In the space of three years, the 100% electric offer at Mercedes-Benz EQE has been particularly expanded. The EQ range, inaugurated in 2019 with the EQC, now has no less than seven models the EQA, EBQ, EQC, EQS, EQS SUV, EQV, and the latest arrival, the Mercedes-Benz EQE, which we were able to try on the time for a road-trip from Strasbourg to Geneva.
The EQE in the range is the little sister of the EQS, like the E-Class compared to the S-Class. With 27 cm less than the EQS, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is not a small sedan for as much and displays dimensions almost similar to those of the E-Class with its 4.95 meters long. And like the E-Class with the S-Class, the Mercedes-Benz EQE draws a lot of aesthetic inspiration from the EQS, so much so that the untrained eye will hardly tell the difference between the two.
The democratization of luxury?
The format is, therefore, more compact than an EQS, but the case generally remains the same with very similar onboard technologies, even if the EQS offers more as standard. For example, the spectacular Hyperscreen dashboard is only available on the top-of-the-range Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 version at the moment and as an option. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remains very neat, with quality materials and adjustments that are just as good. The lower parts, not visible at first glance, are not entitled to the same treatment as the materials in the upper part, but there is really nothing unacceptable.
Like all modern cars today, personalization is a must, and by digging through the countless menus that abound on the 12.8-inch central touchscreen, you can choose the colors and the atmosphere on board. The set is completed by a 12.3-inch instrumentation system and allows you to have all the useful driving information in view.
At first glance, the set may seem very complicated to use, and in the first hours of use, it is. The MBUX system requires some time to adapt, and all the technologies present on board are not necessarily essential, such as navigation with augmented reality, which is displayed roughly instead of the GPS map at the time of departure. Take an intersection.
Fortunately, everything is customizable, but it will take some time to master all the technologies that abound in the car. On the other hand, one thing that cannot be taken away from Mercedes is the graphic quality and the fluidity of its screens.
At first glance, the set may seem very complicated to use, and in the first hours of use, it is. The MBUX system requires some time to adapt, and all the technologies present on board are not necessarily essential, such as navigation with augmented reality, which is displayed roughly instead of the GPS map at the time of departure. Take an intersection.
Fortunately, everything is customizable, but it will take some time to master all the technologies that abound in the car. On the other hand, one thing that cannot be taken away from Mercedes is the graphic quality and the fluidity of its screens.
This is no longer really topical with SUV fashion, but who says sedan also says, family. And with its gigantic 3.12-meter long wheelbase, the Mercedes EQE offers quite a bit of space for rear passengers, although that’s not that great for a sedan almost 5 meters long. And with its receding flag line, the roof guard is just right for tall people.
On the other hand, concerning the capacity of the trunk, it is really very limited. Mercedes announces 430 liters, the capacity of a lower segment sedan trunk, starting with the C-Class, which offers 25 liters more with 20 cm less in length. To make matters worse for the business of the Mercedes-Benz EQE, it is a trunk and not a tailgate; the opening is, therefore, quite narrow.
The battery, charging, and autonomy
The EQS and EQE is the second model based on the 100% electric EVA2 platform. It has a generous 90.5 kWh battery capacity giving it a range of between 567 and 654 km. In addition to autonomy, consumption is also interesting since Mercedes announces data of between 15.4 and 17.7 kWh / 100 km on the WLTP mixed cycle.
On our test route of around 400 km and which globally integrated all the conditions of mixed-use, we managed to consume around 18 kWh/100 km without practicing eco-driving, and even worse, by increasing the rhythm on the winding roads of the Black Forest on the German side. With these data recorded, we could have covered more than 500 km on a single charge without too many problems.
However, it will be necessary to go through the charging box during long journeys and wait for around 8h15 on an AC 11 kW socket, while charging from 10 to 80% on a fast terminal is announced in 32 minutes thanks to a maximum charging power of 170 kW in direct current.
On the motorway, we noted slightly higher consumption at 130 km/h, and with the air conditioning, enough to drive around 400 km before refueling with electrons. That’s very good, especially since the EQE relies on an onboard route planner and an automatic regenerative braking mode that uses GPS data to optimize charging times.
Comfort as a keyword
Over our 400 km test, we were able to appreciate quite a remarkable comfort, and without doubt, one of the best, if not the batter, for an electric car. The work carried out by the brand’s engineers in terms of suspensions is remarkable, while silence reigns on board, even at high speed. Difficult to find a fault at this level; even the variable direction mixes consistency and firmness with ease. It is a treat of comfort.
But with more than 2.3 tonnes on the scale, the picture is inevitably tarnished in terms of dynamism. Our test model and its 292 hp are enough to move our beast with ease, and the performances are decent with a 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, but there is not much that transpires the dynamism at the edge of this Mercedes-Benz EQE. Something that should be corrected by the version signed by Mercedes-AMG in 53 with its 687 hp in peak power and its specific settings.
