2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

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). The EPA rates the EQE sedan for as high as 298 miles per charge; 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 slightly 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

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.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The EQE features a 90.6-kWh battery pack that's good enough for a driving range estimate from the EPA of up to 298 miles. Mercedes says the battery can be charged from 10 to 100 percent in 9.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger. Plugging the EQE into a DC fast charger is said to charge its battery from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes, according to Mercedes.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA's fuel economy estimates for the EQE are as high as 98 MPGe city and 94 MPGe highway, but that's for the single-motor EQE350+ model. The dual-motor EQE350 4Matic is rated for 86 MPGe city and 96 MPGe highway. On our 75-mph fuel-economy test route we recorded only 67 MPGe and a highway range of 260 miles with our EQE350 4Matic test vehicle. For more information about the EQE's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the EQE combines an elegant design with rich materials as well as generous passenger space and cubby storage. A floating center console separates the front seats, which come standard with heated and ventilated cushions. These thrones can also be upgraded with massage functions. Every EQE has a panoramic sunroof and customizable ambient interior lighting that traces the dash and doors, creating a distinct aesthetic when lit. Unfortunately, while we love the interior's lovely aesthetic, we wish the sedan's outward visibility was better. Its cabin can be further decked out with options such as a head-up display, four-zone climate control, and front doors that can be opened and closed automatically. The EQE's skateboard-like electric platform is a boon to packaging, providing comfortable passenger accommodations and competitive cargo capacity.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The EQE's standard infotainment system runs through a 12.3-inch touchscreen. It features a fingerprint scanner that lets users access individual profiles. Also standard is a Burmester sound system and a wireless device charger. During our first drive, we noted some quirks with how the navigation system's augmented reality video feed is displayed, along with the unnecessary way the route appears on three separate screens.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every EQE is equipped with a host of driver-assistance technology, and it can be upgraded with an array of even more advanced equipment. The list of options includes a 360-degree camera system, automatic high-beam headlights, and a self-parking feature. During our hands-on drive, we noted some skittishness on tight roads as well as late braking. For more information about the EQE's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes provides limited and powertrain coverages for its current production models that align with most rival luxury automakers. However, unlike BMW and Jaguar, the company doesn't provide any complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs