2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE-Class Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Built on the same architecture as the EQS four-door, the 2024 Mercedes EQE luxury sedan boasts a shorter body but the same general feel and style. In Mercedes' lineup of fully electric cars, the EQE SUV shares underpinnings but offers more cargo space. Launched for 2023, the EQE competes with the Genesis G80 Electric and BMW i5.
To learn about the EQE SUV, see it here.
What's New
- Standard 110v/240v charging cable and power opening and closing charging port door
- Standard second-row Occupant Reminder and Seatbelt Detection system
- Standard Hyperscreen in the AMG EQE53 and EQE500
- Standard Star Panel grille and 20-inch wheels
- Mercedes-AMG crest on the hood of the EQE53
- Retuned brakes
- Range-improving 4Matic Disconnect on AWD models
- Heat pump
- Standard Serene Breeze soundscape
- An available 60-hp Acceleration Increase On-Demand upgrade for the EQE350 AWD
- Available 20-inch wheels
- Available 3D instrument cluster for EQE350+ and EQE350 4Matic
- Available Black/Biscaya Blue upholstery in leather, Nappa leather, or MB-Tex synthetic
- Available Natural Grain Yacht Design Trim in Norway Maple
- Available Manufaktur Patagonia Red Metallic and Twilight Blue Metallic for AMG EQE53
- Available carbon fiber interior trim for AMG EQE53
What We Think
Fitting in with Mercedes' family of EQ-branded electric cars, the EQE sedan receives its own blobby design with unique details reflecting its midsize proportions. We'd happily take something less aerodynamic if it meant a better-looking exterior with more character. It turns out the real treats are inside, provided you can get past the overly complicated door handles.
Upscale embellishments inside include available quilted leather seats, engaging driver screen graphics, and details like the turbine-style outer air vents for the first row. The rear-seat occupants aren't forgotten in the 2024 EQE, as there's excellent thigh support and dual-zone climate control.
As a cruiser, the EQE lives up to its luxury mission, cosseting occupants for the most part with a smooth, quiet, drama-free driving experience. It's quick off the line like most EVs, but that enthusiasm wanes about halfway to 60 mph for non-AMG models. The suspension is also stiffer on the performance model, but it suffers fewer body motions than the non-AMGs. Regardless of EQE, we're miffed by its variable brake pedal but love the maneuverability afforded by optional rear-wheel steering. That was on a pre-2024 EQE; recent changes to the braking system could improve this picture.
For a better performing luxury EV, the Genesis G80 Electric is a solid alternative that also charges slightly quicker and offers a tiny bit more forward legroom. The new BMW i5 is also promising. Where the EQE claws back ground, especially against the Genesis, is being from a brand with more experience building luxury cars. The Mercedes name commands respect, and the EQE is available in a number of different models. We wouldn't call the EQE an electric E-Class, but if you want an electric Benz that isn't as long as the EQS, it may be a good fit.
Performance, Range, and Charging
The EQE350+ base model is the only rear-wheel-drive EQE sedan in the lineup. It features a single motor on the rear axle that produces 288 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes estimates launches to 60 mph take as little as 6.2 seconds.
All other 2024 EQE sedans feature dual motor 4Matic all-wheel drive. The EQE350 AWD gets a second motor on the front axle and makes 288 hp like the RWD but with much higher 564 lb-ft of torque. MotorTrend testing got one to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. A downloadable Acceleration Increase On-Demand upgrade can add up to another 60 hp.
The EQE500 gets more powerful front and rear motors. With these, it develops a healthy 402 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque. It's estimated to make the trip to 60 mph in a quick 4.5 seconds.
At the top of the lineup, the AMG EQE is the most baller of them all. These come with model-specific motors providing a combined output rated at 617 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque. We also tested this one and it sprints to 60 mph in as little as 2.9 seconds.
Every EQE sedan features a 90.6 kWh battery and DC fast charging rate up to 170 kW that can recover up to 80 percent of range in 32 minutes. On a full charge, the 2024 EQE350+ and EQE500 4Matic are EPA rated for 298 miles, while the EQE350 4Matic is rated for 280 miles and the AMG EQE is rated for 230 miles.
Safety Features
Automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, automatic high beams, and parking sensors are standard on every 2024 EQE. Adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition are unlocked on higher trims and via package. The Driver Assistance package comes with Active Parking Assist with semi-autonomous parking.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The 2024 EQE sedan's trunk space compares favorably to the Genesis G80 Electric. The Mercedes also features more rear legroom.
Technology
Standard features include a 12.8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charger, heated front seats, and ambient lighting. A three-display Hyperscreen is newly standard in the AMG EQE53 and EQE500. Also standard: Adaptive suspension damping, a profile-activating fingerprint scanner for the driver, and two soundscapes.
The suspension is upgradeable with an air setup, and Mercedes offers two levels of available rear-axle steering (4.5 degrees or 10 degrees max). We're big fans of this tech, which can make the car feel smaller than it really is at lower speeds. Other options include a head-up display and active ambient lighting. A Winter package adds a heated steering wheel, heated windshield, heated rear seats, and heated windshield washer system.
Recommended Trim
The 2024 Mercedes EQE sedan is available with four models this year: 350+, 350 4Matic, 500 4Matic, and AMG. If you can swing it, we'd recommend the EQE500 for its elevated powertrain output without the range hit that befalls the EQE350 and AMG AWDs. Pricing for the EQE base model starts just above $76,000 and gets as high as about $110,000 for the top-spec AMG, with the EQE500 in Premium trim splitting the difference at about $87,000.