No, the thing about our 350 version is comfort, even if it’s not ridiculous at a steady pace, either. The steering rear wheels (optional at 1600 euros), which pivot at an angle of 10° (4.5° on models with larger rims), are no strangers to all this and give it overall agility. Quite correct during the sequences of turns. In reality, this technology is more useful to it in an urban environment with an interesting turning radius and astonishing maneuverability for a machine almost 5 meters long.
At a good pace, even in “Sport” mode, the Mercedes-Benz EQE cannot hide its overweight, with a front axle that sags on its support under braking, a slightly marked body roll, and rubbers that serenade a little too much. Quickly, well before even defying the laws of physics. No doubt, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is appreciated more at the rate of a senator.
Be careful; however, when the car is fitted with steered rear wheels, these steer so much that between the angle at the steering wheel that you think you need to turn and what is really happening with the car is a little out of step. Several times we found ourselves shaving very close to the edges without feeling like we were oversteering. Beware of beautiful (and very expensive) rims!
Mercedes has provided several energy recovery modes when lifting the foot, which can be adjusted via the paddles placed behind the steering wheel. Three levels of deceleration force are available, while a “smart recovery” mode is also included. This is based on GPS data in order to better anticipate the deceleration phases and optimize them.
Mercedes-Benz EQG will open improved batteries
As usual with Mercedes, the braking is excellent, even if the transition between regenerative braking and friction braking is sometimes hazardous, with little consistency at the start of the race and a bite that happens suddenly at mid-pedal.
Prices and competition
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is currently the most “affordable” electric sedan from Mercedes. The notion of “affordable” remains quite relative for this kind of machine since the Mercedes-Benz EQE starts in the 300 version from 79,350 euros in France and 83,250 euros for our 350 trial version equipped with the ” AMG Line.” At this price level, the EQE does not benefit from any bonus, even if the fact that it is electric allows it to escape the weight penalty. The sportier Mercedes-AMG 53 claims 124,100 euros.
And what do we have in the face of this Mercedes-Benz EQE? For the moment, not much. There is the Tesla Model S, which can also be in direct competition with the EQS, and which has just returned to order in France with its “Plaid” version. This version claims 138,990 euros, but with its 1020 hp and 600 km of autonomy, it seems out of the category, even for the EQE AMG. Smaller versions of the Model S should arrive at the end of the year in France.
At BMW, the i4 is a segment below but could be an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz EQE for those with a lower budget (from 59,950 euros), while the Porsche Taycan, the absolute benchmark for sports electric sedans, offers a separate philosophy, but today turns out to be the fiercest competition in our Mercedes-Benz EQE.
The entry-level version in propulsion claims 88,364 euros. It will have a little less autonomy, will be sportier, but at the same time less comfortable. And at Audi, it will be necessary to wait another two or three years before seeing the arrival of a 100% electric A6, which will result from the superb concept car A6 e-Tron.
What conclusion can be drawn from this?
More comfortable than dynamic, even with 292 hp under the right pedal, its pachydermic weight will not encourage sporty driving but rather long journeys in absolutely remarkable comfort. Autonomy is no longer really a problem with this kind of car clearly made for travel, even if the density of the charging network could still put off some buyers.
In any case, this Mercedes-Benz EQE has nothing to envy in terms of comfort and refinement compared to an E Class and an S Class, and one might even wonder if it will not play on the flowerbeds of its big sister EQS. It should also be noted that the Mercedes EQE will be entitled, like the EQS, to an SUV version which will be presented within a few weeks.
-
Mercedes Benz EQE Specs
| MOTORIZATION | Synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets |
| POWER | 292 hp |
| MAX TORQUE | 565 Nm |
| BATTERY | Lithium-ion (89 useful kWh) |
| DISTANCE IN ELECTRIC MODE | 620 km (WLTP) |
| TYPE OF LOAD | Adaptive single-three-phase AC and DC (up to 170 kW) |
| CHARGING TIME | Quick charge from 20-80% in 32 minutes |
| TRANSMISSION | Single-speed automatic transmission |
| TRANSMISSION TYPE | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-100 KM/H | 6.4 seconds |
| MAXIMUM SPEED | 210 km/h |
| LENGTH | 4.96 meters |
| WIDTH | 1.91 meters |
| HEIGHT | 1.50 meters |
| WEIGHT | 2355 kg |
| BOOT VOLUME | 430 liters |
| SEATS | 5 |
| FUEL ECONOMY | 14.4 to 16.6 kWh/100 kilometers (WLTP) |
| ON SALE | 2022 |
| BASE PRICE | $84,000 |
| PRICE OF THE TESTED VERSION | $98,000 |