The novelty of rocket-fast electric car acceleration may have passed us by, at least if the Mercedes EQE is any indication. It’s plenty quick, but not as ferocious in most forms as some other EVs. Still, we give it points above average for its electric motivation, its refined handling, and its luxury-grade composure. It’s an 8 on the TCC scale.
Most versions are. The base EQE 350+, however, has a single electric motor that delivers power only to the rear axle.
How fast is the Mercedes-Benz EQE?
That depends on how many motors are on board and what state of electric tune you’ve specified. The base EQE 350+ offers up a modest 288 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, which pours on in a delicate manner to run the sedan to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The 4Matic version’s extra motor up front boosts torque considerably to 564 lb-ft, yet it’s only a bit snappier to 60 mph. It’s better for passing, though.
Far more impressive is the EQE 500, which has dual motors that boost power to 402 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque for a 4.5-second run to 60 mph. Topping the lineup is the AMG EQE with its 328-volt high-zoot battery and dual-motor all-wheel drive that, with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, can supply up to 677 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Its 3.2-second run to 60 mph is downright fast.
All models are silent operators, so long as you shut off any of the goofy video game-like settings. Opt for 21-inch wheels and you’ll get hear tire humming in the cabin, but that’s about it.
Underneath, the standard coil springs ride well enough, but we recommend the available air suspension as well as the optional adaptive dampers—particularly if you’re after bigger wheels. These are heavy cars, and they benefit from air springs when they’re hustled down a winding road. Various drive modes can stiffen up the suspension without going overboard, too.
Optional rear-axle steering can tighten the turning radius at low speeds or aid highway stability. Either way, these cars have a properly athletic—but refined—feel absent in some competitors.
