Mercedes-Benz EQE first drive down under

Mercedes-Benz recently launched the EQE sedan in both Australia and New Zealand with the first examples now hitting the streets down under. We jetted off to Melbourne, Australia to see what both the EQE 350 4Matic+ and performance-oriented AMG 53 4Matic+ variant were all about. 

The German carmaker doesn’t seem to be holding back when it comes to expanding its electric portfolio, as the EQE was introduced just after its bigger sibling, the EQS. It’s probably worth addressing the elephant in the room and that would be the fact that the two look awfully similar. The EQE is poised as a “slightly more” compact vehicle as it has a shorter wheelbase which measures in at 3119mm compared with 3210mm for the EQS. But that’s not to say it’s a small car though as its size is definitely felt on the road. It’s all for good reason though considering there’s enough space inside to ferry five people around in comfort without feeling cramped. 

Its smaller size also comes with an accompanying smaller price tag, with the top-of-the-range EQE AMG 53 4Matic+ going on sale in New Zealand for $195,000. While that’s still a fair amount, it’s a lot less than the $310,900.20 price tag of the EQS AMG 53 4MATIC+, which isn’t a bad deal for being 270mm shorter in length. For those that don’t want the full-fat, high-performance model though, the electric sedan also comes in rear-wheel drive flavour under the EQE 300 name. It shares an almost identical specification to the all-wheel drive EQE 350 4Matic+. Both non-AMG models still get the AMG Line interior as standard too and are priced at $132,100 and $145,000 respectively.

We got to sample the 350 and AMG 53 on our trip further afield, covering all bases from comfort to performance. Stepping into the EQE, the model’s cab-forward design immediately stood out with the steering wheel being positioned slightly higher than you’re maybe used to. And while driving, it often felt like we were peering over the dash more than we’d like. However, there was no issue in terms of forward visibility as the EQE’s aerodynamic design conveniently sees the bonnet disappear down into the road ahead. Its shape does have implications in terms of rear vision though as it was if we were trying to look through a letter box when glancing in the rear-view mirror. It’s also worth mentioning the EQE is a four-door with a separate boot instead of a hatchback like the EQS. The adjustable sports-style seats wrapped in Nappa leather offered plenty of comfort up front and felt supportive under cornering. 

As you can imagine, the EQE is loaded with tech, including a fully digital driver’s display that can be configured to one’s liking, a banging Burmester sound system, and a relatively straight forward to use infotainment system with the air conditioning controls remaining on-screen at all times. Another handy feature is the driving assistance package which makes motorway cruising a breeze. Things stepped up a notch inside the AMG 53 4Matic+ as the model was equipped with the ginormous optional MBUX Hyperscreen that consists of three different displays including one for the front passenger, which comes in handy when you don’t feel like navigating through menus while driving. Also featuring on the AMG is a range of driving modes which can be selected via a dial on the steering wheel, with the sportier settings firming up the suspension and quickening the response.

The entry-level EQE 300 can drive the furthest of the lot, with a maximum range of 626km  being supplied from the 89kWh lithium-ion battery. In saying that, it’s also the least peppy due to it only having a single electric motor on the rear axle that makes 180kW and 550Nm of torque. Putting the pedal to the metal in the EQE 350 4Matic+, we felt it hooked up nicely with the extra motor, making for a combined output of 215kW and 765Nm which is plenty for moseying around town or opening it up on a country road. There’s an adequate amount of range on hand too at 590km. 

Performance is where the AMG comes in best though as it can achieve a 0 to 100km/h sprint time in 3.5 seconds, courtesy of the 460kW and 950Nm output produced by its dual e-motors. The added power draw means the range comes down to 500km, but it’s worth it if you like being pinned back into your seat by sheer acceleration. For an extra $7400, you can equip the AMG 53 4Matic+ with the AMG Dynamic Plus package which boosts power and torque to 505kW and 1000Nm for a short time. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to experience the slightly faster 3.3-second sprint associated with the aforementioned package though. 

Its braking capability also impressed, more so on the AMG, bringing the rather heavy unit to a halt with haste. Carbon ceramic options are also available at an extra cost if you detest dreaded brake fade, but you won’t experience that on the road under normal operating conditions.

We can confidently say the EQE is a good alternative to the EQS and fills its role within the fully electric lineup well in that regard. Each of the three models are currently on sale now at your local Mercedes-Benz dealership or from its online store and come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.