2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC
“A Sleek Electrified E-Class Sedan”
By Arv Voss
OVERVIEW
As with most auto manufacturers, the Tri-Star Mercedes-Benz camp is gearing up to the inevitable future – the demise of gasoline fueled vehicles. Essentially, in a nutshell, Mercedes is offering up two electrified alternatives to the brand’s conventional e-class and S-class model lineups for the 2023 model year.
The EQE 500 is the electric model that we will review here, which shares design cues with the larger S-class based EQS. The EQE displays a sleeker overall form than the EQS. The first to roll out was the single motor, rear drive EQE 350 which delivered 288 horsepower and an expected driving range in excess of 300 miles.The dual motor EQE 500 pumps out 402 horses and comes with two electric motors – one front and one rear along with all-wheel drive.
The EQE models fall somewhere in between the compact Tesla’s Model 3 and their mid-size Model S.
MOTIVE FORCE
Powering The EQE 500 Sedan are two Permanent magnet synchronous AC Electric motors- one front / one rear. Batteries are Liquid-cooled lithium-ion 90.6 kWh. The EQE 500 generates 402 horsepower along with 633 pound feet of torque. Energy is transferred to the ground via a single speed direct drive automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4MATIC AWD. The total system output served up by the dual permanently excitied Synchronous electric motors is 300 kW. MPGe mileage rating is 83.
AS TESTED
My test 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 came with a Selenite Grey Metallic exterior finish complemented by a Neva Grey and Sable Brown Nappa leather interior accented by natural grain Linden wood elements.
The base price was set at $86,895. While factoring in options, which included : the AMG Line Interior Package, Digital Light Package, Exclusive Trim Package and Pinnacle Trim Package along with D&H fees, elevated the final sticker to
$97,795. Rolling stock consisted of Bridgestone Turanza T 005 MO-6 25/40 R20 101Y tires mounted on 5-spoke AMG-style machine face alloy wheels with graphite painted performance inserts for wind resistance.
SLIPPERY DESIGN FORM
Styling is unquestionably and distinctively recognizable as that of Mercedes. It is sleek, elegant and simplistic in its fluid, flowing shapes and forms – no surprise here.
SUMPTUOUS INTERIOR FEATURES
Slipping into the driver’s seat is euphoric- everything feels just right. The open-pore wood trim comes as standard fare and there’s selective mood enhancing ambient lighting to soothe the soul. Mercedes’s Siri-like digital assistant that responds to “Hey, Mercedes.” A graphic informational panel called the Hyperscreen spans the full width of the instrument panel displaying multiple operational element.
UNEXPECTED PLUSSES
The list of comfort and convenience features along with the normally expected safety and security, as well as driver assistance features is far too long to fit into this review – But some features deserve special mention such as the 10-degree rear axle steering, comfort suspension with selective damping, a 90.6 kWh high voltage battery and Dynamic Select with Comfort, Sport, Eco and Individual customizable driving modes. The Burmeister Sound system with its 15 speakers is an audiophiles dream.
PERFORMANCE
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC provides everything that is needed for a uniquely pleasant driving experience. Though not categorized as a sports sedan in the strictest sense, it serves up a satisfying level of agility and acceleration in virtually any scenario or condition.
OUR FINAL ANALYSIS
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 is a delight to both behold and to drive. If the EQE 500 is a little above your pay grade, the EQE 450 is an ideal alternative.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC Sedan
Base Price: $86,895
Price as Tested: $97,795.
Engine Type:………………….Permanent magnet synchronous AC Electric with dual motors- one front / one rear. Liquid-cooled lithium-ion 90.6 kWh
Horsepower (bhp):…………….402
Torque (ft./ lbs.)……………633
Transmission: ………………Single speed direct drive automatic
Drive Train:………………….Front and Rear electric motors / 4MATIC AWD
Suspension: Front – Multilink with anti-roll bar
Rear – Multilink with anti-roll bar
Brakes: Regenerative four-wheel vented and cross- discs with ABS, BAS, ESP and active brake assist.
Tires: Bridgestone Turanza T 005 MO-6 25/40 R20 101Y mounted on 5-spoke AMG-style machine face alloy wheels with graphite painted performance inserts for wind resistance.
Wheelbase: ……………………122.8 inches
Length Overall:…………………195.9 Inches
Width: ……………………………72.2 inches – w/o mirrors
Height:……………………………59.5 inches
Curb Weight: …………………..5,203 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: …………………..N/A
EPA Mileage Estimates:………….85 MPGe
Drag Coefficient: ……………….Not listed
0 – 60 mph:……………………….5.3 seconds
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