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Jun 14, 2023

10 Things You Need To Know About The Mercedes EQE

Mercedes’ new all-electric luxury sedan is ushering in the electric era for the

Mercedes’ new all-electric luxury sedan is ushering in the electric era for the German luxury automaker.

The electric era of Mercedes-Benz is now well underway, and playing a leading role in the brand's EV push is the new EQE midsize sedan. Mercedes’ new EV is making its debut for the 2023 model and follows the automaker's previous all-electric offerings, namely the EQS Sedan and EQS SUV, along with the EQB crossover. Of course, there are plenty of other electric vehicles in the works for the German company, but the EQE as a mid-sized sedan could serve as a flagbearer of the Tri-Star brand's electrification push.

Like the EQS sedan, the EQE is making a strong debut as a technological showcase featuring the latest and greatest in creature comforts, unique features, and safety systems. Additionally, the EQE provides respectable driving range and charge times, plenty of ways to maximize those miles, and there's even a performance version who want the most giddy-up from their EV sedan. The EQE already has plenty of rivals, including the Lucid Motors Air, Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and others, but as the segment is not fully yet ripe with options, the EQE stands out in several ways. Here are 10 vital characteristics and facts about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE you should know.

Related: 10 Things You Need To Know About The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long served as a smaller but much more affordable sibling to the venerable S-Class, and the EQE serves the same role within Mercedes’ EV lineup. The EQE isn't as large or powerful as the EQS, but it is still plenty practical for most people's daily needs, and it cost significantly less. The EQE starts at about $76,000 while the EQS commands a whopping $106,000 in its base version. The EQE offers generous accommodations for rear passengers, including 38 inches of rear head and legroom, while its 15 cubic-foot cargo area is enough for most daily needs. With its smaller dimensions compared to the EQS Sedan, the EQE is also far nimbler in the city.

The EQE provides buyers with some pick-and-choose for the amount of power they desire or require. The base EQE350+, which is powered by a single electric motor mounted to the rear axle, delivers 288 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, which will run from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The dual motor 350 4Matic AWD model provides the same 288 horsepower, but torque is upped to 564 pound-feet, cutting the 0-60 time to six seconds. The EQE 500 4Matic is far sprightlier with dual electric motors (and AWD) belting out 402 horsepower and a meaty 633 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes claims this model will zip from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

Related: 10 Things You Need To Know About The Mercedes EQS Sedan

Those who want the ultimate performer among the EQE sedan lineup can opt for the AMG-tuned AMG EQE. As expected, it costs significantly more than the non-AMG models with an MSRP of $106,900, but you get a lot more power for the dough. The AMG EQE develops 617 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque from its AWD, dual electric motor setup. If the battery has sufficient charge, the EQE can deliver up to 677 horsepower in short bursts. It requires just 3.2 seconds to run from 0-60 mph. Additionally, the AMG EQE is fitted with performance kit to take advantage of its extra power. This includes a standard air suspension, upgraded brakes (carbon ceramic brakes are optional), rear axle steering, and more.

One of the technology highlights of the EQE is its biometric fingerprint scanning feature. This allows drivers to use their fingerprint to automatically enable custom settings like driving setups, their favorite radio stations, and seat and mirror positions. Mercedes says there are up to 800 ways to fully customize the system. The fingerprint scanner can also be used as a payment authentication tool. The Mercedes Me app, which is built into the EQE, can store driver profiles on a cloud system and be used for purchases available through the app. These include digital services or hardware upgrades. The scanner is located in the center stack for easy access.

Related: 10 Things You Need To Know About The Mercedes-AMG EQE

A highlight of the EQE's interior is the availability of Mercedes’ Hyperscreen, a trio of displays that runs the length of the dash. The screens include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 17.7-inch center display and a 12.3-inch screen for the passenger that are seamlessly integrated. The Hyperscreen features crisp colors, beautiful displays and quick responses, and at night it makes the EQE's interior feel practically like an upscale nightclub. There are seemingly innumerable ways to adjust the screen displays, and the front passenger can adjust certain settings while the driver is busy at the wheel or use the system independently of the main display. When the EQE doesn't detect a passenger, the passenger-side screen shows one of several pre-set displays and isn't usable, so it doesn't distract the driver.

All EQE models are fitted with a 90.6kWh battery pack. As of this writing, the EPA has not yet published its findings of the EQE's driving range, but Mercedes estimates put the electric sedan at the lower end of mileage on a single charge versus many of its competitors. The base model will return up to 305 miles on a single charge, while the all-wheel drive 350 4Matic and 500 4Matic models will return about 260 miles. While those figures will fit the needs of many, they are quite short of the range offered by some of its rivals. The base 2023 Tesla Model S returns up to 405 miles, and the Lucid Air Grand Touring is rated for up to 516 miles with 19-inch wheels.

Related: 10 Fast Facts About The Mercedes EQG

The EQE probably won't win the contest for the most attractive EV sedan available, but its half-egg-like shape serves to maximize its driving range. Mercedes says it used much of the same styling and aerodynamic engineering on the EQE as the EQS Sedan, which has a drag coefficient of just 0.20, which makes it the most slippery production model through the air. Features like a smooth underbody, "mostly closed" radiator shutter, short front and rear overhangs, aerodynamic wheels, a low greenhouse, and sweeping overall design all aid the EQE's slipperiness through the air, and thereby increasing its driving range. Mercedes says it has also paid special attention to seals around the car to aid its aero efficiency and cut down on interior noise.

The EQE's aerodynamics certainly aids its efficiency, but there are some sacrifices to be made as a result. We’ve been behind the wheel of the new EQE and can attest its low greenhouse, sweeping pillars, sharply raked glass, and porthole-like rear window make for subpar outward visibility. Turning at an oblique intersection can require some serious patience and neck-straining. Additionally, the EQE's low profile can make it difficult for passengers to get in and out of the sedan without the risk of bonking their heads on the door frames if they aren't careful. Overall, the EQE's design certainly helps its range, but it does so while sacrificing some everyday usability.

Related: ​​​​​​​10 Fun Facts About The Mercedes-AMG One

The three non-AMG EQE models are offered in three trims — Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle — but no matter the choice, there are plenty of creature comforts bolstering the EQE's quality materials and soft surfaces. Standard models come equipped with niceties like a Burmester 3D Surround system, heated front seats, 64-color ambient lighting, synthetic leather upholstery, and a panoramic roof. Features in upper trims or stand-alone extras include a cabin fragrance system, four-zone climate control, active ambient lighting, six USB-C charging ports, a pre-entry climate control system, massaging front seats, and a whole host of other amenities to coddle passengers. The EQE's cabin is extremely quiet, but buyers can also pump in "Energizing Nature" sounds like those from the forest floor, the sea, or rain.

Mercedes claims the EQE can recharge its battery from 10 to 80 percent in 32 minutes at 170 kW, which is fairly speedy. But while you wait and a DC fast charger, the electric sedan does include some appreciated features. A Power Nap program automatically adjusts the driver and/or passenger's seat into a reclined position, closes the windows, adjusts the interior ambient lighting, plays "soothing sounds" through the audio system, and shows a starry sky on the center display. A "wake-up phase" slowly reverses the process. There are also games built into the center display, and drivers can either play solo or challenge a passenger in the front seat. Some examples include Tetris, Sudoku, and various two-player games.

Joe Parker is a nationally award-winning journalist and columnist from the Atlanta area. He has served as an automotive journalist for the past four years alongside extensive sports, business, government, and column writing. His favorite modern car feature is ventilated seats to combat the Southeast U.S. climate, and his heel-toe shifting attempts usually end in disappointment.