2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE Review

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.

Based on the same EQ platform as the EQS, the EQE is similar in many ways to the EQS but is shorter and has a lower price. We've had the opportunity to drive both the EQE and the high-performance AMG EQE to see if they're merely smaller versions of the EQS. In many ways, the answer is yes. But there's more nuance to consider beyond that easy answer.

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.

At the top of the range is the AMG EQE. Like the EQE 500 4Matic, it has dual electric motors. But these are more powerful and produce a total of 617 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque. Still not enough for you? Opting for the AMG Dynamic Plus package boosts the power output to 677 hp and 738 lb-ft and raises the top speed from 137 to 149 mph.

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.

Slowing the EQE is similarly graceful, with several levels of brake regeneration (using the motors to charge to batteries when decelerating) to suit your preference. Under typical driving conditions, drivers won't feel a transition from brake regeneration to the physical brakes behind the wheels.

Handling is really where the EQE begins to differentiate itself from the EQS sedan. The smaller size, lighter weight and shorter wheelbase (the distance between front and rear wheels) all contribute to more agility and a more direct feel for the driver. While we won't call the base EQE 350 sporty, it will please sporty drivers more than the EQS. Even on rain-slicked mountain roads, the EQE instills enough confidence to explore its performance threshold.

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.

Braking power in the AMG EQE is smooth and easy, even when it's equipped with optional carbon-ceramic brakes. We're not sure the carbon-ceramic brakes are a worthwhile option since the one-pedal driving feature is so intuitive, we found ourselves hardly dipping into the immense stopping power of the mechanical brakes at all.

As you'd expect from the AMG version of any car Mercedes makes, the EQE turns into quite the serious sport sedan in its high-performance trim. Grip levels are very high, and thanks to the all-wheel-drive system, traction seems insatiable. The ride is definitely more firm than the 350's, but the adaptive air suspension does an excellent job both providing compliance and minimizing body roll. Once you get used to the extraordinary limits of the AMG EQE, you can really hustle it down a good road. Standard rear-axle steering on the AMG EQE is a noticeable benefit through both tight corners and tight parking lots.

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.

The EQE's interior materials are excellent. More commonly contacted surfaces are soft to the touch, and the harder plastics have a satisfying heft. The cockpit has the sort of Germanic solidity that epitomizes premium luxury vehicles, with no detectable creaks or squeaks.

Forward visibility is decent. The front driver's side roof pillar is moderately thick, but it doesn't dramatically impede your view through sharp left turns or through intersections. Taller drivers might find themselves a bit closer to the headliner than they like due to the EQE's sloping windshield and somewhat higher-than-expected seating position. The view out of the back window is limited to a narrow slot that is barely tall enough to see vehicles following farther behind.

Plenty of seat coverings are available, from traditional leather to a very convincing synthetic leather substitute. The more comfort-oriented standard seats can be optioned with massage functions and ventilation or swapped out for sport seats with more aggressive side bolstering to keep you firmly planted when you're driving with sporty intent. AMG models feature copious amounts of faux suede and distinctive contrasting stitching. The rear seats are suitable for average-size adults. Six-footers will be better served up front, but there is a wealth of legroom back there.

Behind the rear seats is 15 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is almost 2 cubic feet larger than the gas-powered E-Class. The EQE's trunk is about average for a midsize sedan, and the low and wide opening makes loading heavier items easier. In our estimation, it should be no problem fitting four carry-on suitcases in there. The only real shame is that the EQE didn't inherit the EQS' more practical and cooler (in our minds) hatchback design.

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.

But if you're at all easily overwhelmed or simply not comfortable with a massive amount of information and how to organize multiple displays, you might want to skip the Hyperscreen. It's just a lot to take in between the large, colorful head-up display, the ultra-high definition digital instrument panel and the sprawling center touchscreen — there is a massive amount of information at your disposal. We won't fault you for sticking with the standard digital displays.

Otherwise, the EQE comes with a pleasing mix of tech and driver assist features. All of the typical advanced safety features (frontal collision mitigation, blind-spot monitor and lane keeping assist) are available. They worked unobtrusively and created no false alarms or unusual responses during our initial drive.