VEHICLE REVIEWS

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE Review: A Classy and Quiet Tesla Fighter

  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE: ($74,900 – $85,900)
  • Pro: The Mercedes-Benz EQE is roomy, elegant and quiet.
  • Cons: Slower than a Tesla and not as fun to drive as the BMW i4.

It’s safe to say we went for a great ride during the 2022 EQS, especially considering we awarded it our “Best Driving of the Year 2022.” Fortunately for us, and everyone who can afford it, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE is a smaller version of the S-Class. In fact, the EQE is the electric version of the E-Class sedan and the latest newcomer to the Mercedes-EQ line.

We had the opportunity to experience and enjoy all the amenities it had to offer. By the end of the week, it was clear to us that Mercedes would catch up with the likes of Tesla and BMW, but with the added touch of sophistication, the German brand caught on.

. It should already be in dealer showrooms near you.

Which level of 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE styling is right for you?

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Finding the perfect 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE is easy since there are only three trim levels to choose from:

  • EQE 350+: $74,900
  • EQE 350 4MATIC: $77,900
  • EQE 500 4MATIC: $85,900

Luxury electric vehicle shoppers looking for the highest value out of a Mercedes-Benz EQE can find it in the entry-level model. The rear-drive EQE 350+ is generously equipped with many features such as a 15-speaker Burmeister audio system, wireless phone charging pad, in-dash navigation, and more. Our test this week was the EQE 350 4MATIC sedan with the Pinnacle trim level package.

How does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE fare?

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 side view
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE makes you feel like you’re riding on a luxury cloud. With the optional sounds turned off, the engine is quiet, and the only noise that can be heard from inside the cabin is from tires rolling on the floor. Otherwise, the experience inside the cabin will be quiet as not much wind noise can be detected.

As for driving, the EQE’s throttle pedal is responsive, and the brake pedal feels surprisingly linear, considering it’s an electric car. Most electric and hybrid car brake pads feel spongy and non-linear. But the EQE system feels relatively “natural” to drive. Single-pedal driving is also possible with the energy recovery setting triggered to the max. However, we’ve kept it lower to make the driving experience more tolerable.

In terms of car power, it’s hard to beat the feel of an electric car when it comes to acceleration. Torque is instant and comes online with the throttle stab at any speed. Admittedly, we missed out on the insane amount of torque delivered by the larger EQS, but the EQE was no slouch. The force was enough to get us back in our seats and impress our unsuspecting friends.

Although it’s worth noting that the EQE’s power won’t impress any Tesla Model S fan, nor does it feel as lively as the BMW i4. Regardless, we thoroughly enjoyed the EQE’s smooth and hassle-free ride and wouldn’t hesitate to take it on a road trip.

How long does it take to charge an EQE?

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 at a charging station
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

During our week with the Mercedes EQE, we charged it once to top up the battery. Instead of charging it in our garage, we opted for a fast charger out in the wild. Starting at 53%, it took about 45 minutes to charge it up to 96% at 57kW. It also cost us $15 to do this, which isn’t bad considering the fees it saved us.

Accordingly, charging the car from 10 to 100% on a Level 2 charger should take about 9.5 hours. On a DC fast charger, charging a car from 10 to 80% should take about 31 minutes, so our real-world experience wasn’t too far off. Your shipping times may vary.

What kind of tech features does the Mercedes-Benz EQE come with?

Some of the notable features that the base Mercedes EQE 350+ comes with include:

  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Faux leather MB-Tex seat trim
  • Electrically heated front seats
  • New-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system with navigation and infotainment screen in 12.8-inch vertical format organic light-emitting diode (OLED)
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Burmester premium sound system
  • Biometric driver authentication with fingerprint sensor
  • Power tilt/slide panoramic sunroof
  • Lithium-ion 90.6 kWh propulsion battery
  • EPA estimated driving range of 305 miles

Our EQE 350 4MATIC test car came in Pinnacle top form, which added:

  • Driver assistance package (Distronic Adaptive cruise controlActive Lane Change Assist blind spot warningAnd automatic emergency Stop helpingspeed limit assist, active steering assist with hands-free warning)
  • Nappa leather seat covers
  • Steering 10 degrees rear axle
  • 20-inch AMG alloy wheels with aerodynamic plates
  • Digital lighting package (LED headlights, safety warning display function, moving welcome light)
  • Winter package (heated steering wheel, rear seats, windshield and windshield washers)
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Activate HEPA filter supplemental air control
  • Acoustic Comfort package (noise and heat reducing glass)
  • Energizing Comfort Plus selectable soothing natural sounds
  • 110 volt charging cable
  • Mercedes-Benz star grille

Is the 2023 Mercedes EQE safe?

Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA has rated the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE as of this writing. However, there is no doubt that the car is safe given the array of safety features it has. Standard security features include:

  • Active Brake Assist
  • Active Lane Keeping Assist
  • Blind spot warning
  • Active High Beam Assist
  • Surround view camera
  • Parktronic Park Assist (when activated, allows automatic entry into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces)

There is also an optional Driver Assistance Package that includes:

  • Premium adaptive cruise control
  • Active lane change assist
  • Active Blind Spot Assist
  • Active Emergency Stop Assist (stops the vehicle safely if the driver is unresponsive)
  • Recognize traffic signs
  • Active Speed ​​Limit Assist (with Distronic activated, it automatically adjusts the speed limit to the advertised speed)
  • Active steering assist (lane pivot)
  • Hands-free warning (reminds driver to keep hands on steering wheel)

How is the cargo capacity in EQE?

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 Trunk Space
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Numerous small compartments and storage pockets are located around the cabin, which includes ample storage space under the center console area. Unlike the EQS sedan, the EQE is not a hatchback and instead has a conventional trunk. This box measures 15 cubic feet, which is plenty of storage space for two spinning bags.

MotorBiscuit gives the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE a score of 8.4 out of 10

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE rear corner view
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

The editors at MotorBiscuit gave the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE an overall rating of 8.4 out of 10. We love the luxury and smooth driving experience that the Mercedes EQE offers and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone in the market. However, it’s not as performance-oriented as its Tesla and BMW competitors and we wish it had a few of the same features as the EQS. However, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is doing well to provide a more affordable and luxurious EV transportation.

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