Cars

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE Stands Apart on Character

With interesting driving dynamics and a smaller silhouette, the Mercedes EQE stands apart from the larger EQE by moving past luxury alone.

Andrew Krok

Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.

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Andrew Krok

April 12, 2022 3:01 p.m. PT

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Mercedes-Benz occasionally catches some guff for building a wide variety of cars that all happen to look similar.

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The 2023 EQE is only going to add fuel to that fire, because from 50 feet away, all but the keenest Roadshow-reading eyes will think it's the larger EQS.

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But don't let its first impression fool you -- the EQE is very much a distinct vehicle, carrying a character all its own.

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Coming in at about the same size as a CLS-Class, the EQE is definitely smaller than the EQS.

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The first of two EQE variants I get to experience is the EQE350 Plus, one of the first models that will come to the US.

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It relies on a single electric motor slapped out back, producing 288 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque.

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Those numbers aren't breaking down any doors, but the EQE makes the most of 'em.

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Providing the EQE350 Plus with electrons is a 90.6-kilowatt-hour battery that offers an impressive range of 410 miles on the European WLTP cycle.

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While the EQE can play the role of a super-plush luxury car, thanks in part to one of the best air suspension systems I've tested, it's all about the car's ability to step into more of a sports car role when needed.