Test Drive of the Mercedes-Benz EQE: A Smaller EQS

Mercedes-Benz has shrunk the EQS – to be precise, by one battery cell row or nine centimeters between the wheels and a good 25 centimeters in total. Inside, it retains generous legroom, even in the rear, where it pinches doubly in the roof area: on one hand, the retracting roof gets very close to tall passengers, and on the other, the hinges of a tailgate would have additionally restricted headroom in the rear – and since the EQE, unlike the EQS, is built more with steel rather than aluminum, they decided on a somewhat impractical trunk lid. This also helps with body rigidity and costs, as it's cheaper. Some weight-optimized surfaces, which creatively simulate wood or fabric but are simply hard plastic, also appear "cheaper." This could be countered mainly on the passenger side with the Hyperscreen, which costs a hefty 7000 Euro extra and makes a bigger impact on the EQE than on the EQS. The remaining details down to the decorative stitching are high-quality, as are the generously padded seats that can optionally be "upholstered" with heating, cooling, and massage functions. Absolutely suitable for long distances.

E for "Executive": Quiet and comfortable

Time to press the start button and quietly set off – which the EQE handles extremely well, especially as a rear-wheel drive, because you can barely hear anything! Meanwhile, in the EQE500 4matic, the front electric motor provides audible tram-like sound if you don't activate the artificial sound. And since the EQE350 plus with 215 kW and 565 Nm already offers more than enough punch, we give this our clear recommendation. Sure, the 500 adds another significant punch with 300 kW and 858 Nm, but it can rarely be fully experienced in everyday use. Especially as the EQE 350+ reaches up to 654 kilometers of range according to WLTP. Driven prudently and not overly frugally, about 400 kilometers remains realistic. You can get assistance from the navigation system, which intelligently recuperates on the entered route.

And since the EQE can recharge with up to 170 kW at a fast charger, it’s also suitable for long distances. Or in other words: within 15 minutes, up to 35.55 kWh can be recharged in the EQE – that corresponds to a range of up to 250 kilometers on a WLTP basis. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz now wants to make charging more attractive with its own tariff packages: There are S, M, and L packages, with the EQE including the latter free for one year (otherwise 17.90 Euro per month), enabling the use of lower unit rates – regardless of which of the over 300,000 charging points you choose EU-wide. Thus, the "E-Class" can certainly be considered long-distance suitable in both senses. And those who use it may appreciate the generous battery certificate: it is valid for up to ten years or a mileage of up to 250,000 kilometers.

The controls have also taken another step forward: we still find the controversial sliders on the steering wheel to be well implemented, although we were always bothered by the opposite movement of the windows called up when swiping, which now simply "pop up." These are details but better than before. Otherwise, even without the Hyperscreen, the operation is very manageable since much is placed in the first or at most the second level and the voice recognition is among the best.

The "good" also includes the chassis, optionally with rear-axle steering, which sovereignly absorbs practically all bumps even on third-class roads without feeling spongy. Nevertheless, it clearly fans comfort, and thus stands in the best Mercedes-Benz tradition.

Weight and consumption are also (unfortunately) "traditional"

The "tradition" in a negative sense includes the noticeable weight of a good 2.3 tons – a problem that almost all electric car manufacturers struggle with – and the consequently not outstanding consumption, which, despite great aerodynamics, benefits more on long distances from the low air resistance than in the city and on winding country roads, where the weight has a greater impact. Nevertheless, it’s hard to get below 20 kWh/100 km. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz saves on a heat pump. The drive, like in the EQS, comes from Valeo, and here too, the French have already developed a more efficient successor.

But as mentioned, even the E350+ offers casual long-distance capability on par with the EQS. Thus, it is a full-fledged replacement for the E-Class without the second E in the name – and in fact, the biggest compromise compared to the EQS, in our opinion, is: a large trunk lid!

What does that mean?

In terms of package, the EQE was certainly the most challenging model on the still-young EVA-2 platform, upon which the compact-looking EQS and EQE SUVs will follow in 2022 as replacements for the GLS and GLE. Unfortunately, the shortened length compared to the EQS results in some points lost in aerodynamics and the rear – otherwise, the "E" can (almost) do everything as well as the big brother due to many shared components. Those seeking a long-distance capable business sedan and who can forgo the last ounce of trunk space and variability will get an executive-class vehicle in the truest sense of the word.