Mercedes-Benz impressed us last year with the introduction of the EQS, the company's first all-electric sedan destined for the U.S. In many ways, the EQS sedan can be considered an electric version of the ultra-luxurious and gas-powered S-Class, but with its own high-tech personality. Now there's the follow-up, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE.
The EQE will be offered in three trim levels, starting with the EQE 350, which has a single motor driving the rear wheels that draws from a 90.6-kWh battery. Power output comes to 288 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Range is estimated to be 400 miles on a full charge according to the European WLTP standard. Just note that WLTP estimates are typically more optimistic than the EPA's range estimates. That said, the EQS sedan we tested returned 422 miles in Edmunds' real-world range test, an impressive figure that beat its 350-mile EPA estimate. We'll see if the EQE can exceed its estimate when we get one stateside to test. The EQE 500 4Matic adds a second motor for the front axle, increasing output to 402 hp and adding all-wheel drive.
Acceleration in the EQE 350 is immediate when you plant your foot on the accelerator. Mercedes estimates it will reach 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. This is a little underwhelming, perhaps, given that even a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus is a bit quicker. But we think most buyers will still be satisfied with the EQE's smooth power. With the simulated motor noises turned off, the midsize sedan is delightfully silent on the inside. There's no detectable electric whirring or road noise. Wind noise is also quite low.
If you do have a true need for speed, the AMG EQE may be for you. When equipped with the AMG Dynamic Plus package, Mercedes says the AMG version will hit 60 mph in a scant 3.2 seconds. During our time in the AMG EQE, we have no reason to doubt that claim. As you'd expect from a 600-plus-horsepower EV, the AMG EQE can deliver disorienting levels of acceleration. Like the 350 model, acceleration can be modest and near silent with only the increasing roar of the wide high-performance tires giving away your rear pace. But if you turn on one of the AMG Sound Experience profiles, the AMG EQE emanates unique sounds both inside and outside the vehicle.
All EQE models come with DC fast-charging capability of up to 170 kW. According to Mercedes, at its maximum charge rate, you can replenish a battery from 10% to 80% in 32 minutes. That's pretty quick, though not as quick, potentially, as the Porsche Taycan that's compatible with 350-kW DC fast chargers. For charging at home with a 240-volt power source, Mercedes says the battery can be recharged from 10% to 100% in 9.5 hours.
Whether you opt for the Hyperscreen, a single glass dashboard with embedded displays, or the standard dashboard with a more traditional but still striking touchscreen, the EQE presents a very tech-forward first impression mixed with all the other luxurious trappings you expect from a larger Mercedes sedan.
If you're seeking a futuristic look and feel, the Hyperscreen option will likely be a worthy option to add. It has all of the same features and functions of the standard dash but wrapped in a next-generation sheet of glass. The front passenger can gain a personal display just for them, to control many of the infotainment features without distracting the driver. In fact, if the driver attempts to view the passenger screen, eye-tracking cameras will spoil the fun and dim the display.
Edmunds saysThe 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE has a lot in common with the larger and more expensive EQS sedan. They're both blissfully silent as they cruise down the road and have a sensible amount of performance and range. The most noticeable difference is that the EQE's smaller size makes it more maneuverable and enjoyable to drive. Whether you want to enjoy your EQE in the traditional luxury sense or give most every other luxury EV a run for its money, the EQE and AMG EQE certainly have a lot to offer.
The least-expensive 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE EQE 350+ 4dr Sedan (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $74,900.
Other versions include:
