As a data analyst and electric vehicle specialist with over a decade of experience evaluating advanced automobile technologies, I have had my eye on the Mercedes-Benz EQE ever since it was first unveiled in concept form at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. It represented a tantalizing vision of the future for luxury electric travel.
Now, just a few short years later, the production EQE has arrived as Mercedes‘ mid-size flagship EV sedan. After extensive research comparing the EQE 350+ model I ultimately purchased against rivals like the Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT and Tesla Model S, the Mercedes clearly offered the best blend of innovation, performance and luxury appointments to suit my tastes.
Here‘s an overview of the 5 compelling reasons why I decided the 2023 EQE was the next electric vehicle for my driveway:
- Aerodynamic Efficiency
- Customized Luxury
- Potent Electric Drivetrain
- Rapid DC Charging Capabilities
- Lower Environmental Impact
Throughout this article, I will elaborate on the specifics around each reason I found the EQE such a convincing proposition as an EV early adopter and technology enthusiast. Please read on to fully understand the well-informed rationale behind my purchase choice!
Aerodynamic Masterpiece
The vehicle‘s sleek and flowing exterior formfactor played a major role in my EQE buying decision. After studying advanced fluid dynamics in university and closely tracking each new EV‘s aerodynamic test results, I understand deeply how huge of an impact the drag coefficient makes on real-world range, stability and efficiency.
With a Cd 0f 0.22, the meticulously honed EQE cuts through the air easier than any other production automobile. After speaking with Mercedes R&D personnel and reading detailed analyses from the testing engineers, I learned of the fanatical extent the company went to optimize the EQE‘s aero profile.
In one example, they used state-of-the-art digital modeling augmented by AI algorithms to first design the exterior for minimal turbulence. Then they tested physical clay models in advanced wind tunnels. Finally, they tweaked design elements like small fins and radiator inlet channels through repeated on-road validation drives.
This diligent, step-by-step refinement process allows the rounding, tapered EQE to cheat the wind. With less drag acting upon it, the EQE requires less effort to maintain higher cruising speed on the highways or even twisty back roads I like to traverse in my driving adventures.
I can accelerate up steep mountain passes with fewer losses from drag while also avoiding any stability complications at higher velocities. It just effortlessly cuts through the air thanks advanced elements like an almost completely enclosed underbody with smooth flat surfaces,strategic wheel deflectors, an active radiator shutter system, and automatically extending rear spoiler.
Bespoke Luxury Treatment
While thrilling dynamics and technology are integral for me, creature comforts and customization potential also factor heavily into my buying choices. Here too, the magnificent EQE delivered everything I hoped for out of a cutting-edge electric flagship sedan.
As a luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz has always gone above and beyond with interior appointments, materials quality and features availability compared to ordinary vehicles. The EQE represents a successful translation of that luxury treatment into the EV realm.
I was thoroughly impressed by the stunning digital displays, ambient lighting schemes, sustainably-sourced open pore wood trim and supple Nappa leather seating options. I ultimately decided on the Exclusive Trim level with Diamond White metallic paint to really make my EQE pop.
Upgrades I added beyond the well-equipped standard specification include:
- 16-way Adjustable Massaging Front Seats with Rapid Heating & Ventilation: $1,100
- Augmented Video Head-Up Display: $1,300
- Rear Axle Steering: $1,150
- 21-inch AMG Alloy Wheels: $1,500
- Burmester High-End 4D Surround Sound System: $850
Total Upgrades Cost: $5,900
This brought my OTD price to $86,300 including delivery charges. For the exponentially more relaxing and coddling driving experience, I found this very reasonable.
The massage function in particular makes long drives less fatiguing. I love cruising through the countryside with the seat kneading my back while sublime music from the Burmester system envelops me. It makes road trips almost therapeutic!
Potent & Efficient Electric Powertrain
As much as I enjoy the sensory delights of this rolling living room, exciting performance remains integral to my enjoyment of any automobile. Here as well, the intelligent PSM permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor powering my EQE 350+ rear wheels makes good on its promises.
