Mercedes-Benz is in the process of redefining what luxurious motoring is all about with its EQ line of electric vehicles. We first tested an EQS sedan last November and called it the Starship Enterprise. We have since been in two of the new EQS SUV models. As the name implies, the EQS sedans and SUVs are the “S-Class” equivalent of the electric Mercedes-Benz lineup, meaning they are the nicest offering from the luxury brand.
Therefore, this EQE is the E-Class equivalent in the electrified lineup of Mercedes-Benz products which means that you will probably see more of these on the road than any of the larger and more luxurious EQS vehicles. The EQE is smaller and more affordable than the EQS, with our test vehicle not cresting the 6-figure price range, unlike any of our EQS models.
As we have seen with all other electric Benz models, electric vehicles make a perfect fit for luxury brands. They are quieter and more effortless to drive and typically (at least for now) cost more than their gas-powered equivalents. Hopping behind the wheel of this 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ proves that EVs make excellent luxury vehicles.
EQ vehicles are defined by their aerodynamic “one bow” design theme. It is very easy to pick out an electric Mercedes with its simple and smooth lines that allow the air to slip around the vehicle and improve the range. The EQE wears this design language a little better in our opinion than the larger EQS sedan. Slightly more muscular lines and a tighter rear window just give a faster appearance to the smaller EQE. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so we will leave final judgments to you.
While there are 4MATIC versions with dual-motor AWD, our 350+ was a rear-drive unit making 288 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of instantaneous torque. Inside, the promotions were tighter than the larger EQS, as expected, but thanks to the availability of engineers to push the wheels to the corners of the vehicle interior space was still plentiful in both rows of seats. The overall design looks like it was ripped right out of the larger sedan with the exception of that smaller rear window.
If we were shopping for an electric luxury vehicle, this EQE sedan would most definitely be on the list. It is everything we liked about the EQS but in a more affordable and attainable package.
2023 EQE 350+ Sedan Specs:
Single Rear-mounted Permanently Excited Synchronous (PSM) Electric Motor
288 Horsepower
417 lb-ft of Torque
Single Speed Automatic Transmission
Rear Wheel Drive
Selectable Drive Modes
Comfort Suspension with Selective Damping
20-inch AMG Wheels
Heated and Ventilated MB-Tex Front Seats
LED Digital Headlights
LED Daytime Running Lamps
LED Taillights
Burmester® 3D Surround Sound
360-degree Camera System
12.8-inch OLED Center Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster
100W USB-C charging ports
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Proximity Key with Push Button Start
9.6 kW AC Charging
170 kW DC Fast Charging
EPA Estimated Range of 305 Miles
Starting MSRP $74,900
Price as tested: $83,455
If you are in the East Texas area and in the market for a new or pre-owned Mercedes, check out our friends at Mercedes-Benz of Tyler: