Test drive: five strengths and three areas for improvement of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 350 4Matic

Mercedes continues to bet on electric launches. A few months ago it introduced the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, a model that sits below the EQS SUV in size but comes loaded with technology and promises a range of 500 km.

We have had the chance to test the EQE 350 4Matic, that is, the version with 292 CV and all-wheel drive, thanks to its two motors and a 89 kW battery (the rest of the range uses one of 90.6 kW usable). In this test we will analyse the five strengths of the EQE SUV and three points with details to improve.

1. SUV design with plenty of interior space[+]

It is true that the exterior look of the EQE SUV follows the main lines of the rest of the range, with very rounded lines. That said, it stands out for certain design details such as the grille (radiator grille Black Panel), which features a graphic pattern based on the “star of Mercedes” design, giving it a distinctive touch.

The large wheel arches are fitted with 22-inch rims (optional; 20-inch as standard), which in my view are very attractive but oversized for an electric vehicle.

The interior space stands out in particular, both in the front seats and in the spacious rear seats, which offer generous legroom and headroom.

2. High-quality, avant-garde interior[+]

When we get into the driver’s seat of the EQE SUV, the first thing that catches the eye is the large, avant-garde centre console (our model “only” had two of the three available screens -hyperscreen-).

The finishes overall are very good and in line with the price (something that is not so common today in similar models), since the upper part of the dashboard is finished in leather with a soft touch, and the lower part is also leather, with a less plush feel but good quality.

Finally, the wood finish of the centre console, which minimises the unfortunate “high-gloss black” , increases the sense of quality.

3. A car for enjoying peace of mind at the wheel[+]

Although the Mercedes EQE SUV has 292 CV and 4Matic all-wheel drive, it is not a sports car, nor does it aim to be. What it does best is offer comfort to its passengers, a sublime comfort climate that lets us cover kilometres without noticing them.

The good interior insulation, combined with a suspension set-up geared towards comfort (sometimes too much), seats with several massage functions (optional) and a smooth ride.

4. Range of up to 400 km[+]

According to the technical data sheet, it is possible to reach 500 km of range, but according to our measurements and calculations, the real-world range is close to 400 km. It has an 89 kW battery that can be charged at up to 170 kW (maintaining a charging power above 100 kW for much of the time), and it can also be charged at a public charging point at up to 22 kW, which speeds up normal charging times.

On a trip, with a stop at an HPC charger (150 kW), we went from 0 to 80% charge in just 30 minutes. At a public 22 kW charging point, it takes at most 4.5 hours to fully charge (though nobody has charging points of that power at home, so charging at 7.4 kW takes around 15 hours).

The average motorway consumption during the test was 24 kWh/100 km, a high figure, partly due to its large wheels. The lowest figure in town was 22 kWh/100 km, which means a theoretical range of 400-450 km is possible.

On the motorway, consumption rises to 26 kWh/100 km on our usual route (Madrid-Galicia-Madrid), so a range of close to 350 km is achievable.

5. 4Matic all-wheel drive, a real plus[+]

Thanks to the different driving modes -ECO, Comfort, Sport, Individual and Off-Road- as well as the air suspension and off-road programme, this EQE SUV shows its most crossover side, proving useful in situations such as tracks or low-difficulty unpaved areas. Being able to raise the air suspension, plus all-wheel drive, means it can get out of situations where other similar SUVs would struggle.

As an optional extra, it is also worth highlighting the four-wheel steering, which makes manoeuvring very easy in any kind of situation, as well as outstanding agility on the road, despite not being a sports car.

Now that we know the strengths of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, it’s time to analyse three points I consider can be improved in this electric SUV.

1. Size and weight you can feel[-]

The EQE SUV is not a sports car, nor does it aim to be, but it is true that its 2.5-tonne weight can be felt, and so can its dimensions. At the wheel it does not feel light, and its size and height give it certain logical and expected inertia, which other similar models handle better, especially those with several driving modes and air suspension. So, if you’re looking for comfortable driving, it is a very comfortable car, but if you want something more dynamic, it is not its strong point despite its nearly 300 CV.

2. Complexity of driver assistance systems[-]

It is increasingly complicated to access, switch off or adjust the various driver assistance systems fitted to a vehicle. Assistants such as lane departure correction, which are extremely interventionist in driving, and in order to switch them off, you need a master’s degree in technology, because it is not easy.

Precisely another of the drawbacks we found in this EQE SUV is the operation of the door handles (which automatically retract into the bodywork). But often, when opening the car and trying to get in, if we are in a hurry, the system is not as quick and refined as it should be in deploying the door handles and allowing us to operate them.

3. Final price and somewhat high optional equipment[-]

Electric cars usually have a high starting price, but it is true that in recent months the market has seen more competitively priced launches and competition between similar models has grown.
This Mercedes EQE SUV starts at 91,629 euros (the 350+ version). That said, at least all the equipment can be grouped into several packages (which include what is needed) called “Electric Air” or “AMG Line”, priced between 5,000 and 19,547 euros.

Our unit had the AMG line in its most complete level (19,547 euros extra) but the equipment includes: a premium 14-speaker sound system, AMG design line, head-up display, massage leather seats, reinforced glass laminate for better acoustics, rear-wheel steering, panoramic glass roof, fully automatic full-LED headlights, among other elements.

With all of the above, the tested unit has a price exceeding 114,000 euros.

Personal opinion

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is a car that radiates avant-garde style, not only in its design, but this is also noticeable in its comprehensive technological equipment, from all kinds of assistants to details such as the front camera activating when we reach a traffic light so it is easier to see.

It is an interesting car for those looking for a spacious, comfortable vehicle with technology. But don’t look for sportiness; in exchange, life on board flows in a way few vehicles can offer. That said, you will have to pay up if we want all that avant-garde equipped in our EQE SUV.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira