Mercedes-Benz’s new EQE is the posh model’s all-electric E-Class different.
As Benz’s fleet transitions to full electrification (2030 is the present goal), the stalwart E-Class as we all know it’s on borrowed time. So, as “the world’s most cherished enterprise saloon”, there’s ample strain on the EQE to fill its sizeable four-door boots.
Final yr, John Carey examined the EQE 350+ (Australia’s not getting this mannequin from launch) and EQE53 4matic+ on a few of Europe’s best roads, however this was our first probability to pattern the vary on our personal territory. Horrible, pock-marked bitumen included.
Of comparable dimension to a Tesla Mannequin S, the EQE launches right here with an entry-level 300 for $134,900; 350 at $154,900 and EQE 53 $214,900, all earlier than on-roads.
Electrical vary (WLTP) is robust: 508km, 462km and 435km respectively.
![2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_EQE350_Exterior_002-1024x576.jpg)
EQE is the second mannequin (after the EQS, your S-Class EV different) based mostly on Benz’s EVA2 electrical structure, which means packaging could be deliberate with out contemplating a combustion powertrain.
Subsequent to an E-Class it’s 23mm longer and 54mm wider, whereas its huge 181mm longer wheelbase boosts inside size by 80mm.
Within the metallic it very a lot seems a compact different to its large brother EQS. Out there right here solely in ($340,000 drive-away) AMG 53 trim, the EQE’s you smaller but extra reasonably priced approach into an electrical Benz sedan.
Not as aesthetically profitable (to this reviewer’s eyes) because the bigger EQS, the EQE actually seems like the majority of its exterior design was finished in Benz’s wind tunnel. This implies it’s achieved an outstanding, slippery 0.22 Cd (the EQS has a record-breaking 0.20 Cd), however its seems polarised opinion.
Its brief overhangs, “one-bow line” profile and stretched wheelbase take some getting used to, whereas an odd shut line from the A-pillar – a part of a sealed bonnet – and exterior flap to re-fill the windscreen washer reservoir don’t assist.
It lacks the visible drama of Porsche’s Taycan or Audi’s e-tron GT, however that can swimsuit these favouring the understated.
The 300 and 350 seem similar bar the badging and the latter’s lip spoiler, whereas the EQE AMG53 has further dangerous boy-AMG physique styling to up the aggression.
Worth
No cheapie entry-level EQE is obtainable, however wanting on the inclusions, consumers aren’t laborious finished by in any grade. Specification is prolonged and beneficiant, whereas cabins look correctly costly.
![2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_EQE350_Interior_001-1024x576.jpg)
The additional $20,000 to maneuver from EQE 300 to EQE 350 brings no further specification. The cash buys an electrical motor over the entrance in addition to the rear axle (upping the facility and torque), making the 350 all-wheel-drive.
All EQEs are AMG Line, with key specification being 20-inch alloys with matt gray aero components, metallic paint, flush door handles, sports-style energy and heated leather-based seats, Nappa leather-based steering wheel and panoramic sliding sunroof.
Micro mirrors within the automobiles’ LED headlamps produce 2.6 million illuminated pixels, including some visible verve subsequent to the quite uninteresting black panel “radiator grille” of the 300 and 350. Fortunately, the AMG 53 makes use of chrome vertical struts for higher entrance finish clout.
Inside, a 12.8-inch infotainment display screen with fingerprint scanner for personalised driver profiles is great, and tech goodness comes with augmented actuality navigation, Burmester 3D encompass sound system, 360-degree digital camera and disco-like ambient lighting.
![2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_EQE350_Interior_081-1024x576.jpg)
The EQE 53 scores AMG Experience Management+ air suspension with adaptive damping, rear wheel steering, AMG-specific bumpers and facet skirts, AMG’s Evening Package deal, AMG braking system with crimson calipers and 21-inch Y-spoke alloys.
Inside, there’s an AMG steering wheel, climatised sports activities seats, AMG Nappa leather-based trim, suede-like trim for doorways and instrument panel and carbon fibre trim.
A Kind 2 CCS plug on a five-metre cable and home socket charging cable are included, however Benz now not presents a complimentary Chargefox public charging subscription. Its EQ homeowners merely weren’t utilizing it very a lot, apparently.
What don’t you get? There aren’t any therapeutic massage seats as customary, whereas the EQE 53 misses out on the spectacular dashboard Hyperscreen included within the bigger EQS 53.
You should buy the latter for a monumental $15,600 additional. It’s a curved display screen unit stretching nearly from A-pillar to A-pillar. Its three screens sit beneath a glass cowl and seem to merge into one.
![2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE53](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_AMG-EQE53_3635_WEB-1024x576.jpg)
Completely spectacular to behold, however the usual match portrait display screen actually is beneficiant sufficient. The Hyperscreen is sort of too overwhelming and distracting.
The EQE 53 could be had with AMG ceramic composite brakes, bringing large 440 x 40mm ceramic discs and bronze calipers for an additional $9100.
The EQE is roofed by a five-year limitless kilometre guarantee. The excessive voltage battery will get a separate and class-leading ten-year, 250,000km guarantee. This ensures over 70 p.c battery well being over that point.
Inside
The enormous wheelbase ends in an impressively spacious cabin, particularly up entrance.
Rear legroom is excellent, however the high-sitting, fairly upright rear seats mix with the coupe-like sloping roof to make head room a problem for taller adults.
As a six-footer, the facet of my head rested on the sting of the roof, whereas ahead visibility’s fairly obscured because of the one-piece sport seats up entrance. Within the center seat my head was simply touching the glass roof.
![2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE53](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_AMG-EQE53_3464_WEB-1024x576.jpg)
There’s little else to grouse about inside. It’s a lavish, well-built and wow-factor heavy passenger area.
The crystal-clear portrait-orientated infotainment unit blends right into a floating centre console which is close to devoid of buttons.
The dashboard in entrance of the passenger is minimalist too, being a single, sloped panel with only a single spherical air vent at its edge.
![2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_EQE350_Interior_003-1024x576.jpg)
The multi-adjustable sports activities seats supply a wonderful, fairly excessive driving place, whereas the leather-based itself and unusual eco-feel sprint and door tops ooze high quality.
The enormous panoramic roof boosts the sense of area and light-weight, bettered solely by the non-obligatory white inside of our take a look at automobile. It seems unimaginable, however you’d be courageous as hell to choose it, particularly if it’s to be a household automobile. The thought of muddy boots on snow white carpets makes you shudder on the thought.
The digital driver show is pleasingly customisable, however Benz’s insistence on placing all controls and menus by display screen or contact buttons is irritating. Particularly when local weather management is concerned.
When on the transfer, utilizing swipey steering wheel buttons (there’s a veritable sea of them on the tiller, taking loads of studying), or prodding on the large display screen means you’re susceptible to errors and taking eyes off the wheel. The MBUX voice assistant covers most issues, however can take its time and is way from good.
![2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE53](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_AMG-EQE53_2661_WEB-1024x576.jpg)
Boot area is okay however nothing extra: its 430L is nicely under the equal E-Class’s 540L. And, in contrast to the bigger EQS, the EQE has a hard and fast rear window and boot lid quite than a liftback tailgate, additionally robbing you of some practicality.
Cost cable baggage within the boot eat into area, and no frunk because of that sealed bonnet additionally give the competitors an area benefit. Why the rear-drive solely EQE 300 couldn’t have a frunk is mystifying.
Being EV-only, the EQE’s cabin storage impresses. A rubber pad for wi-fi telephone charging would match any phablet, whereas beneath the floating centre console is area for iPads or small laptops.
The EQE 53 ups the luxe recreation that bit additional with its full Nappa leather-based inside. A mighty carbon fibre panel within the centre console could be very AMG, but when there’s any small grievance, the rotary dial’s button face on the steering wheel (to alter drive mode settings) really feel a bit too plasticky.
