Second electric model from Mercedes entirely developed as such, the EQE sedan intends to offer qualities almost identical to those of the large EQS, but with a more measured format and price. Test of the 350+ propulsion version.
Test car: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Electric Art
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From€79,300
no bonus |
Inaugurated in 2019 with the EQC, Mercedes’ electric range is starting to become particularly extensive. Already counting in its ranks the EQA and EQB compact SUVs, the EQV van and the EQS limousine, it is now complemented by a new EQE sedan. This is presented as a “small” EQS, like the E-Class compared to the S-Class for thermal vehicles. Second model based on the 100% electric EVA2 platform, the EQE measures 27 cm less than its big sister and displays the same size as an E-Class, with all the same 4.95 m long.
As with its thermal range, Mercedes continues to play Russian dolls with its electric sedans. From most angles, the new EQE we’re interested in today looks just like the big EQS. And it is above all the profile view that will make it easier to differentiate the two cars. The roof drop is indeed a little less fluid and balanced on the EQE, the latter being distinguished by its trunk, while the EQS has a tailgate. For the launch in France, the EQE will be available in the 350+ version, a propulsion of 292 hp, but also in a sporty version 43 AMG of 476 hp, equipped with a second electric motor and all-wheel drive.
Mercedes EQE price
The EQE may be the smallest electric sedan from Mercedes, but that does not make it a car accessible to ordinary mortals. The prices of this electric sedan start at €79,300 in the 350+ version with the Electric Art level, while the AMG Line finish claims €3,850 more (from €83,150). The 43 AMG model climbs again clearly in terms of exclusivity by being displayed from 118,100 €. At this price level, the Mercedes EQE does not benefit from any bonus but its electric propulsion allows it to escape the weight penalty, despite its 2,355 kg minimum.
The standard Electric Art finish offers a fairly complete endowment, even including some decorative features such as flush door handles. To take advantage of certain equipment such as the head-up display or the panoramic sunroof, it will however be necessary to dip into the catalog of options and select the expensive Premium Plus pack, displayed at €10,600. And for those who would like to benefit from the famous Hyperscreen, a giant screen covering the entire dashboard inaugurated on the EQS, it will be necessary to choose the 43 AMG version and pay an additional €8,650 (see all the equipment and options on page 2 ).
Autonomy and recharge time
If the 350+ is the least powerful and least efficient version of the EQE, it is also the one that offers the best range, with autonomy announced between 567 and 654 km in the WLTP mixed cycle. For good reason: it has the same 90.5 kWh battery as the 43 AMG and gains 95 kg on the scale while remaining a simple propulsion. While the combined consumption is announced between 15.4 and 17.7 kWh / 100 km, we managed to obtain an average of 17.5 kWh / 100 km on a route comprising mainly secondary roads and urban areas.
Throughout our test day, which is closer to a “mixed cycle” in the conditions, we approached 19 kWh/100 km, which remains rather honorable given the mass and the benefits of the car. In any case, hoping to travel more than 500 km without recharging will require keeping a light foot and avoiding expressways as much as possible. To fully charge the battery, you will have to wait 8:15 a.m. on an 11 kW AC outlet, while recharging from 10 to 80% on a high-capacity terminal is announced in 32 minutes. In direct current, the maximum charging power of the EQE is 170 kW.
Driving
Despite the more than 2.3 t of this large sedan, the 292 hp developed by our 350+ model are enough to offer it decent performance, with a 0 to 100 km/h announced in 6.4 s. A value that may however seem a bit fair compared to any Tesla model, or even a not much more expensive Porsche Taycan propulsion. It is true that the positioning of the EQE is more focused on luxury and comfort, which is confirmed by the first kilometers traveled behind the wheel. Very comfortable and quiet, the star sedan allows its driver to cover great distances without fatigue, while the steering offers an ideal consistency, sufficiently flexible in town and firm at high speed.
Our test model has rear steering wheels as an option (€1,600), which swivel at an angle of 10° (4.5° on models with larger rims). This technical refinement makes it possible to significantly reduce the turning radius in town and thus improve the handling of the car, while on a winding road. the agility is quite surprising given the imposing size. On the other hand, the humidity of the road reminds us that the Sport driving mode, beyond increasing the responsiveness of the controls and the engine, lowers the intervention threshold of the ESP and allows frank drifts of the rear axle. . An almost playful character which, coming from such a bulky and distinguished sedan, is surprising, but which should fade with all-wheel drive on the more powerful versions.
Nevertheless, if the EQE does not demerit when it is abrupt, it is appreciated much better with a flexible ride, allowing it to highlight its beautiful sobriety. On this subject, Mercedes has provided different modes of energy recovery when lifting the foot, which can be adjusted via the paddles located behind the steering wheel. Three levels of deceleration force are available, while a “smart recovery” mode can also be chosen. The latter is based in particular on GPS data concerning traffic or topography in order to better anticipate the phases of deceleration and optimize them. If this mode requires some time to adapt, it turns out to be really effective in the end, particularly in town and in traffic jams. Finally, as is the case with many electric vehicles, the braking seems a little difficult to dose, especially at the end of the pedal stroke, due to a consistency that seems to be constantly changing.
On board
Although our 350+ test version cannot benefit from the spectacular Hyperscreen (optional on 43 AMG), the atmosphere on board this EQE remains padded and exudes almost as much luxury as that of the big sister EQS. The materials used, as well as the assemblies and adjustments, are generally irreproachable and make it possible to mark a clear difference compared to a Tesla Model S which, at first glance, appears to be its main rival. The standing is clearly not the same. We note despite everything that some savings have been made in the lower parts of the center console and the storm doors, where hard plastics are in the majority. Nothing dramatic though. And, of course, the vehicle’s ambience can be personalized thanks to numerous choices of upholstery and dashboard veneers.
The MBUX system, with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and its large 12.8-inch central screen, seems almost identical to that of the S-Class. in the end rather intuitive to use, thanks in particular to the small touchpads on the steering wheel. The only downside for the latter: they do not allow you to adjust the sound as precisely as a good old rotary dial. Good point on the other hand for the screens, whose display quality remains optimal, as usual at Mercedes.
With a wheelbase of 3.12 m, the space for the rear passengers is necessarily generous, but it is not extraordinary either given the size of the vehicle. The roof guard may even appear a bit limited for tall people. Finally, the trunk capacity, announced at 430 l, turns out to be really fair for the category and is even exceeded by that of the C-Class (455 l), yet 20 cm shorter. A BMW i4, also belonging to the lower segment, is also better equipped, with a volume of 470 l. And we are not talking about the Tesla Model S and its 750 l.
Competetion
Faced with this new EQE, the competitors are currently few. The first that we think of remains of course the Tesla Model S, initiator of the category. However, the latter is currently unavailable to order. Not to mention that, since the arrival of the Model 3, it has focused on high-performance versions. At Audi, we will have to wait until 2024 before seeing the A6 e-tron arrive, while the i4 offered by BMW for a few months belongs to the lower segment (4.78 m long).
In the end, it is possible that one of the rivals that the EQE will have to be most wary of is the Porsche Taycan, especially in its recent entry-level rear-wheel drive version. Putting more emphasis on sport than on luxury, it turns out to be much more dynamic and does not claim much more on the price side (from 88,364 €).
Find the results of the test, the technical sheet and the equipment on the next page.
