Evaluation: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ EV – When an iX is just too in-your-face

Proper now in 2023, there’s no scarcity on selections in the case of EVs, particularly when you’re seeking to spend round RM 400k. And because you’re splurging this quantity on a automobile, may as properly go for one thing premium proper? So, your choices will doubtless be narrowed down to only the BMW iX and the Mercedes-Benz EQE.

What in regards to the BMW i4 and Mercedes-Benz EQC, you ask? Properly, these are fantastic as properly however since they’re primarily based on a combustion-engine platform, some compromises resembling packaging should be made. At this worth level, do you really need compromises? Proper then, again to the 2.

Earlier than we proceed, I’d like to speak in regards to the Goldilocks precept, which states that individuals are inclined to search for one thing that’s ‘simply the correct quantity’ of one thing. Within the case of vehicles or electrical autos (EV), that one thing could be something from worth to measurement to even seems.

Additionally learn: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ launched in Malaysia, RM 419k, 292 PS/565 Nm, RWD

Whereas the Mercedes-Benz EQE is the second most costly EQ mannequin, it sits nearer to the remainder of the mannequin vary by way of worth than the EQS. It’s smaller than the EQS and it’s nowhere close to as imposing because the BMW iX, however nonetheless manages to show heads. From this angle, the EQE does look like within the Goldilocks zone.

Exterior – Cue the egg puns

It’s not a design that may egg-cite folks nor wouldn’t it be described as egg-cellent, however many would not less than egg-knowledge that it’s a easily sculptured exterior.

Apologies if that got here throughout as tacky, however the entire “one bow” design language does make it resemble an egg. As a result of it’s shorter than the EQS, the impact is extra pronounced.

Shifting on, our Malaysian-spec Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ comes within the AMG Line trim, which is often probably the most appetizing to take a look at in comparison with different trim ranges.

However not like in abroad markets, our EQE misses out on the three-pointed star sample on the entrance grille and will get a plain gloss black panel as a substitute. Relying on color selections, it could actually look a little bit empty.

The 19-inch twin-five-spoke wheels look barely malnourished, although the flipside is that consolation ranges are eg… sorry, glorious. Which we’ll get into within the journey consolation part.

Additionally learn: Malaysia will CKD a Mercedes-Benz EQ model in 2023 – first EV from Pekan

Inside – Massive on the surface, not-so-much inside

Shifting inside, the EQE’s inside would’ve seemed almost an identical to the EQS if it had been specified with the MBUX Hyperscreen choice. However frankly talking, I feel the EQE is best off with out it.

Greater than only a differentiation issue between the flagship EQS, the Hyperscreen within the EQS felt considerably gimmicky because the 3-screen setup seems underwhelming throughout daylight and the passenger display screen is underutilized, more often than not.

Additionally, as a result of the instrument cluster needs to be on the identical panel, it is angled upwards which is suboptimal for the motive force.

In EQE, there isn’t a such qualm. It’s only a good previous break up display screen setup with a correctly angled instrument cluster and a portrait infotainment show. Operation and graphics are identical to in some other fashionable Mercedes-Benzes – pleasing graphics and easy-to-use UI, plus crisp shows.

And identical to present Mercedes-Benzes, the capacitive buttons can get annoying at instances as directional swipes are inaccurately registered. True tactility can also be lacking, changed by haptics. Volkswagen has already conceded and stated that buttons would return. Your flip, Mercedes?

Additionally learn: Touch-sensitive buttons a mistake? VW to bring back physical buttons on steering wheel

Different misses embrace the poor visibility, notably by means of the rear home windows (it actually looks like trying by means of a letterbox), the less-expensive-feeling supplies on the decrease components of the cabin, and with out the hatch-style tailgate just like the EQS and a smaller boot, practicality isn’t fairly nearly as good.

Kneeroom is first rate with 3 tennis balls value of area for a 177 cm particular person resembling yours really, although headroom generally is a little tight. And since the window line is relatively excessive and there’s no glass roof, the cabin doesn’t really feel as spacious as its exterior footprint would counsel. The BMW iX compared, feels airier and fewer cooped up basically, being an SUV.

Driving Expertise – A ‘child EQS’ certainly

Mercedes says the EQE is designed to be sportier than the EQS, and it does really feel ever so barely lighter on its ft and extra keen to accommodate enthusiastic driving. However as a complete, it’s nonetheless an government driving expertise that emphasizes on composure and stability.

