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Thanks: Silent Auto @Silent-Auto 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE Starting at $ Highs: Expansive interior space, truly tranquil ride, decent real-world driving range. Lows: Design lacks personality, illogical infotainment controls, not at all fun to drive. Verdict: The EQE is a fine electric luxury sedan, it just falls short of Mercedes’s best work. Overview The electric 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan diverges from the gas-powered Mercedes E-class in multiple ways. Not only does the EQE have an aerodynamically optimized design, but it also rides on a unique EV platform that delivers a roomier interior. The EQE’s cabin is equally as elegant as the E-class, though, and it’s lined with the brand’s latest tech wizardry. A trio of available powertrains includes a 288-hp rear-drive setup and two all-wheel-drive configurations with up to 402 horses (the mightier AMG EQE53 is reviewed separately). Mercedes claims the non-AMG model has a maximum driving range of over 300 miles; an EQE350 4Matic model traveled 260 miles on our real-world highway route. While all that makes the lozenge-shaped sedan sound like a compelling luxury EV, the truth is it doesn’t quite live up to Mercedes’s traditional tenets. Sure, the EQE is classy and quick enough, but it’s devoid of personality and not exciting to drive. An overreliance on touch controls further dilutes the experience. Then again, the 2024 EQE’s supremely quiet cabin and buttery ride might entice certain people, even if the rest of the car feels alien to the brand’s faithful. What's New for 2024? For 2024, the EQE’s regenerative braking system receives updated software that is said to provide an improved brake feel. The sedan’s all-wheel-drive system also adds a feature that automatically disconnects the front-axle motor to help increase driving range. Mercedes says other updates to the battery—such as optimized energy density—are added to help with increased range. The newly standard heat pump, which uses excess heat from the battery and powertrain, is another way to maximize range in cold weather. Despite all this talk of better range, we’re still waiting for the company to release official estimates for the 2024 lineup. Pricing and Which One to Buy EQE350 Premium: $76,050 EQE350 4Matic Premium: $79,050 EQE350 Exclusive: $79,250 EQE350 4Matic Exclusive: $82,250 EQE350 Pinnacle: $83,550 EQE350 4Matic Pinnacle: $84,740 EQE500 4Matic Premium: $87,050 EQE500 4Matic Exclusive: $90,250 EQE500 4Matic Pinnacle: $94,650 We'd stick with the entry-level, rear-drive EQE350 which comes generously equipped with a host of desirable features, including a 15-speaker Burmester stereo system, a wireless charging pad, in-dash navigation, power front seats with heat, automatic high-beam headlamps, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. We would outfit the EQE350 with the optional Exclusive Trim package, though, which unlocks adaptive cruise control, ambient interior lighting, and an augmented-reality feature for the navigation system. EV Motor, Power, and Performance With a single electric motor mounted on its rear axle, the EQE350 generates 288 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes says this setup will allow the sedan to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds on its way to an estimated top speed of 130 mph. The all-wheel drive EQE350 4Matic model adds an electric motor to drive the front wheels, but still only puts out a total of 288 ponies. An all-wheel-drive EQE500 version will be offered with dual motors tuned to make a combined 402 horses. All three configurations are available with an air suspension and a rear-wheel-steering system. We experienced the quietness and swiftness of the EQE350 during our first drive. At our test track, the EQE350 4Matic hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. It feels quick, but the EQE is no athlete. Handling is less satisfying than rivals such as the BMW i4 and the Tesla Model 3. Read More
