Overview
When the Covid pandemic caused a global shortage of semi conductors, vehicle manufacturers had to make some difficult decision about which cars to produce. There were simply not enough chips to cover all sectors, so car makers chose to maximise profitability by concentrating on high end models, which often meant premium priced electric SUVs.
For most this strategy has indeed proved very profitable and has seen many manufacturers reduce their emphasis on higher volume, but less profitable smaller vehicles. German car maker Mercedes is a prime example of this. Not so very long ago it was looking to sell volume with its A and B class models. However, its developing model line-up is now looking increasing premium and increasingly all-electric.
It sells these electric models under the EQ banner, including battery powered SUV models the EQC, EQA and EQB. However, the Stuttgart, team has not forgotten it roots and also offers the EQS and EQE luxury saloons. Of these the EQS is top of the premium pile, while to EQE is slightly smaller and less expensive. But make no mistake, this is a still a premium electric model and one that has already attracted a lot of interest at the higher end of the market.
For most this strategy has indeed proved very profitable and has seen many manufacturers reduce their emphasis on higher volume, but less profitable smaller vehicles. German car maker Mercedes is a prime example of this. Not so very long ago it was looking to sell volume with its A and B class models. However, its developing model line-up is now looking increasing premium and increasingly all-electric.
It sells these electric models under the EQ banner, including battery powered SUV models the EQC, EQA and EQB. However, the Stuttgart, team has not forgotten it roots and also offers the EQS and EQE luxury saloons. Of these the EQS is top of the premium pile, while to EQE is slightly smaller and less expensive. But make no mistake, this is a still a premium electric model and one that has already attracted a lot of interest at the higher end of the market.
Pros
- 5 star safety rating
- Luxurious interior
- Stylish exterior
Cons
- Price range
Exterior
The EQE looks every inch a Mercedes with its distinctive front end, all be it without the trade mark Mercedes grille. It is only in side profile that you realise this is actually quite a compact design, although this is not reflected in the interior. Unlike chunky electric SUV designs, this is a sleek saloon, with aerodynamic lines better suited to the environmental efficiency that EVs should offer.
The styling is subtle more than flamboyant, but it comes together as a good looking well proportioned car with a little hint of coupe design.
It is available in various trims according to budget and tastes, including, standard, Art and AMG line. 19 inch alloys are standard, but 20 and 21 inch are also on offer. Different colour variations are available, but these are mostly conservative Mercedes shapes.
The styling is subtle more than flamboyant, but it comes together as a good looking well proportioned car with a little hint of coupe design.
It is available in various trims according to budget and tastes, including, standard, Art and AMG line. 19 inch alloys are standard, but 20 and 21 inch are also on offer. Different colour variations are available, but these are mostly conservative Mercedes shapes.
Interior
With some, even premium, EV models, the interior can look a little bare and bland, but this is not the case with the EQE. Its interior shouts Mercedes first and electric second. It feels comfortable and luxurious with lots of high quality tactile materials on display, striking the right balance with some subtle ambient blue interior lighting trim.
Centre stage in the cabin is a 13-inch screen which is clear and easy to navigate, although upgrade options are available. The car also has all the gadgetry and plug points you could wish for, including heated seats and a wireless phone charger.
Size wise, the interior is roughly equivalent to the current E-Class, so does not lack space, including in the back where legroom is good. The design means that rear headroom is a little more limited, although it does not feel restrictive. The boot is an adequate 430 litres although it cannot offer the flexibility of an SUV.
Centre stage in the cabin is a 13-inch screen which is clear and easy to navigate, although upgrade options are available. The car also has all the gadgetry and plug points you could wish for, including heated seats and a wireless phone charger.
Size wise, the interior is roughly equivalent to the current E-Class, so does not lack space, including in the back where legroom is good. The design means that rear headroom is a little more limited, although it does not feel restrictive. The boot is an adequate 430 litres although it cannot offer the flexibility of an SUV.
Performance
THE EQE level of performance is very much dependent on the model option selected. This starts at the base level 300 which is a 180 kW (245 HP) rear wheel drive version which goes from 0-62 mph 7.3 seconds, has a top speed of 201kmph and has quoted range of 605 km.
EQE 350+ is a 215 kW (292 HP) rear wheel drive version that Mercedes says can do 674 km on a full charge. For those who want speed and excitement, and have a significantly larger budget, top of the seven variant line-up is the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+. This has all wheel drive, a 460 kW (625 HP) capacity, goes from 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds, but has a reduced range of just over 500km.
Whichever option is selected, the buyer is unlikely to be disappointed with the smoothness and responsiveness of the electric motors. It has all the power you would expect from a premium Mercedes saloon and much more if you venture into the AMG zone.
Due in part to good aerodynamics the EQE does achieve range figures which are at least reflective of those quoted in real world driving. Charging times are also pretty good. For example the base 300 model will charge from 10 to 80% capacity in around half an hour at a rapid DC charging station and 3 hours 19minutes at an AC station. Charging at a home wall box will take just under ten hours.