Additionally learn: Review: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ in Malaysia – The best luxury EV yet

Whereas the EQE 350+ makes do with ‘solely’ 292 PS in comparison with 333 PS within the EQS 450+, the EQE turned out to be the faster one with a examined 0-100 km/h dash time of 6.15 seconds, 0.1 second lower than the EQS 450+.

That is doubtless right down to the marginally decrease weight within the EQE (120 kg or thereabouts) whereas each produce the identical 565 Nm of torque. In follow, each really feel equally brisk and can speed up previous triple-digit speeds with ease.

Not like the EQS, the EQE doesn’t get rear axle steering, which turns into fairly obvious throughout low-speed manoeuvres. The EQE doesn’t pivot round fairly as impressively in tight areas, which is ironic contemplating it’s the smaller automobile. And since visibility isn’t precisely nice, care should be given in such situations. Good factor the 360-degree digicam is splendidly high-res.

As for the driving controls, steering ratio is fast sufficient to scale back steering effort in parking conditions and offset the dearth of rear axle steering, whereas precision is maintained round corners with out introducing nervousness at excessive speeds.

The throttle pedal has a firmness and rigidity like many Mercedes-Benzes with floor-mounted pedal, giving a way of heft to the driving expertise. Brakes, nevertheless, are nonetheless not the very best in the case of really feel and predictability like each different Mercedes EQ fashions.

My strategy to get around the brake pedal is to allow one-pedal driving by turning off “creep” operate. It’s not the best-calibrated system, because it isn’t fairly as intuitive and predictable because the BMW iX and even the Kia EV6, but it surely’s adaptable with time.

Experience Consolation – No air suspension, no drawback

One other merchandise the EQE doesn’t get is the Airmatic suspension, which I although was a bummer at first however having lived with this passive setup over a wide range of Malaysian street surfaces, my preliminary issues have been banished.

It’s not as isolating because the Airmatic within the EQS in fact, however for probably the most half, the journey is beautifully judged. Over undulating surfaces at larger speeds, it mimics the wafting sensation of the air suspension and offers a pillowy journey high quality.

At low speeds, the thick tyre sidewalls assist soak up the sharp edges, whereas the journey stays composed with out getting jiggly.

That is maybe the very best using fashionable Mercedes-Benz on passive suspension, which is pleasantly shocking contemplating their hit-and-misses in the case of suspension tuning.

Being a decrease using sedan, the EQE rides flatter than the BMW iX that has to take care of amplified lateral actions on the rear. Properly, it’s one or the opposite – a calmer journey or an airier cabin.

As for seat consolation, facet and thigh help are relatively first rate within the entrance seats with evenly distributed strain factors for the again.

On the rear, the seat base angle is aggressive to spice up thigh help although the seat again is a little bit upright for my liking. Consequently, the seating posture on the rear isn’t fairly a relaxed as I would favor.

When it comes to cabin noise ranges, it’s not EQS-silent. Exterior noises aren’t as impressively muted and there’s barely extra tyre roar at larger speeds. The EQE remains to be a quiet automobile to be in, however don’t count on EQS and even BMW iX ranges of isolation.

Vitality Consumption

Over a 108 km journey in blended circumstances in the course of the night time (decrease temperatures do enhance vary barely) with a mean pace of 30 km/h, the journey pc indicated a mean vitality consumption of 14.9 kWh/100 km. Regenerative braking was left in regular for majority of the journey.

Our calculations revealed the precise effectivity at 15.9 kWh/100 km primarily based on vitality delivered after two consecutive expenses to 80 p.c (like how we carry out gas consumption checks).

In idea, the 90.5-kWh battery would give a most real-world vary of 569 km in comparable driving circumstances, which is relatively spectacular. The decrease output, barely much less weight, and the omission of Airmatic suspension do enhance the driving vary over the EQS.

Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ isn’t the most important in measurement, the most costly, probably the most spacious, the very best to drive, nor does it command probably the most presence. But it surely’s additionally removed from being an entry-level mannequin.

What the EQE does is that it cherry picks the very best bits from the EQS that are refinement, inside design, and luxury stage, and gives them at 80 to 90 p.c functionality in a smaller bundle at a considerably cheaper price level (RM 419k vs RM 698k).

It locations the EQE proper on the crosshairs of the BMW iX although reality be advised, the iX is a superb EV, however have you ever seen its face? The EQE isn’t as shouty and will get round extra discreetly. To some, that might be a advantage.

When you ask me, the EQE has ‘simply the correct quantity’ of luxurious, consolation, and head-turning potential for the proper amount of cash. It’s the Goldilocks of EVs in Malaysia proper now.

Additionally learn: Report: Future Mercedes-Benz EVs will not be called EQ anymore