On sale for over two-years now, Mercedes’ EQE saloon has earnt a reputation for its refinement, comfort and performance. But, if you choose the AMG Line Edition, its £74,605 list price is a chunk of cash.
However, for £5,500 less, and launched at the end of last year, there’s the Sport Edition that we have here. It does without some of the more costly kit, such as the air suspension – but did we notice the drop in specifications, and did it change how we feel about the EQE?
Identifiable alloy wheels
Outside, the Sport Edition’s 19in five-spoke alloy wheels are its most identifiable features. Oddly, the AMG Line Edition’s wheels are the same size, but fill the EQE’s wheelarches better. Still these wheels equal the biggest range at 429 miles.
The EQE isn’t unattractive, in fact we think Mercedes has been quite clever defining what its EV saloons will look like already. With the faired in grille (with neat three-pointed star pattern on the E), front quarter lights, flush door handles and curvy rear light bar, you couldn’t mistake it for a rival.
Inside, the unpolished wood has been replaced by laser-cut three-pointed star trim on the minimalist dashboard. However, it still benefits from the excellent 12.8in central touchscreen, running Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system, which despite all its technology, is easy to use. Although, you must do without keyless entry, the panoramic glass roof, fully electric seats, adaptive cruise control, the electric tailgate and the 360-degree parking camera. We missed the keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, and the parking camera – but none of the rest!
Spacious interior
The driving position is comfortable and multi-adjustable, the one-piece seats are supportive and with that tall centre console, there’s useful extra stowage underneath. Move to the back, and like the EQS, legroom levels impress – even though it’s smaller. It is a wide rear seat too, with plenty of room for three adults – and without the glass sunroof, rear passengers gain welcome extra headroom. With 430 litres of boot space, rivals such as the Tesla Model S and even ICE powered Mercedes E-Class models have a bigger boot – although it is a practical space.
As for the driving experience, it’s unchanged over more expensive versions. You start the EQE via a button, then engage drive via the right-hand column stalk (as you would on any Mercedes model). Behind the steering wheel there are a chunky set of paddles, which work the three levels of brake recuperation – it works well. We found the strongest (level 3) was the best for one-pedal driving. There are also Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual settings; the EQE again felt happiest in Comfort mode, where you can make the most of the ride which is even more composed thanks to those smaller rims.
The most comfortable EQE yet?
Talking about the ride, our EQE Sport Edition might do without the air suspension, but on its modest rims this is no bother. In fact, we believe it could be the most comfortable and compliant EQE. Although it is more comfortable than dynamic to drive. A keener drive, like the BMW i5, would be more welcome. This EQE’s steering needs more precision, and you can always feel its 2.3- tonne weight in corners – equalling some body roll.
We had the EQE 350+, which has a 90kWh battery and 292hp, via the single rear motor. This means 62mph acceleration in 6.5 seconds and a licence-losing top speed of 129mph.
Charge rates of up to 170kW
Talking about charging, with rates up to 170kW, the EQE doesn’t work that well with home charging. Yet, it’s still possible to go from 10-80% charge in just 32 minutes, via a 170kw rapid public charger. Owning an EQE means you sign up to MercedesMe Charge, where multiple charge companies can be accessed via a single card.
You still really need access to a rapid charger to make the most of the EQE, and we wish it had more character, but even in entry-level Sport Edition specification, the EQE continues to impress with its high levels of refinement, comfort, and performance.
Positive: Refinement, performance, range, comfort, build quality
Negative: Expensive, charging, comfortable rather than involving to drive
Standard equipment: 19in alloy wheels, Electric Art exterior styling, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, 12.3in driver display, MBUX multimedia system with 12.8in OLED central display, Comfort seats.
| Model | Mercedes EQE 350+ Sport Edition |
| P11D | £69,050 |
| Residual value | 38% |
| Depreciation | £45,520 |
| Fuel | £3,672 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £3,180 |
| Cost per mile | 87.28p |
| Range | 429 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £23/£46 |
| Luggage capacity | 430 litres |
| Battery size/power | 90kWh/288hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