Generating 288 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, this compact motor provides plenty of smooth thrust in all situations. The near instant-on torque inherent to EVs ensures responsive acceleration any time I need it – whether merging on the freeway or just dashing around slower traffic on my favorite backroads.
Mercedes engineers have worked extensively with motor/inverter specialists to ensure thermal resilience for repeatable high performance. I‘ve already taken it through some repeated hard accelerations runs up my local winding canyon road without any power reduction from overheating.
But it‘s not just capable of short bursts, the EQE also sustains its power over long mountain ascents and high speed Autobahn cruising during my Austria trip. This unprecedented consistency comes thanks to exceptional thermal management encompassing the battery, e-motor, and power electronics.
Advanced cooling circuits, heat pump integration, aerodynamic underbody shields and even byte-level battery monitoring work harmoniously to maintain ideal operating temperatures across a wide spectrum of conditions I‘ve tested.
After 1,500 miles of mixed driving over the first 6 weeks, I‘m still astonished by this dual nature delivering sports car acceleration yet endurance EV efficiency. My real world 115 MPGe handily beats the EPA rating, allowing 300+ mile trips on a single charge.
Ultra-Rapid DC Charging
Most of my charging occurs seamlessly overnight through the convenient 20-foot Mercedes-Benz Power Cord that connects my home‘s NEMA socket outlet to the vehicle‘s On-Board Charger (OBC). This delivers ample range replenishment for daily commuting needs from my solar roof.
But for occasional long trips farther afield, I need the confidence of rapid charging on the go. Having researched the latest charging standards extensively, I knew the cutting-edge EQE had to be equipped for blazing fast DC fast charging.
Once again, Mercedes delivered. The 90.6 kWh battery leverages an advanced 400+ volt electrical architecture coupled with coolant temperature preconditioning. This allows charging at speeds up to 170 kW initially, rocketing from 10 to 80% state of charge in just over 30 minutes.
A coming OTA update promises to unlock charging up to 200 kW in the near future. This would allow replenishing 180 miles of range in about 15 minutes. No other luxury EV can yet achieve this charging velocity.
I‘ve personally tested speeds up to 155 kW which added 150 miles of range to my EQE in the time it took me to use the restroom, grab a coffee and respond to a few emails. This essentially eliminated any inconvenience or downtime from the charging process when I needed to get back on the road swiftly.
Slashing My Carbon Footprint
The final and perhaps most meaningful reason I opted for the EQE lies in its potential to greatly reduce the carbon emissions from my personal transportation needs. With extensive scientific data linking greenhouse gases from burning gasoline and diesel to imminent, catastrophic climate change, I take my duty to decarbonize seriously.
Driving electric allows me to directly cut my CO2 emissions by over 60% in the EQE compared to an equivalent gas-powered luxury sedan like the Mercedes E-Class. Based on my typical annual mileage, I‘m mitigating about 9 tons of emissions yearly.
When charging from renewable energy sources like my rooftop solar array, this impact approaches zero. Plus with robust recycling protocols for the battery packs implemented by Mercedes when the EQE reaches end-of-life over a decade from now, I can ensure responsible stewardship.
On the cost savings side, I‘ve calculated over $150 in monthly expense avoidance from lower maintenance requirements and far cheaper "fueling" costs charging with electrons vs. premium gasoline. And that doesn‘t even factor tax incentives and rebates.
Over a 10 year ownership period, I stand to save nearly $25,000 in total cost of operation with the EQE – even when accounting for the higher MSRP. For all these financial, practical and ethical reasons, transitioning to the EQE made rational sense.
So in summary, those are the five key factors that drew me to the phenomenal new Mercedes-Benz EQE above rivals. Taken collectively, nothing else could match the EQE‘s mix of aerodynamic efficiency, bespoke luxury, performance, charging speed and long-term environmental/cost benefits.
I‘m beyond satisfied with my purchase decision so far – the EQE has performed flawlessly as my daily commuter while also relishing weekend getaways. I‘m happy to address any other questions you may have about my experience as an EQE owner. Reach out anytime if you would like me to elaborate on why I believe the EQE marks the pinnacle for tech-focused luxury EVs available today!
