition feels far from basic. Ambient lighting on the AMG Line 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.
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 – 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 Sport Edition 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. The microchip shortage which initially hampered deliveries of this spectacular open has eased off a bit and it’s now offered as standard equipment on AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus trim and both variants of the AMG 53.
In the rest of the range you get 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 4946mm in length, 2103mm in width (including door mirrors) and 1510mm in height (or 1495mm 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 Fortwo, but it does make a difference in a multi storey car park.
Out of town, you can tell the Mercedes EQE puts more of a focus on comfort rather than sporty handling. The last EQE we tested was the pre-facelift Mercedes EQE 350 AMG Line Premium Plus, which 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?
As of 2024, the current EQE range comprises the EQE 350+, EQE 500, and Mercedes-AME EQE 53. The new entry-level model doesn’t just start at a slightly cheaper price than before, it also gets you much further on a charge (see the stats in the next section), and offers more performance too – its rear-mounted motor makes 292PS (the same as the outgoing EQE 350, but way more than the 245PS of the EQE 300), and gets you from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds. There are quicker electric cars, but Mercedes buyers will appreciate getting more for less with the latest model.
One step up in the range takes you to the EQE 500. This uses a pair of motors for all-wheel drive, 408PS combined, and 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, which is enough to trouble all but the very quickest hot hatchbacks. Like the 350+, it also goes further on a charge than the old 300 and 350.
The fastest Mercedes-Benz EQE comes with an AMG badge. The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ (to give it its full name) is also 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.
Mercedes-Benz EQE range: How far can you travel on a charge?
Recent updates to the Mercedes-Benz EQE took the standard battery pack size from 90kWh to 96kWh, which has had a corresponding improvement in range. While the EQE 300 could previously cover 346 miles and the EQE 350 managed 384 miles, the latest EQE 350+ model is capable of up to 428 miles, putting it among the longest range electric cars currently on sale. While hitting that in the real world might prove tricky, it ensures a real-world range of well over 300 miles, compared to the roughly 250 miles between top-ups we got from the earlier EQEs.
Higher trim levels with wider tyres and more aggressive bodywork start to chip away at this figure, while the EQE 500’s range, still using a 90kWh battery, drops to 385 miles – still better than the most efficient EQE 350 prior to Mercedes’ updates. The AMG model has also benefited, now achieving 305 miles in WLTP testing, compared to 290 miles before.
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 whirr 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).
Mercedes-Benz EQE charging times: How much does it cost to charge?
"All Mercedes EQE models come with the same 96kWh 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 £33 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, so at 8p/kWh overnight, a full charge would be under £8. 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 empty to 100% in around ten and a half hours.
You'll pay more for public rapid charging but the EQE can be charged at a rate of up to 200kW. 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. Bear in mind that public charging can be very expensive though; at 75p/kWh, that 10-80% top-up could be as much as £50.
Mercedes-Benz EQE reliability and warranty
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.
Mercedes-Benz EQE 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?
The grace period for tax-free electric car driving ends as of April 2025, so buying an EV will, for the most part, cost the same to tax as a combustion vehicle. The first year is a bit of an exception, since taxing an EQE will add the standard EV rate of £10 to your on-the-road bill. But from year two onwards you’ll pay a lot more: a standard £195 yearly rate, plus £425 for the first five years since the EQE is priced well over the £40,000 threshold for a luxury car surcharge. That means a £620 annual tax bill in years two to six.
Benefit-in-Kind rates for company users work more in the EQE’s favour though, since like all EVs, the EQE is charged at just 3% BiK. That will make it many thousands cheaper to tax each year than a similarly-priced Mercedes E-Class petrol or diesel.
Mercedes-Benz EQE price
"Prices start from around £69,000 for a new Mercedes EQE 350 in Sport trim, while you'll pay a premium of £13,500 for the EQE 500."
Electric cars have been subject to some pretty brutal depreciation in recent years, and a Mercedes badge hasn’t done much to protect the EQE from losing value as it ages. The earliest 2023 EQE 300 models can now be picked up for around £40,000 with only 10,000-15,000 miles, a saving of around £30,000 from a brand new EQE. Even cars with just 2-3k miles can be picked up for around £50,000.
The range currently starts with the EQE 350+ Sport Edition at £69,105, which rises by £5500 for AMG Line Edition trim and another £5000 for AMG Line Night Edition premium trim. The EQE 500 range starts at £82,605, while the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 begins at almost £106,000.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Mercedes shook up the range in summer 2024, so the walk up through the trim levels now starts at Sport Edition, rising through AMG Line Edition, AMG Line Night Edition Premium, AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus, and then the dedicated Mercedes-AMG E53, which has Night Edition and Night Edition Premium Plus trim levels. Keep that knowledge in hand if you ever want to empty the house in sixty seconds flat after a dinner party…
Sport Edition comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive high beams, MBUX multimedia, ambient lighting, tinted glass, Artico artificial leather upholstery, a heat pump, heated front seats, active parking assist, a reversing camera, and up to 200kW DC charging.
AMG Line Edition adds AMG Line exterior styling, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, an AMG spoiler lip, AMG floor mats, and enough other AMG badges scattered around to make the letters lose all meaning. ‘Night Edition Premium’ steps up to a panoramic sliding sunroof, digital headlights, and an air purifier function for the cabin. ‘Night Edition Premium Plus’ gets larger 21-inch alloy wheels, a Burmester 3d surround sound system, heated and cooled seats, and rear axle steering – plus the Hyperscreen.
The AMG 53 variants are most obviously differentiated by their extra performance, but also get 20-inch alloy wheels, AMG body styling, an AMG performance steering wheel, sports seats, standard Burmester 3d audio, AMG-tuned air suspension, and rear axle steering, while the Night Edition Premium Plus versions upgrade to 21-inch alloys and get a few extra toys besides.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
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