2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 — Essentially a smaller version of the EQS



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(May 12, 2024) Mercedes-Benz was one of the early automakers to start assembling a portfolio of battery-electric vehicles. Now offering nearly 20 battery electric vehicles, the all-new mid-sized EQE sedan is one of the most recent to join the fleet. While SUVs are winning the consumer sales popularity race, we need only to turn our attention to the phenomenal sales success of the Tesla Model S and Model 3, both sedans.


For this review, Mercedes loaned us the all-wheel-drive EQE 350 4MATIC Premium, that left me with the impression it was an excellent scaled down version of the far larger, and more expensive EQS flagship sedan. For better or worse it certainly looked the part and an immense departure of the traditional gasoline-powered E-Class sedan.

Drawing comparisons to the larger EQS, the EQE is intentionally smaller, relatively lighter and more athletic than the previously tested EQS. In typical Mercedes intentions, the EQE can be optioned with virtually all the bells and whistles you will find on the larger EQS including finely tuned AIRMATIC suspension, audiophile, two choices of rear-axle steering, AMG-line interior packages and more.  

For 2024, the EQE is available in three trim levels, Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle with each offering standard rear-drive or optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive with a dual-motor setup. Prices start at $76,050. All three trim levels come standard with 90.6 kWh liquid-cooled lithium ion battery pack good for a combined 288 horsepower and 564-lb-ft of torque. An EQE500 version is offered on all trim levels and ups the horsepower to 402. For those needing even more performance, as expected, the Barons of Bavaria offers an AMG EQE53 variant with a massive 677-hp with pricing starting at $108,050.

The EQE has an EPA driving range as high as 298 miles on a single charge. Recharging the battery from 10 to 100 percent takes 9.5 hours using a typical residential 240-volt Level 2 Charger. Connecting to a DC fast charger, 10 to 80 percent is reached in 31 minutes according to Mercedes.

Outside, the EQE design elements resemble what some refer to as a jelly bean look. Its look isn't for everyone and we think it would help if the EQE looked better. We do like the front-end styling and the rear design is decent. Viewed from the side we were told by several it resembled a computer mouse. The shape certainly serves its functional aerodynamic efficiencies and is about as slippery as one could design. The EQE Sedan doesn’t have a frunk and only authorized mechanics can open the hood. The Tesla Model S and Lucid Air Pure both have accessible front trunks, for comparison.



Inside, and as expected, the EQE brings flagship EQS levels of visual and digital luxury and opulence to bear with cosseting leather hides, natural grain real wood veneers, a microfiber headliner, sculpted turbine-style HVAC vents at the Hyperscreen, Burmester 3D audio surround sound system, 64-color ambient lighting, energizing air control with HEPA filter with a selection of various interior mood fragrances, acoustic comfort package, and more.

There's a dizzying array of driver-assistance systems including adaptive cruise control that can adjust to prevailing speed limits, active steering for lane keeping and lane changes, evasive steering maneuvers, and more. There’s facial recognition for various functions, biometric authentication along with an improved “Hey, Mercedes” voice assistant is fluent in 27 languages and can learn to recognize individual occupant voices to access personal data and profiles.

The previously mentioned Hyperscreen conjoins a 12.3-inch driver’s cluster and OLED, haptic 17.7-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch passenger screen. Those displays are directly bonded to a complex, hot-molded curved glass that’s especially easy to clean, and adjust their brightness automatically based on ambient conditions. But know that the Mercedes MBUX information system has a steep learning curve with some illogical infotainment adjustment controls.

The EQE is easy to drive and delivers a calm, well mannered, and extremely quiet experience. Handling on twisty Arizona mountain roads is decently sporty and confident. Brake regeneration can be accessed in various modes via steering wheel paddle shifters.

Our test EQE offers a Beginner and Valet Driver mode (which limits the acceleration for temporary drivers) and a Track Pace option (which records your acceleration and lap times on a track) as digital upgrades, but all the standard driving modes are available as well, including Slippery mode, which maximizes your ability to control the vehicle on ice or snow. Sure, the ride is silky smooth and pampering, but any sense of fun to drive factor is difficult to experience with the driving dynamics uninteresting and routine at best.

For now, the EQE, like other EV brands and models cost much more than even the pricey ICE counterparts manufacturers offer. There's definite advantages over its ICE-fueled siblings and range anxiety while improving, remains a "high on the list" of negatives for most. It's definitely a different kind of Mercedes feel we've come to love and respect from its long history of delivering opulence to its loyal customer base.

2024 Mercedes EQE 350 4MATIC Premium

Vital Stats

Base Price: $77,900
Price as Tested: $97,615
Powertrain: Dual motor, 90.6 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, 288-hp with 564-lb-ft torque with a direct-drive single speed automatic transmission
Driving Range: 280 miles
Seats: 5

Where Built: Bremen, Germany

Crash Test Safety Results: Not yet rated by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Competes With:
BMW i4 and i5
Genesis G80
lucid Air
Tesla Model S

Likes:
Essentially a smaller version of the flagship EQS
Exceptionally quiet, comfortable ride
Loaded with state-of-the-art tech features
Variety of trim levels and powertrains

Dislikes:
Missing "fun to drive" factor
Fussy/confusing infotainment and operating controls
Modest driving range