The Mercedes-Benz EQE sits at the very top of the EV pile, promising S-Class levels of luxury in an electric format. It rivals the likes of the BMW i5 and the Polestar 2, while it is offered with a large 90.6kWh usable battery pack (96kWh gross in earlier long-range variants) and is available with several different power outputs, ranging from 292hp in newer rear-wheel-drive 300 models to 625hp in the range-topping, all-wheel-drive Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ models.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is a quiet and comfortable saloon that offers an impressive range, but it lacks a spark that makes it truly special. The design is relatively generic for a brand that was once instantly recognisable and the infotainment array takes up so much of the cabin, there is little room for other premium touches. That said, the build quality is excellent and the ride quality fantastically smooth.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioOn paper, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is an expensive electric saloon, with prices starting at £69,360 for the EQE 350+ in Sport Edition trim when new. These figures quickly escalate as you move up the ladder, with the more powerful EQE 500 4MATIC costing in excess of £90,000 when it was available new in the UK.
You’ll need even deeper pockets if you opt for the sportier AMG trim, with the most performance-orientated EQE 53 4MATIC+ cars exceeding £110,000 depending on specification.
Although it is not quite as luxurious inside, the Polestar 2 provides a useful comparison and starts at a considerably lower price point, while the BMW i5 is arguably the EQE’s closest direct rival in terms of size and positioning.
That said, the EQE hasn’t sold in the numbers that Mercedes-Benz had initially hoped and can often be picked up with significant savings on the used market, particularly if you are happy to browse AA Cars for well-specified examples.
Even the EQE 350+ feels sprightly on the road, with 292hp and 565Nm of torque provided by a single rear-mounted electric motor doing an excellent job of propelling the saloon from rest to 62mph in around 6.4 seconds.
Stepping up to the all-wheel-drive EQE 500 4MATIC version sees power rise to 408hp and 858Nm of torque, dropping the 0-62mph sprint time to around 4.7 seconds.
At the top of the tree sits the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+, which produces up to 625hp and 950Nm of torque with Dynamic Plus engaged, slashing the 0-62mph time to as little as 3.5 seconds.
Electric range is highly competitive, no matter the model, with even the performance-orientated AMG cars managing around 280-300 miles (WLTP) on a single charge depending on wheel size and specification.
But if covering big distances is a key consideration, the single-motor EQE 350+ models are by far the best, with official WLTP figures of up to 429 miles in the most efficient configurations.
Maximum DC charging speed is rated at up to 170kW, which Mercedes-Benz says is enough to charge the battery from 10-80% in approximately 32 minutes under ideal conditions.
Rivals such as the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT use an 800V electrical architecture that allows significantly faster peak charging speeds under the right conditions.
No matter the model, the EQE feels like a premium machine when out on the open road. It is impressively quiet inside, while the overall fit and finish of the cabin feels exemplary.
Power is delivered smoothly and effortlessly in a way only electric vehicles can really offer. The electrified powertrain also helps with the overall quiet and refined in-cabin experience.
That said, even when sporting an AMG badge, the EQE never truly feels like a lightweight performance machine. It struggles to hide its considerable kerb weight and the standard steel-spring suspension is not as dynamically focused as the set-up in a BMW i5.
On top of this, the EQE is a large car, making it tricky to thread through tight car parks and busy urban streets. This isn’t helped by the restricted visibility out of the rear window. Higher-specification models can be equipped with rear-axle steering, which significantly reduces the turning circle and helps mask its size in tight spaces.
If there was one standout feature to sway a purchasing decision it would be the EQE’s ride quality. Any model fitted with ‘Airmatic’ air suspension positively glides over potholed UK road surfaces.
Even cars equipped with the standard steel suspension do a commendable job of keeping the cabin isolated from harsh impacts. The BMW i5 runs it close in terms of comfort, but that car feels more geared towards sharper handling, as opposed to silent wafting.
As you would expect, the EQE’s steering is light and easy at lower speeds, but firms up slightly when engaging sportier driving modes. It is only on faster, twisting routes where the overall ride and handling show a few weaknesses, with noticeable body roll compared to key rivals.
That said, the EQE is a magnificently comfortable car in which to cover serious distances, with a refined cabin and one of the most relaxing rides in its class when fitted with air suspension.
All EQE models feature a large amount of digital screen technology and, particularly if you are coming from an older Mercedes-Benz, it can feel like a dramatic shift towards a fully digitised cabin.
There’s a 12.3-inch driver’s display mounted behind the steering wheel, as well as a 12.8-inch central OLED touchscreen infotainment system that runs the latest MBUX user interface.
Furthermore, customers can option the expansive ‘Hyperscreen’ digital display that spans almost the entire width of the dashboard, incorporating a dedicated passenger display. This can be used to stream media and access apps when the vehicle is parked.
As you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz, there are numerous premium touches dotted around the cabin, with wood trim, metallic elements and high-quality upholstery options available further up the model range.
With 430 litres of space with the rear seats in place, the EQE’s boot is adequate for the class, but it lacks the outright practicality of some hatchback-style electric rivals and the larger EQE SUV.
Space in the rear can feel a little restricted for taller adults, thanks in part to the swooping roofline. The exterior design also hampers rearward visibility, with drivers often relying on parking sensors and camera systems when manoeuvring.
The rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 split, expanding boot space to approximately 895 litres when folded.
There is no front storage compartment under the bonnet, unlike some rival EVs, but there are numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin.
Opt for the full screen array and there’s no denying Mercedes-Benz delivers a formidable, if slightly overwhelming, digital interior. The optional Hyperscreen integrates multiple displays beneath a single glass surface, creating a dramatic visual effect across the dashboard.
The latest MBUX infotainment system is quick to respond and supports over-the-air software updates. It features built-in navigation, natural speech voice control and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
It is worth noting that the Hyperscreen is a costly option and will significantly increase the list price. Without it, more traditional trim elements such as wood veneers feature more prominently, lending the cabin a warmer and arguably more classic ambience.
There is a broad array of trim and colour options available on the EQE, with a wide choice of exterior paints, interior finishes and wheel designs.
Trim levels in the UK have included Sport Edition and various AMG Line specifications, such as AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus, depending on powertrain.
Each step up the range adds larger alloy wheels, additional driver assistance systems and more premium interior touches, allowing buyers to tailor the EQE to suit their tastes and budget.
Euro NCAP awarded the EQE saloon a full five-star safety rating when it was tested in 2022. It achieved a 95% score for adult occupant protection and 91% for child occupant protection, alongside a strong Safety Assist score.
The EQE comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control on most UK specifications.
The EQE is still relatively new to the market, so long-term reliability data is limited. Mercedes-Benz as a brand has delivered mixed results in recent customer satisfaction surveys, particularly when it comes to servicing and dealer costs.
The most efficient EQE 350+ models can achieve up to 429 miles (WLTP) on a single charge in their most aerodynamic configurations.
Most other rear-wheel-drive versions deliver comfortably in excess of 380 miles (WLTP), while the high-performance AMG variants return between approximately 280 and 300 miles depending on wheel size and specification.
Thanks to its electric drivetrain, there are no tailpipe emissions. As of April 2025, electric vehicles in the UK are subject to the standard VED rate, currently £190 per year after the first year.
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