The Mercedes-Benz EQE was doctored into the EQ lineup as the supposed sweet spot for prospective buyers.
Its big brother is the EQS, the gliding behemoth that wants to be the S-Class of tomorrow. Then you have the EQB and EQA, essentially the GLA and GLB with their hearts swapped for batteries. Somewhere in the middle of this alphabet soup is the EQE, supposedly the sweet spot of the range.
But, is this the E-Class of EVs, or has Mercedes overcooked its recipe?
The Shape of the Future… or a Squashed Soap Bar?
Let’s not beat about the bush. The EQE looks like the EQS. And the EQS looks like… a melted bar of Dove. You could be forgiven for mistaking the EQE for something designed by a wind tunnel technician with no access to a ruler.
Sure, it’s aerodynamic. Slippery, even. But elegant? That’s up for debate. Strip the badge off the boot and you’d struggle to tell it’s a Mercedes. There’s none of that bold three-box presence we’re used to. Instead, it’s all curves and anonymity. Especially from the rear, which has the visual impact of a deflated balloon.
Underneath the Bubble
Still, beneath that wind-cheating silhouette lies an impressive powertrain. The EQE 300 makes do with a single motor on the rear axle, producing 241bhp and 550Nm of torque. It’ll do 0–100km/h in 7.3 seconds, which, while hardly setting your trousers on fire, is more than enough for your daily commute.
The 89kWh battery is good for up to 635km on the WLTP cycle, though real-world figures are closer to 500-550km. Still very impressive, considering the EQE’s kerb weight a chunky 2.3 tonnes, with its buffet of onboard gadgetry.
Float Like a S-Class, Glide Like a Swallow
Where the EQE really earns its stars is on the road. The car floats across surfaces with the grace of a high-wire ballet dancer; eerily quiet, effortlessly composed, and absorbing road imperfections with all the fuss of a butler serving tea.
In fact, it rides better than the EQS. The EQE feels more resolved, more tied down, and less yacht-like, showing just how much calibration work Mercedes has put in.
Corners are child’s play thanks to the car’s rear-wheel steering, which pirouettes the rear tyres up to 10 degrees. It’s pure magic, and tight corners become nothing more than a simple flick of the wheel. This is what the EQE does best, and you’ll have to try it for yourself to really feel the difference.
Steering? Light but accurate. Throttle response? Predictable. Brakes? Ah. There’s the rub.
The Braking Paradox
The brake pedal in the EQE is, shall we say, not the car’s finest moment. It’s soft, inconsistent, and at times feels like you’re playing a game of guess-the-pressure.
You’ll quickly learn to rely on the regen braking system, which is thankfully excellent. You can adjust how much regen you need too via paddle shifters, allowing for corner-for-corner calibration.
Inside the Digital Cathedral
Step inside and you’re met with a cabin that is quintessentially Mercedes-Benz. Without the optional Hyperscreen component, the standard setup includes a 12.8-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch driver cluster.
More importantly, forgoing the Hyperscreen gives you access to tasteful wood veneers or metallic panels, fewer fingerprints, and a warmer ambience overall. Sometimes, less really is more.
Space up front is generous. The seats are plush, the materials top-notch, and storage is decent. However, rear headroom suffers due to the coupe-like roofline. Don’t expect a commanding view out the back, as the rear window is roughly the size of a letterbox slot.
The boot offers 430 litres, which is decent for a golfing weekend but not stellar. A BMW i5 or even an E-Class does better.
A first step into a new world
The EQE 300 offers refinement, comfort, and a genuine glimpse into Mercedes’ electric future, minus the sticker shock of an EQS. It’s better built than some rivals, but it still struggles to match the driving engagement of others.
If you want serenity, slickness, and a car that turns motorways into meditation sessions, you’ll find solace here. But if you’re after something with soul and steering feel, you might want to glance east to Munich.
Technical Specifications
Mercedes-Benz EQE 300 Electric Art
Engine: Single Electric Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 180kw (241bhp)
Torque: 550Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 7.3 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 210km/h
Battery Capacity: 89 kWh
Drive Range: 630 km (WLTP)
Energy Consumption: 4.8 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$424,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!
