2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2023 EQE sedan is the second all-new, all-electric sedan from Mercedes-Benz, following the larger EQS sedan to market. This midsize four-door is the green alternative to the automaker’s gasoline-powered E-Class, though it is a bit larger, making it closer in size to the current CLS sedan. From the outside, the EQE is sleek and rounded to maximize aerodynamic efficiencies. Stylistically, it's very similar to the EQS, with a bold three-pointed star emblem on the nose, large cutaways under the headlights that are akin to air inlets, flush-mounted door handles, and a tapering tail. Reactions are mixed, with some praising its simple and elemental shape, while others criticize it for the same reasons.

The interior is far less polarizing and has a distinct futuristic appearance with a large central touchscreen and digital instrument panel. Optionally, you can get the Hyperscreen dash that replaces the dash with a single sheet of glass that houses both displays. It's a stunner, but not without some drawbacks as noted below. The high-tech look is further enhanced by evocative ambient lighting strips that encircle the cockpit.

As a premium Mercedes-Benz, materials quality is excellent throughout the cabin. The standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery could easily be mistaken for genuine leather, which is offered as an option along with Nappa leather. Construction is also very sturdy, with no detectable creaks or squeaks, even when on rough roads.

In essence, the EQE is as beautifully crafted as the more expensive EQS and gas-powered S-Class, which is nearly unassailable among luxury cars. If you value refinement in an impeccable interior, you can't do any better among electric cars.

In Canada, the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan is available in three flavours with distinct specs. The base EQE 350 4Matic has a pair of electric motors to create electric all-wheel drive (AWD) and produces 288 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque. It's estimated to accelerate to 100 kilometres per hour in 6.3 seconds, which is slower than some rivals but is still quicker than most drivers will ever need. The EQE 500 4Matic is also all-wheel-drive, but its power increases to 402 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque, and it should hit 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.

The high-performance AMG EQE 4Matic+ also has all-wheel-drive as standard and power increases to 617 hp and 701 lb-ft. 100 km/h should be reached in 3.5 seconds.

Driving range is estimated at 418 kilometres for the EQE 350 and the EQE 500, while the AMG EQE has an estimated range of 362 kilometres.

Although its 0-100 sprint isn’t overwhelming, the base EQE 350 still launches from a stop with instant power that would alarm anyone who hasn't been in an EV. Before you know it, you'll be exceeding the speed limit because the relative silence can be deceiving. The EQE 500 is only slightly more aggressive, which leads us to believe from our test drives that the EQE 350 could be the sweet spot in the lineup.

Two steering-wheel paddles control brake regeneration, which uses the momentum of the vehicle to recharge the battery pack. With regeneration off, the EQE coasts when you let off the throttle. The normal regeneration mode gently slows the vehicle in the same way you'd expect in a gasoline-powered car. At its highest regeneration setting, lifting off the throttle is akin to gently applying the brakes and is the most efficient way to drive for most people. It also allows for one-pedal driving if you dig into the settings and disable creep mode.

Handling is excellent for a luxurious sedan thanks to the low centre of gravity that comes with having the heavy batteries mounted in the floor. Supporting EQE models aren't as sporty as a BMW i4 or Audi e-tron GT, but the AMG model should deliver similar overall performance.

Despite the EQE's strong cornering abilities, the ride quality is smooth and comfortable, even more so with the optional air suspension. You'll feel some initial impacts from potholes and bumps, but they're not intrusive and the sedan feels poised and settled. Rear-axle steering is standard on the AMG EQE and available on the supporting 350 and 500 trims. It allows the rear wheels to turn as far as 10 degrees, drastically reducing the space needed for U-turns.

In standard form, the EQE's interior features a large infotainment screen in the middle of the dash and a separate tablet-like screen for the instrument panel. Optionally, you can add the Hyperscreen, which encloses both screens in a single sheet of glass that spans the entire dash. It's a striking look, and you can add a third screen for the passenger, allowing them to control many functions, including navigation. As visually impactful as the Hyperscreen is, it's not our preference because of its rather harsh and distracting reflections.

The well-shaped front seats provide plenty of all-day comfort and lateral support when you're cornering. Available seat ventilation and massage functions are a great addition to keep you feeling fresh, especially on longer drives. Up front, there's also plenty of storage for your personal items. Under a sliding panel, there are two cupholders and a wireless charging tray for your phone. Under the armrest is a large central bin, and you also have well-sized door pockets that can keep drink bottles secure. Somewhat hidden under the centre console is another large tray that can hold a jacket or large purse.

The rear seats can easily accommodate adult passengers in legroom, though taller occupants may run out of headroom. Two USB-C charge ports will keep their devices charged and individual climate controls are available for the outboard passengers as an option. Behind the seats, the trunk can hold approximately 430 litres of cargo, which isn't an impressive figure, but the space itself is very usable and should easily fit four carry-on suitcases. Unlike other EVs, the EQE does not have a frunk, or front trunk.

Charging is certainly one of the central concerns of any EV owner and the EQE is as capable as most rivals. On a typical level 2 charger, it can take as long as 9.5 hours to charge from 10 percent capacity to full. All EQEs are able to utilize DC fast charging with a maximum rate of 170 kW. That should get you from 10 percent to 80 percent charge in only 32 minutes.

The EQE has a distinct technology advantage over much of its competition, thanks to the Mercedes MBUX infotainment system. The main screen displays a lot of useful information and controls, so you won't have to dig through menus to get to commonly used features. The on-screen buttons are large for easy use and the responses are quick. One of the best features is the natural-language voice activation system. It's triggered by saying, "Hey Mercedes" and allows control over myriad systems from comfort to audio and navigation.

Further enhancing ease-of-use is an optional augmented reality overlay for navigation prompts. It shows a live view of the road ahead in the main screen and animates arrows where you should turn. That helpful function is also available in the head-up display if you spring for that option. If multiple drivers are expected, they can set up their own set of preferences and activate them by touching a fingerprint scanner at the bottom of the screen.

As is typical for most EVs, the navigation map displays nearby charge stations, but the EQE goes a step further with the Mercedes me Charge feature. Once set-up and activated, you can take advantage of compatible stations that start charging once plugged in. You won't have to swipe your credit or network card, as billing is automatically handled within your account and it's available on several networks.

A Burmester 3D sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard equipment on all grades.

Crash tests have not yet been published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). We'd be genuinely shocked if the EQE isn't awarded top scores, considering Mercedes's reputation for safety and innovation.

In Canada, standard safety and driver assistance technologies include a basic blind spot assist system, driver attention monitoring, forward collision mitigation, and a surround-view camera. Optional technology includes a more advanced blind spot monitoring system with front and rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive high beams, lane keep assist and lane change assist, evasive steering assist, speed limit assist, active cruise control with stop and go functionality, safe exit assist, and more.

Canadian pricing for the 2023 Mercedes-EQ EQE 350 4Matic starts at new vehicle pricing of $85,600. This price does not include destination charges, which vary by individual dealership across the country. The top starting price is for the 2023 Mercedes-EQ AMG EQE, set at $121,500 before fees. That would place the latter in league with the Porsche Taycan, which starts around $131,700. The entry point EQE 350 is more expensive than the BMW i4 that starts around $54,990. It's a relative bargain compared to the Audi e-tron GT that starts at $138,900. Regardless, every EQE is too expensive to qualify for federal or provincial EV incentive programs.

The EQE and its rivals are more expensive than similarly sized non-EV luxury vehicles, but it's critical to think of the purchase as including a big chunk of your fuel costs over the years. The added cost of the EV should be recovered after a few short years when you consider that electricity can cost a fraction of gasoline to go an equivalent distance. Past the break-even period for price, your savings will only increase.

Note: Images show a US model.