EQE 350+ is a 215 kW (292 HP) rear wheel drive version that Mercedes says can do 674 km on a full charge. For those who want speed and excitement, and have a significantly larger budget, top of the seven variant line-up is the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+. This has all wheel drive, a 460 kW (625 HP) capacity, goes from 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds, but has a reduced range of just over 500km.
Whichever option is selected, the buyer is unlikely to be disappointed with the smoothness and responsiveness of the electric motors. It has all the power you would expect from a premium Mercedes saloon and much more if you venture into the AMG zone.
Due in part to good aerodynamics the EQE does achieve range figures which are at least reflective of those quoted in real world driving. Charging times are also pretty good. For example the base 300 model will charge from 10 to 80% capacity in around half an hour at a rapid DC charging station and 3 hours 19minutes at an AC station. Charging at a home wall box will take just under ten hours.
Reliability
Mercedes has been a byword for reliability throughout its history, although a few of its models have suffered from some slight build quality issues in more recent years according to owners. That said, the EQE appears to be a very well put together car. The question marks will be over all the new technology packed into the design. Being new and electric much of this does not have a track record on which to judge it yet, although there do not appear to be any early concerns.
Mercedes certainly seem confident. In addition to the normal three year warranty, it is offering a ten year battery warranty, two years more than most manufacturers. All in all, you would not expect this to be a car that has too many reliability issues.
Mercedes certainly seem confident. In addition to the normal three year warranty, it is offering a ten year battery warranty, two years more than most manufacturers. All in all, you would not expect this to be a car that has too many reliability issues.
Running Costs
The EQE is a low tax model, supported by a strong dealer network, but as with most EVs, running cost is really dependent on how the car is charged. Rely on a motorway faster charger and the cost per kilometre will be high, while sensible home charging will deliver some big savings over petrol and diesel equivalents. Running costs are said to be comparable with competitors such as the BMW i4 and Tesla Model S and if you are exploring this end of the market the buying decision is much more likely to be lead by the heart and not head.
Handling
On the road the EQE feels refined and comfortable. Unless you have the budget to stretch to the AMG versions, the drive is not going set the pulse racing, but it is more than adequate for most drivers.
The ride is exceptionally quite and smooth, especially when cruising and the steering feels very accurate and responsive for a car of this type. It is a much more engaging drive than the bigger EQS, although the suspension on the bigger brother is a little more forgiving over bumps.
Overall this is a good car to drive, well able to go toe to toe with similar models from BMW or Audi.
The ride is exceptionally quite and smooth, especially when cruising and the steering feels very accurate and responsive for a car of this type. It is a much more engaging drive than the bigger EQS, although the suspension on the bigger brother is a little more forgiving over bumps.
Overall this is a good car to drive, well able to go toe to toe with similar models from BMW or Audi.
Safety
In recent decades, premium Mercedes Saloons have pretty much written the book on big car safety and the EQE is no exception. It has a five star rating from Euro NCAP based on the standard specification and was commended as having “excellent all-round safety performance”.
To get the highest level of driver assistance and safety systems you will need to opt for the Driving Assistance Package Plus. This includes: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Traffic Jam Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist as well as PRE-SAFE® PLUS and PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side. All this keeps the car, and most importantly it occupants and other road users, safe and in a vehicle of this price it is probably a wise investment.
To get the highest level of driver assistance and safety systems you will need to opt for the Driving Assistance Package Plus. This includes: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Traffic Jam Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist as well as PRE-SAFE® PLUS and PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side. All this keeps the car, and most importantly it occupants and other road users, safe and in a vehicle of this price it is probably a wise investment.
Summary
- Exterior
- 100%
- Interior
- 100%
- Performance
- 100%
- Reliability
- 100%
- Running Costs
- 80%
- Handling
- 80%
- Safety
- 100%
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is a high end premium electric car that offers much to like. It looks good, handles well and offers plenty of performance. Added to this it is refined, comfortable and packed with advanced tech. It also offers an excellent range and relatively fast charging.
The “but” is the same as with any electric car at this stage in their evolution, the price when compared to an internal combustion engine equivalent. The prices for the EQE start at €85,295 for the base 300 version and stretches to €135,475 for the top AMG version. Compared to similar electric models, this is very much in the same budget bracket. However, with the petrol C Class available at just over €66,000 and E Class at just under €69,000, not all potential buyers may want to make the leap to electric just yet. For those that do, they will be jumping into one of the very best electric saloons around.
The “but” is the same as with any electric car at this stage in their evolution, the price when compared to an internal combustion engine equivalent. The prices for the EQE start at €85,295 for the base 300 version and stretches to €135,475 for the top AMG version. Compared to similar electric models, this is very much in the same budget bracket. However, with the petrol C Class available at just over €66,000 and E Class at just under €69,000, not all potential buyers may want to make the leap to electric just yet. For those that do, they will be jumping into one of the very best electric saloons around.