2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 AWD: The Luxury Brand’s Midsize All-Electric Crossover

Highlight: The rear wheel drive and the all-wheel drive EQE 350 are priced the same.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $89,950 (Base Model: $79,050)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; adaptive high beam assist headlights; an adaptive lane keep assist system; an electronic blindspot system; and rain-sensing wipers

Standard Equipment: 19-inch wheels; 298-mile driving range; 90.6 kWh battery; free 2 years of DC Fast Charging; a rear wheel drive; 12-inch instrument cluster; a 12-inch touchscreen; pseudo leather seats; massaging front seats; a keyless entry system; an automatic climate control system; driving modes; wireless smartphone charging; illuminated door sill plates; a panoramic sunroof; fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication of the driver; a navigation system; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; DC quick charger compatible; power folding side mirrors; and a brake hold feature

Test Model's Additional Standard Equipment: 304-mile driving range; all-wheel drive; dual permanently synchronous electric motors; 89.0 kWh battery; and the standard equipment

Options: home charging cable; beginner and valet driver program; energizer air control plus with HEPA filter; acoustic comfort package; all-season tires; 20-inch wheels; rear axle steering; ventilated front seats; a four zone climate control system; black carpeted trunk mat; active driving assist; active lane changing system; active emergency assist steering; evasive steering assist system; an active speed limit assist system; a traffic sign assist system; digital light LED headlamps; front LED light band, animation and symbol projection function; active ambient lighting; augmented reality for navigation system; AMG line body styling; and an exclusive trim

Other Trims:

EQE 500 AWD

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Battery Warranty: 10 years or 150,000 miles

Standard Motor/Horsepower: 288-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 104-cty/98-hwy

Electric Vehicle Driving Range: 304 miles

What’s New: The all-new EQE is Mercedes-Benz second all-electric crossover to be added to the luxury brand’s portfolio.

Why: 

All-wheel drive or rear wheel drive availability

An all-electric vehicle

Free 2 years of EV DC fast charging

Precision driving characteristics

Roomy

Comfortable seating

Augmented reality navigation system

Power front seats with memory

Power tilt and telescopic steering wheel

Great visibility

A panorama sunroof

Massaging front seats

20-inch wheels available

EQE 500 with 400 plus horsepower available

The suspension can be raised by 1-inch.

Heat from the electric drive can be used during winter months to warm the interior

A 4-zone automatic climate control system

A new lane change system allows the vehicle to pass a slower vehicle without driver intervention.

Voice commands eliminates one from scrolling through the infotainment screens for most features.

Optional rear wheel steering helps to improve turning radius.

Heated windshield washers available

A trailer assist stability system

But:

Its pricey, when compared to its non-electrified sibling, the GLE 

The home charging cable is optional

Driver assist features are optional on the vehicle

No under the hood storge area for most electric vehicles like with the Ford Lightning

Ventilated front seats aren’t standard

Leather seats available on EQE 500 model only

No heads up display (HUD) on base models

Oval shaped exterior design

Verdict: 

The five passenger Mercedes-Benz EQE is all-new for the 2023 model year. The EQE is equivalent to the GLE, but its all-electric. The all-new EQE is available in three trims. The pricey space aged looking EQE, which is available in a rear wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration, has a starting price of approximately $79,000.

Depending on the trim, the driving range of our oval shaped roomy crossover varies. Our test model was capable achieving a whopping 304-mile driving range on a full charge. 

Also the vehicle accepts Level 2 and DC fast chargers. However, unlike with most EVs, the buyer is on the hook for paying $250 for an home charging cable. Go figure.

And just like any Mercedes-Benz, the EQE, with its formed fitting seating, has all the luxurious accoutrements one would expect. In fact, all the super busy infotainment screen with its augmented reality navigation system, and digital cluster made us feel like we should be a gamer.

Moreover, the ride and handling of the EQE is pure Mercedes-Benz too. The EQE offers a car-like ride, with a host of driving modes and expensive optional driving assistance aids too, helping to guide the vehicle.

Competition: Audi Q4 e-tron