2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 AWD: The Luxury Brand’s Midsize Electric Sedan

Highlight: A rear optional steering system is available, helping to reduce the turning radius.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 106,515 (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; rain-sensing wipers; and a tire pressure system

Standard Equipment 350: 19-inch wheels; single motor: 288-horsepower; 280-mile driving range; rear wheel drive; a 12-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; smartphone charger; a comfort charger; a variety of driving modes; a keyless ignition system; illuminated door sill plates; a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication; and a power a panorama sunroof

Standard Equipment 500: dual motors; 402-horepower; all-wheel drive; 298-mile driving range

Options: special exterior paint; black Nappa leather; wheel lock bolts; first aid kit; mobile flex charging cable; a HEPA air filter; an acoustic comfort package; 21-inch wheels; a rear axle steering system; multi-contour front seats with a massaging feature; ventilated front seats; an airmatic air suspension; a noise reducing infrared reflecting glass; a driver’s assistance package: an active lane change assist system; an active stop-and-go system; an extended automatic restart system; an evasive steering assist system; an active blind spot assist system; a digital lighting package; a winter package; AMG line exterior package; and a pinnacle trim level

Other Trim:

E350 AWD

AMG EQE Sedan

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 Dual Motors/Horsepower: 402-hp (550)

Standard EV Mileage: 89 MPGe

What’s New: The EQE all-electric luxury sedan joined the line up during 2023 model year. Apart from a new braking system, the vehicle is essentially a carryover.

Anita Baker's Youtube video is playing on the infotainment screen of the EQE 500 when the vehicle is placed in park.

Why: 

All-wheel drive or rear wheel drive availability

An all-electric vehicle

A 298-mile driving range (EQE 500)

Free 2 years of EV DC fast charging

Precision driving characteristics

Roomy

Comfortable seating

Massaging front seats

Augmented reality navigation system

Ability to view youtube from the infotainment screen, when the vehicle is parked

Power front seats with memory

Power tilt and telescopic steering wheel

A power panorama sunroof

21-inch wheels available

EQE 500 with 400 plus horsepower available

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 variety of driving modes

A great sound system

An audible reminder to remove smartphone (the same needs to be for rear seat passengers too)

Qualifies for federal $7,500 tax credit on leases

But: 

The infotainment system and hyperscreen in the vehicle is a tad bit too glitzy and high tech. Its too bad Mercedes’ design team doesn’t provide the traditional instrument cluster/panel layout/design as the Genesis G80 Electrified

Driver assist features are optional on the vehicle

No under the hood storge area for most electric vehicles

The lane change system seems automatically engage without any prompts from the driver (this was somewhat annoying especially, when we had no plans of changing lanes)

Rear window vision is limited

Verdict:  The swoopy designed EQE is the brand’s midsize luxury electric vehicle. Unlike the SUV/crossovers, the jellybean-like exterior design seems more fitting for the sedan. However, in terms of exterior styling in this segment, we really prefer that of the larger and elegantly designed Genesis Electrified G80.

While the EQE sedan is available in a variety of trims, we spent time behind the wheel of the higher end EQE 500, which spewed out a healthy 402-horsepower. Unlike the single moto rear wheel driver EQE, the 500 trim is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration.

Upon entering the cabin of the EQE we reviewed, one will immediately notice the wall-to-wall digital cluster and infotainment screen, which spreads from door-to-door. 

While techies and gamers will be enamored with the high stimulation offered by the lights and color patterns, literally beaming from the infotainment screen, more traditional buyers might be turned off by such, seeking something a tad bit more subdued.

And like all Mercedes-Benzs, the ride quality and handling capabilities of the EQE 500 is like none other in this segment. The supportive seating and the co-pilot steering add to the driving experience too.  

Moreover, the EQE 500 all-wheel drive, offers the driving range as the base model  the rear-wheel-drive EQE. The base model EQE offers both a lower price point and horsepower. Thus, like the base model EQE, the EQE 500 is great for a cruising intown or on a road trip, as long as infrastructure is in place with available quick chargers, when traveling out of the metro area or state.

Lastly, the EQE qualifies for a federal $7,500 lease credit reduction, without any income restrictions. Thus, this helps lower the overall monthly payment.

Competition: Genesis Electrified G80 and Lucid Air