Mercedes EQE saloon – all the executive-EV you need?

Verdict – Is the Mercedes EQE a good car?

The Mercedes EQE is the brand’s electric answer to the E-Class and sports more futuristic, unique styling than the better-known executive saloon. It offers sprightly performance and is comfortable, and even makes you question whether the larger EQS EV is even worth the extra outlay. That said, it’s not as practical as the equivalent Tesla, and is still quite expensive compared to the equivalent petrol or diesel E-Class, so buyers may take some convincing.

Mercedes EQE models, specs and alternatives

The Mercedes EQE is an all-electric saloon car that’s about the same size as the Mercedes E-Class. It’s significantly more expensive than the petrol, diesel and hybrid-powered model, but otherwise fills the same slot in the maker’s line-up as a large family saloon with a focus on technology and comfort.

Aside from the name, you might not have guessed that the EQE is similar in scope to an E-Class. After all, the aerodynamic bodywork – designed to boost range as much as possible – is very futuristic and unusual in contrast to the E-Class’ very conventional styling. Love it or hate it, there’s very little else (aside from the larger EQS, which is closely related in many ways) that looks as bold as the EQE. The EQE’s key rival is the Tesla Model S, although you might also consider the impressive Genesis Electrified G80 as well.

The longest-range electric cars on sale today

There are also new models coming that will join the EQE in the large executive electric saloon car class: the Audi A6 e-tron and BMW i5. You might also consider the Polestar 2 and BMW i4, which are cheaper and smaller than the EQE, yet offer similar or better practicality. The Mercedes’ boot is significantly smaller than that of a petrol or diesel E-Class, and there isn’t enough rear head or legroom either – it’s rather cramped in the back seats. All models but the more recently released and more affordable Sport come with a panoramic sunroof, so that problem affects most EQEs. 

That said, even the entry-level EQE 300 has a range figure of between 336 and 376 miles on a single charge according to official figures. The EQE 350 model is more powerful but has pretty much the same range, while there’s also a top-spec AMG EQE 53 version with about 280 miles of range. This version is focused on performance, and has a crazy 616bhp for a 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds.

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The high-performance AMG EQE 53 is available in two versions: Night Edition and Touring. The former gets gloss black styling accents and black wood panelling on the dashboard, whereas the Touring model is trimmed in chrome and gets a walnut dash.

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Another benefit of the AMG models is the ability to specify Mercedes’ expansive Hyperscreen infotainment system. Measuring 56 inches in diameter, this is perhaps the most futuristic setup in the entire car industry and comes at a significant premium. Yet, that’s not to say that the standard offering is anything to scoff at; this comprises a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, alongside a 12.8-inch portrait touchscreen.

The interior is definitely one of the main selling points of the EQE. Comfortable seats, high-quality materials and a reassuring build quality leave nothing to be desired. The tech is quick to load and feels state-of-the-art; our only real bugbear is that the E-Class’ physical climate controls are easier to use than having to adjust it through the EQE’s screen.

There’s one other point of contention, and that’s the EQE’s steep price – the later introduction of the Sport model helped matters slightly, but the EQE still starts from just under £68,000, which is almost £14,000 more than an E-Class. You won’t be choosing the EQE if you’re thinking about the total cost of ownership, because its lower running costs won’t offset the high initial price. However, look at the EQE compared to the larger Mercedes EQS and it seems a bit easier to swallow. While the EQE may be smaller and slightly less luxurious than the EQS, it looks very similar and shares most of the technology and materials, for around £37,000 less.

Mercedes EQE alternatives

Large electric saloons

• Tesla Model S
• Genesis Electrified G80
• BMW i4
• Polestar 2

Hybrid executive saloons

• Mercedes E 300 e
• Audi A6 50 TFSI e
• Lexus ES

Large executive saloons

• BMW 5 Series
• Mercedes E-Class
• Audi A6