We previously reviewed the EQS, Mercedes' flagship all-electric luxury sedan, and were impressed with its supreme comfort, excellent range, and cutting-edge technology.
Now, the famous German brand is looking to replicate the experience in a slightly lighter, smaller, more agile and affordable electric vehicle, the Mercedes EQE executive sedan.
We recently drove the EQE in Germany and here are our first impressions.
Mercedes EQE Specs and Features
Two EQE models will be available in the US and Europe later this year: the EQE 350+ (RWD) and the EQE 500 4Matic (AWD).
While we don't have exact information on pricing and trim levels yet, we do have some specs. Like the EQS, the EQE is based on Mercedes' all-electric EVA platform. Both models have a 90,6 kWh (usable) battery with 10 modules (vs. 107,8 kWh and 12 modules on the EQS).
For the EQE 350+, Mercedes uses a single motor between the rear wheels, good for 288 hp (212 kW), 391 lb-ft (530 Nm) of torque, and a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) 6.2 seconds.
The EQE 500 4Matic adds a second motor between the front wheels for a total output of 402 hp (300 kW, torque unknown), resulting in a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint in 5,2 seconds. Range is 660 km / 410 miles (WLTP) and 350 miles (EPA estimate) for both models.
Additionally, a twin-motor AMG EQE 4Matic+ will be available in 2023 with the same 90,6 kWh battery pack and more than 617 hp (453 kW) and 701 lb-ft (950 Nm) of torque. This version will be able to accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 3,5 seconds.
For charging, the EQE supports DC fast charging up to 170kW (10-80% in 32 minutes), as well as AC level 2 charging up to 11kW (XNUMX-phase).
The EQE comes with standard features including a 12,8-inch center OLED touchscreen, heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Burmester audio system.
Rear-wheel steering (up to 10 degrees), air suspension, 56-inch Mercedes Hyperscreen, head-up display, 360-degree view, matrix headlights, level 2 driver assistance, massaging seats, climate control 4 zones and aromatherapy are all optional.
Mercedes EQE technology
Unsurprisingly, the EQE inherits most of the technology from the EQS. This includes auto park, 360 degree view, LTE connectivity, WiFi hotspot support, OTA (over the air) software updates, phone functionality as a key, remote phone control via the "me Connect" app , Apple wired and wireless. CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi wireless phone charging, internet streaming audio, and "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant.
The EQE comes standard with a 12,8-inch OLED infotainment touchscreen and a 12,3-inch LCD display. Mercedes' dashboard covering the 56-inch Hyperscreen is optional, just like on the EQS.
It consists of three separate screens glued to a huge curved glass panel: a 12,3-inch instrument display for the driver, a 17,7-inch center touchscreen, and a 12,3-inch touchscreen for the passenger.
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While hugely impressive, Hyperscreen is also somewhat imposing. In fact, we prefer the standard configuration with the 12,8-inch OLED infotainment touchscreen, as it doesn't give up any functionality other than the additional passenger display, reduces visual clutter, and makes the interior more pleasant.
Whichever display option you choose, you get haptic feedback and AR (augmented reality) navigation from Mercedes.
Like the EQS, the EQE includes a full suite of safety and driver-assist features as standard, plus an optional Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) that nearly rivals Tesla's Autopilot.
The Burmester audio system sounds delicious, and the sensory experience is further enhanced with hundreds of LEDs that provide customizable and interactive interior ambient lighting.
Mercedes EQE Design
At first glance, it is difficult to distinguish EQE from EQS. Both share the same odd exterior proportions and egg-shaped front end, or what Mercedes calls its "one-arch" design.
Still, somehow the EQE looks better than its big brother. The bonnet (hood) is less sloped, the greenhouse is more compact, and the rear part is shorter. Overall, the EQE is 10,4 inches (26,4 cm) smaller, but its wheelbase is only 3,6 inches (9,1 cm) shorter.
Compared to its ICE (internal combustion engine) cousin, the E-Class, the EQE is 3 inches longer inside with 1 inch more shoulder room. Instead of using a hatch (tailgate) like the EQS, the trunk (trunk) of the EQE comes with a standard trunk lid below a fixed rear window.
According to Mercedes, this improves rear headroom, as there are no tailgate hinges to take up space above the rear passengers.
While some EQE trim levels include the same flush power sliding door handles as the EQS, other trim levels have traditional door handles instead.
Like most electric vehicles, the EQE is extremely roomy inside, with plenty of storage compartments and 430 liters (15,1 cu ft) of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Like its big brother, the EQE doesn't have a trunk (front trunk), in fact, the hood doesn't even open.
The interior of the EQE is almost unchanged from the EQS. It's equally opulent and sophisticated, and we particularly like the white and blue interior (with copper accents) inside the gray EQE 350+ Edition One we drive.
The 'chef's kiss' is good! On the other hand, we're less enamored with the EQE's high hood, which mirrors that of the EQS. It limits forward visibility and feels claustrophobic.
Driving impressions Mercedes EQE
We drove a gray EQE 350+ Edition One with 21-inch wheels, a 12,8-inch central OLED touchscreen and AMG Line steering wheel, and a blue EQE 500 4Matic with 20-inch wheels and the 'Hyperscreen'.
Both cars were equipped with rear-wheel steering and air suspension. Our route took us through wet mountain roads, unrestricted highway and city traffic, encountering a wide range of road conditions.
At 2358 lbs (5200 kg), the EQE is approximately 181 lbs (400 kg) lighter than the EQS, and the difference is remarkable. The EQE is noticeably more athletic and playful in the corners.
Like the EQS, the EQE offers four levels of regeneration - low, medium, high and automatic - adjustable with paddles on the steering wheel. For the most part, we kept the regen setting high and the driving mode set to Sport (mountain, Autobahn) or Comfort (city, Autobahn).
Surprisingly, the EQE does a better job than the EQS of combining regeneration and hydraulic braking. While the EQE 500 4Matic is certainly more impressive off the line, the EQE 350+ doesn't seem to need an extra second to hit 60 mph.
In other words, acceleration is lively and satisfying. As with most cars these days, the EQE's steering isn't the most forthcoming, but Sport mode firms things up (along the dampers).
In typical Mercedes fashion, the EQE rides superbly. The comfort mode is extremely well tuned and, together with the quiet cabin, makes the EQE ideal for long-distance cruising.
Overall, we enjoyed driving the EQE more than the EQS, especially when it comes to handling and braking. The EQE simply provides a more engaging experience and proves once again that lighter and smaller is always better.
Considering how neat the EQE already is, we can't wait to drive the AMG version. For now, though, it's clear that the EQE is Mercedes' best electric vehicle yet and one of the best all-electric cars launched this year.
- Do you prefer SUVs? Mercedes has you covered with EQA and EQC.