2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE Sedan — With peak 677 horsepower



Staggering performance
and an impressive Interior


By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com
 
(June 7, 2023) All-new to the Mercedes lineup for 2023 the EQE sedan tested here is the electrified version of the brand’s traditional E-class sedan. The EQE, albeit smaller, looks basically like the larger EQS Mercedes sedan with basically similar and equally impressive features and appointments.


 Mercedes EQE offerings include the EQE, EQE 350 4MATIC, EQE 500 4MATIC and AMG-EQE. The EQE 350+ and  4Matic are both powered by a single-motor with 288 horsepower. The EQE 500 is a dual motor 402 horsepower offering  and the EQE AMG with the same all-wheel drive 4MATIC setup is powered by two electric permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors that deliver a combined 617 horsepower with 738 lb.-ft. of torque thanks to a 90.6 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack.

The AMG EQE only delivers its ultimate power of 677 hp when driven in Sport+ mode and the battery charged to at least 70%.. Use Comfort or Sport and the motors are detuned to 80% and 90% of their max thrust, respectively. Drive the AMG EQE in its Slippery mode, which is useful for inclement weather, and the sedan is limited to half power for safety reasons.

According to Mercedes, the 677 horsepower is good for a 0-60-mph time of 3.2 seconds, the quarter mile mark in 11.1 seconds at 119 mph. That’s impressive for a vehicle weighing in at over 5,500 pounds. The AMG EQE has a starting price of $108,050 including shipping which is $21,000 more over the very capable EQE 500. Shoppers will have to decide if it’s worth the upcharge considering the acceleration punch is equally impressive and plentiful in the 500.

Mercedes says the AMG EQE has a range of 225 miles on a full charge, some 80 miles less than the EQE 350. The EQE accepts DC fast charging at speeds up to 170 kilowatts which can charge the battery from a 10% state to 80% in just over 30 minutes.

Since electric powered vehicles emit a zero amount of sound, automakers have been creative in pumping fake engine noise into the cabin often mimicking the vrooms, grunts, and burbles of a powerful V8 ICE muscle car. Dodge’s new fully electric Challenger and Charger are excellent examples resulting in mixed reviews from enthusiasts. Mercedes has taken a unique approach by introducing a symphony of orchestral maneuvers instead of the fake engine noise pumped through the vehicle’s speakers. It reminded me of the Dolby Surround Sound demonstration in a movie theater. Unique and impressive to say least.

Outside, the AMG-EQE sedan repeats the same shape of the larger EQS with its computer mouse shape design. Even with AMG-specific styling leading with its aggressive front-end flanks and rear lip spoiler does little to relieve the jelly-bean/computer shape looks.



We really liked the $1400 optional 21” AMG Y-spoke black wheels with the gold colored AMG High Performance ceramic composite brake calipers (add $5450) peeking out from behind — a perfect match with the $3250 flat graphite grey magno exterior finish.

Inside, there’s classy but spartan AMG touches limited to a few badges and steering wheel ornamentation. Infotainment and operational functions are displayed via a 12.8-inch central screen combined with the standard 12.3-inch gauge cluster. A dashboard-spanning Hyperscreen infotainment system which turns the dashboard into a giant glass panel with multiple digital displays is available but we thought the two screens were more than sufficient. Plus, we thought the genuine natural grain anthracite Linden wood dash panels and optional black/sable brown AMG Nappa leather upholstery gave the interior a beautifully appointed appearance.

The front seats which were upgraded in our test EQE with heating, cooling and massaging functions were roomy, exceptionally comfortable and with enough adjustments to find an agreeable driving position for operators of all sizes.

As expected from Mercedes, all switchgear about the instrument panel, center console and door trim was finely crafted, delightfully tacit, pleasing to the touch. At night the cabin lighting is an amazing wow factor of delight. There’s an endless number of ambient lighting configurations and colors that illuminates the instrument panel trim, door panels and even traces the multi-contour seats. The lights can even put on an animated light show for your pleasure.

Consistent with the brand, the AMG EQE comes equipped with a tour de force driver-assistance technologies including adaptive cruise control that can combine with lane-keeping assist for Level 2 driving aid to make commuting a bit more pleasurable and easier. Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard, something most people really care about.

Overall, the AMG EQE is brutally quick yet surprisingly nimble. No, it won’t handle twisty roads like the AMG E63 but it’s still enticingly addictive to drive especially when selecting the S+ drive mode which ups it to 677 horsepower. Some will no doubt find its looks polarizing with its mouse-like similarities. But reasonable people often disagree on things like styling. The AMG EQE delivers on the Mercedes formula of combining performance and luxury with advanced driver assist technology.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $108,050
Price as Tested: $130,240
Engine/Transmission: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC dual motor with a 90.6 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery paired with a direct drive automatic transmission.
Horsepower: 677 combined
Full Charge Driving Range: 225 miles
Seating Capacity: 5

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2023 EQE Sedan.

Competes With:
BMW i7
Lucid Air
Porsche Taycan
Tesla Model S

Likes:
Brutally quick
Addictive to drive
Luxuriously Mercedes

Dislikes:
Modest driving range
Odd brake feel