ELECTRIC ELEGANCE (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mercedeseqe_2023

By Jonathan Crouch

With the EQE, Mercedes sets a benchmark for full-sized EV Executive Saloons. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 53

The EQE is the Mercedes take on what a full-sized, full-electric premium Executive saloon should be. Essentially, it's a downsized EQS, which means it's very futuristic indeed - and sophisticated where you'll want it to be, in terms of range and cabin tech. Still want that E-Class saloon? Try one of these first.

Backgroundword count: 198

Enough with electric mid-sized SUVs. What will the all-electric full-sized Executive segment luxury saloon of the near future look like? Mercedes says it should look like this, the EQE, a car that delivers a lot of the technology of the brand's EQS flagship EV limo counterpart, but at a slightly more accessible price point. The EQE's main targets are premium EV saloons like the BMW i5 and the Audi A6 e-tron, but it could also interest people looking at cars like Porsche's Taycan and the Audi e-tron GT quattro. Folk considering upper versions of smarter upper mid-sized full electric SUVs could also be interested, though Mercedes also has a separate EQE SUV model to interest them. Either way, the EQE's task is to bring its brand's latest battery technology to a slightly more accessible part of the luxury saloon sector - that for full-sized Executive sedans. It's effectively the all-electric counterpart to a Mercedes E-Class. Who knows; the EQE model range may even replace the E-Class line-up in the future. For the time being though, it's an intriguing alternative. And a mid-2024 battery and powertrain update has been welcome, creating the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experienceword count: 297

The EQE promises to be a sublime cruiser, with class leadership targeted in all areas of noise reduction. That's very Mercedes - and so should be the feel of the volume EQE 350+ model's 292hp rear-mounted motor, which is linked to single-speed transmission and uses a 96kWh battery offering 431 miles of range. It's fast too, the 62mph sprint dispatched in 6.5s en route to a high (for an ordinary EV) top speed of 130mph. There's also a faster dual motor EQE 500 4MATIC derivative which has a combined 408hp motor output, offers 387 miles of range from its 91kWh batteryand makes 62mph in 4.7s. Inevitably, Stuttgart has also developed a faster Mercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ model for those that might want it, complete with 4MATIC 4WD and a range of up to 312 miles. This offers 625hp and deals with the benchmark sprint in 3.5s. We'd stick with the mainstream versions, which see the EQE at its best when merely wafting along and making best use of the brand's typically well-engineered brake energy recuperation system. It's very impressive, possibly even more so than the top AIRMATIC+ air suspension set-up, though that's only fitted to the pricier variants. Whatever damping system features on your EQE of choice, you'll find that body roll's well controlled considering this car's size and weight - and there's also a surprising amount of cornering grip. Those wanting to improve things further and prepared to stretch to the top trim levels can benefit from the extra cornering stability of rear-wheel steering - which will also improve your parking turning circle. Highway refinement's exceptional, but if you don't like the silence, there are various selectable sound programs linked to the ebb and flow of the electric motor - 'Silver Waves', 'Vivid Flux' and 'Roaring Pulse'.

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