![2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE53](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_AMG-EQE53_2691_WEB-1024x576.jpg)
Efficiency and effectivity
Good grief these EQEs are heavy beasts.
The EQE 300 is 2380kg, the EQE 350 2460kg and the EQE 53 2530kg. Sling 4 good-sized adults within the latter and also you’re asking it to maneuver three-tonnes.
The excessive torque numbers for every assist cope with such heft quite impressively, maybe most so within the most cost-effective single-motor rear-drive 300.
Whereas no velocity monster, there’s a punchy nature to its energy supply. That 550Nm of immediate torque is all most EV drivers would ever want.
The EQE 350 with its 215kW and 765Nm twin motor setup actually feels faster, however not dramatically so. And, to my thoughts, not $20,000 faster.
It hits 100km/h in 6.3 seconds versus the 300’s 7.3 seconds, which is hardly night time and day. As the 2 automobiles share specification, until you insist on all-wheel-drive, it’s laborious to make a case for the 350’s $20k premium.
![2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_EQE350_Driving_004-1024x576.jpg)
The EQE 53? Effectively, that’s your efficiency animal. Ground it and it’ll suck the blood out of your face and pin you to the chair. This shouldn’t be potential in a automobile of this weight, however how usually we’re now saying that of those efficiency EVs.
It’s supercar quick, sure, but it surely gained’t provide the satisfying tingles of a petrol-powered AMG nice. That stated, 3.5 seconds to 100km/h isn’t boring.
An AMG Dynamic Plus bundle for an additional $7400 presents a bonkers 505kW and 1000Nm. This now sees the 100km/h arrive in 3.3 seconds due to a Race Begin launch management.
In response to WLTP figures, the respective effectivity of every is 20.1, 22.5 and 23.5 kWh/100km.
On our take a look at – primarily nation roads and highways – we noticed a median power consumption of 20.2kWh/100km (EQE 300); 21.1 kWh/100km (EQE 350); and 26kWh/100km (EQE AMG 53).
The AMG 53 apart (maybe we pedalled it a bit laborious), matching the claimed WLTP vary figures of 508km / 462km / 435km ought to be attainable.
![2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE53](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_AMG-EQE53_3228_WEB-1024x576.jpg)
Charging
These EQE’s circa 90kWh batteries are large items. An 11kW AC cost utilizing a 3-phase 16 amp wallbox energy provide would do the job from empty to full in round 10 hours.
If you happen to’re lumbered with a single-phase wallbox, you’d be taking a look at round 29 hours for a low-rated 3.6kW unit.
Homeowners ought to spend money on Mercedes-Benz’s Wallbox 2.0 for simpler and sooner residence charging. It has an AC charging output as much as 22kW (you’ll want three-phase energy), has good Mercedes-Me app integration, and boasts Wi-Fi functionality for over-the-air updates.
This wallbox will set you again a chunky $2475 plus set up, however EV charging habits counsel the huge bulk of householders will cost their EQE at residence.
For individuals who do want a speedy cost, Mercedes claims the EQE provides 250km driving vary in quarter-hour utilizing a DC ultra-rapid charger, due to a 170kW cost fee.
Experience and dealing with
Very conventional Benzy. Refined and measured, they’re additionally blissfully quiet inside.
You will have the selection of cosmic sounds, however the 300 and 350 are at their finest in full silent mode for serene cruising.
The EQE 53 arguably wants a little bit of theatre once you’re placing the shoe in. A “Highly effective” sound from the menu brings some manufactured throatiness, and is actually some of the spectacular synthetic EV sounds I’ve skilled.
Whereas the 300 and 350’s experience is plush for probably the most half, the metal coil suspension had a number of dramas on among the extra chopped up corners we encountered.
It actually felt its weight with some sideways jolts when hitting these bumps, and whereas the hits have been jarring, the soundness and traction methods did a formidable job of holding issues tidy.
