Mercedes EQE 350

Overview

The Mercedes EQE 350 is the German giant's electric take on the E-Class, a proper business saloon that's all about smooth EV cruising. Think of it as a slightly more compact EQS, packing heaps of tech and luxury. This particular 2023 RWD version, though now discontinued, offered a compelling blend of performance and premium feel. On the used market, you might snag one for around €45,880. It’s a classy way to go electric, bringing that three-pointed star prestige to the zero-emission game, aiming to give rivals a serious headache with its refined experience.

What's New for 2023?

For its final 2023 model year before this specific 350 trim was discontinued, the EQE saw mostly subtle refinements. Mercedes often rolls out over-the-air software updates to enhance the MBUX system, potentially improving voice commands or navigation features. Some markets might have seen slight tweaks to standard equipment lists or optional package contents. Expect the core car to be very similar to the 2022 launch version, focusing on delivering that established EQ luxury and tech rather than any major overhauls for this brief model year iteration. It was more about polishing the diamond.

Design & Exterior

Rocking Mercedes' "one-bow" design, the EQE 350 looks sleek and futuristic, slicing through the air like a silver arrow. It’s less traditional saloon, more spaceship for the road, with super smooth surfaces and a cab-forward stance. Key dimensions are a length of 4946 mm, width of 1906 mm (excluding mirrors), and a height of 1503 mm. The 350 trim usually sports elegant alloy wheels and that signature black panel 'grille' which neatly houses various sensors. It’s definitely a head-turner, and unmistakably part of the EQ electric family.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the EQE 350, and it’s pure Mercedes luxury with a futuristic twist. The cabin feels incredibly well-built, swathed in quality materials, and offers spacious seating for five. While the massive Hyperscreen is often an option, the standard large central display and digital driver’s screen are still mega impressive, running the intuitive MBUX system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Boot space is a decent 430 litres, expanding to 895 litres with the seats down. No frunk here, though – the front is packed with tech wizardry instead!

Performance & Driving Experience

The EQE 350, with its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) driving the rear wheels, delivers a silky-smooth 215 kW and a hefty 565 Nm of torque. This translates to a brisk 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.4 seconds, topping out at 210 km/h. It’s not a track weapon, but a supremely refined cruiser. The ride is plush, isolating you from road nasties, and it wafts along in near silence. Multiple regenerative braking modes, including a clever auto setting, allow for efficient driving and even one-pedal operation. It’s proper chilled-out motoring.

Range, Battery & Charging

Packing an 89 kWh usable battery, Green Cars Compare estimates a real-world range of around 503 km for the EQE 350, which is pretty solid for long hauls, achieving an efficiency of 5.65 km/kWh. For charging, it uses the European standard CCS Type 2 port. At home or work, the standard 11 kW AC charger will fill it up in roughly 8-9 hours, with an optional 22 kW unit halving that. On the go, it can guzzle electrons at up to 170 kW DC, meaning a 10-80% top-up takes about 32 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is top-notch, as you’d expect from Mercedes, with the EQE bagging a full 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. The 350 trim comes loaded with a suite of standard assistance systems, likely including Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Sign Assist. For even more peace of mind, the optional Driving Assistance Package Plus is usually available, adding features like adaptive cruise control (DISTRONIC) with route-based speed adaptation, Active Steering Assist, and enhanced blind-spot monitoring, making motorway slogs a doddle and city driving safer.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Mercedes typically offers a comprehensive warranty. Expect a basic vehicle warranty for at least 2 years with unlimited kilometres, though some local markets may extend this. Crucially, the high-voltage battery gets its own robust coverage, usually a 10-year or 250,000 km certificate, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Maintenance on EVs is generally lower than petrol or diesel cars, with fewer moving parts. Mercedes often provides service care packages to cover routine checks, ensuring your EQE 350 stays in tip-top condition with minimal fuss.