Review by Veeno Dewan.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE joins Mercedes rapidly growing range of All-electric (EV) vehicles as a premium offering that is as good as they come. The EQE Sedan is equivalent to Mercedes’ current E-Class and is a striking looking car with its slippery flanks and sleek surface rendering. Low slung and with a sweeping roof line it has a particularly good 0.22 coefficient of drag. It has of course, all the latest technology and advances, there is optional four-wheel steering, All wheel drive and adaptive suspension plus multiple drive modes for performance drivers.
The EQE comes in four basic models. The entry level is the 350+ Sedan that features battery power, rear-wheel drive and a 288 hp electric motor that makes a combined 417 lb-ft of torque. The upgrade is the 350 4MATIC sedan that uses all-wheel drive and a dual motor set-up that also has 288 hp but an increase to 564 lb-ft of torque. There is also the top 500 4MATIC Sedan. (The subject of our road test.) which features all-wheel drive with the 90.6-Kilowatt hour battery and a dual motor set up amped to generate 402 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MTIC Sedan starts at a price of $95,000 in Canada. Options include the AMG Line Exterior Package, Multicontour Front Seats with Massage, Nappa Leather, Special non-metallic paint, and the optional rear wheel steering system.
The All Electric EQE is officially rated to deliver a decent 418 km of all-electric drive range. (Real world driving range may vary according to conditions.) Recharging takes 32 minutes to go from 10 to 80 per cent using a 170-kW DC fast-charger; and a rather painful 9.5 hours to do the same when using a Level 2 outlet.
Inside, the EQE is beautifully refined with an interior rim in choice of colors, finishes and textures. The cabin features64-color ambient lighting, and high-quality premium interior with elegant design elements in satin metal and chrome. Luxury is high with front seat passengers also receiving optional ventilated seats with a massage function. The rich leather finish on the seats, trim and steering wheel is understated and elegant. The stunning full width 56-inch Hyperscreen fully digital dash with multiple screens for driver and front passengers is an option. Otherwise, the 12.3-inch screen and 12.8-inch OLED multimedia touchscreen is excellent with its crisp graphics and new zero-layer access system that means you do not have to navigate sub-menus to access some of the key functions. Another highlight is the next-generation MBUX infotainment system that’s now offers a much simpler plain language prompt ability to respond to commands.
The rear cabin is also luxurious with ample space for two adults in the rear seat, that folds and splits with access to a 430-litre trunk. The only minor issue is as with all low-slung coupe style four door sedans; taller passengers have to duck down to enter and clear the sweeping rear roof line.
On the road, the EQE 500 is very quick off the line with an acceleration time of 0 – 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. The powertrain unit is exceptionally good with no hesitancy or the feeling the car is running away like some EVs. There is a wonderful sense of balance and poise and you can adjust the ride thanks to the Airmatic suspension option. This is a true performance sedan and unlike some EVs is actually entertaining to drive and push to its limits. Drivers can customize their driving experience with the optional drive modes. Eco and Comfort for normal usage and a customizable Sport mode for the feistier drivers.
The EQE is one of the best handling and agile of all the EV sedans I have tested to date. Its down to the combination of a fully independent coil spring suspension and the four-wheel steering which works by turning the wheels to 4.5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels. Excellent for parking and low speed turning. While over 60 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels quickening the responses in a controlled confident manner.
Downsides are few, a bit too much reliance on touchscreen controls, I would like to see some tactile knobs or buttons for the most used features such as volume and audio tuning and temperature Overall, the EQE is very impressive sedan and an excellent choice for those who want a more performance focused premium EV.
An AMG version of the EQE will also be offered with even more breathtaking performance. Like all Mercedes Benz offerings the EQE is expensive, but worth every dollar. Highly recommended.
2023 Mercedes Benz EQE – Priced from $95,000 plus options and destination charges.
More info at www.mercedes-benz.ca