You possibly can choice air suspension on the 300 and 350 for an additional $3800, which seems a stable funding. This Airmatic suspension with adaptive damping was deeply spectacular on the EQE 53, proving probably the most settled and cosseting of the three automobiles we examined, regardless of its AMG badge and popularity.
![2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE53](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_AMG-EQE53_3445_WEB-1024x576.jpg)
Effectively balanced, minimal physique roll and cheap skill to swiftly change course was obvious in all. All of the mass low down means dealing with’s prime notch, however such weight means there’s by no means actual outright driving thrills on supply.
The EQE 53 is, after all, probably the most spectacular. You solely want half throttle to fly between tight corners, and the way this lump holds on by turns with barely a quiver is mystifying. Grip ranges on Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, even within the moist, proved stable.
Much less good is the EQE’s braking really feel. It’s fairly unnatural when shifting between regen and human-led drive, which means the motive force loses some confidence and it’s not as silky-smooth as you’d anticipate from a Merc.
Regeneration itself isn’t aggressively harsh, however does spoil the sleek drive occasion. It’s finest to show it off totally when on the open highway, and flick the paddles to most regen for city use.
Speaking level
The flush door handles are stunning issues to behold, and could be set to auto come out as you method with the important thing.
![2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_EQE350_Exterior_008-1024x576.jpg)
You possibly can open them with contact as an alternative, and there’s fairly the approach. A faucet gained’t do the job, it’s extra of a caress.
All there to assist construct a correct relationship together with your EV?
Security
The EQE’s simply been awarded a 5 star ANCAP ranking, following the identical from Euro NCAP.
It scored 95 p.c for grownup occupant security, 91 p.c for little one occupant security, 83 p.c for pedestrian safety and 80 p.c for security help. All stellar figures.
Security inclusions are complete. There’s a complete of 10 airbags, whereas the Driving Help Package deal Plus has Benz throwing the complete suite in any respect EQEs.
Goodies embody Energetic Brake Help with cross-traffic operate, Energetic lane change help, Energetic blind spot help, Energetic lane holding help, Evasive steering help and Site visitors Signal Help.
![2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE53](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_AMG-EQE53_6489_WEB-1024x576.jpg)
Merc’s one of many higher manufacturers at calibrating its complete security inclusions nowadays. Not often was the drive interrupted by any vulgar beeping, harsh steering or over-excited flashing warnings.
Verdict
An electrical sedan with few rivals – we are able to’t get the same sized Tesla Mannequin S in the mean time; BMW’s i4 is a smaller sedan and the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan are chunk pricier than the EQE 300 and 350.
Rear seat and boot dimension apart, it’s an EV that works as a snug, luxe and massively well-equipped E-Class different. They could not look low-cost on paper, however you actually don’t really feel laborious finished by due to the splendid interiors and drive high quality.
The EQE 300 with non-obligatory air suspension seems the neatest alternative, as for true exhilaration (and also you’ll get it) the one approach is the AMG 53 route.
The most important barrier to this EQE sedan attracting consumers? The approaching arrival of the EQE SUV model. Pricier and with much less electrical vary, it’s merely the physique form most Australians will plump for.
![2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE53](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mercedes-Benz_AMG-EQE53_5824_WEB-1024x576.jpg)
Mercedes-Benz EQE 300/350/AMG53 specs
Worth: From about $145,000 / $165,000 / $230,000 drive-away
Fundamentals: EV, 5 seats, 4 doorways, massive sedan, RWD/AWD
Vary: 508km / 462km / 435km (WLTP)
Battery capability: 89kWh / 90.5kWh / 90.5kWh (usable)
Battery guarantee: 10 years/250,000km (70 per cent remaining)
Vitality consumption: 20.2 / 21.1 / 26kWh/100km
Motors: 1 rear 180kW/550Nm / twin 215kW/765Nm / twin 460kW/950Nm
AC charging: 11kW, Kind 2 plug
DC charging: 170kW, CCS combo plug
0-100km/h: 7.3/6.3/3.5 seconds (3.3 with AMG Dynamic Plus bundle)