Mercedes-Benz sets the benchmark for electric mobility with the new Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+ AMG Line
By the looks of it, Mercedes-Benz is well on the road to electrification. Embracing a new era of electric mobility, Mercedes-EQ—the German automaker’s electric-vehicle sub-brand—launched the flagship EQS in 2021. Following hot on its heel is the EQE, a more compact sedan that inherits the same EVA2 architecture underpinning the brand’s electric range.
During our test drive of the new Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+ AMG Line, we found it to deliver a silky and effortless ride. Powered by a single motor that puts out 292 hp and 565Nm of torque, it reaches 100 km/hr in a mere 6.4 seconds, and hits a top speed of 210 km/hr. Other than the resulting lean that comes with hustling the accelerator, the one thing you can’t help but notice is the sheer stealth with which it glides. Even in the more aggressive ‘Sport’ mode, the electric powertrain barely rises above a whisper. While some will relish the calm such quietude provides, we suspect the more old-fashioned amongst us might find it a tad uncanny, lacking an authentic connection to the road.
That the new Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+ AMG Line offers the marque’s suite of advanced driver systems, however, might help make the transition more palatable. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centring features and rear-axle steering, which render navigating the city a breeze. The new Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+ AMG Line will comfortably go the distance, too, what with a 90.6kWh lithium-ion battery that’s said to cater a maximum range of 669 km. With DC fast charging, the sedan attains an 80 per cent charge in roughly 30 minutes.
Besides a solid light bar that stretches across the rear, the new Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+ AMG Line is also defined by a sleek one-bow silhouette—a coupé-like shoulder line that arcs from gracefully head to tail—and is paired with sporty 20-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels. Upon closer look, you’ll observe that the black panel radiator grille has been speckled with the iconic three-point star. Inside, you’ll be greeted by plush leather upholstery and a plenitude of wood trim, coupled with a standard 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 12.8-inch tablet at the centre dash. The inclusion of pre-entry climate control and active ambient lighting make for a cool, welcoming touch.
Of course, one can always up the ante with the EQE’s AMG derivatives; cue the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4MATIC and Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+, which come with an AMG-specific grille, rear apron and 21-inch multi-spoke rims. To achieve a boldly futuristic effect, both models are also equipped with the impressive MBUX Hyperscreen, an extensive display surface that sweeps seamlessly from driver to passenger-side.
All things considered, the new Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+ AMG Line plays the part of a relatively upscale electric saloon with refinement and poise. We like to think of it as a herald of the future, a starry-eyed promise of (even) better things to come.
