Mercedes-Benz EQE—The intelligent choice when you’re choosing with your emotions

One look at the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan is enough to make anyone’s heart swoon. Yes, SUVs are vastly more practical and versatile but any potential Mercedes buyer would most likely own an SUV already.  

So why still buy a sedan? 

Because it’s heartachingly beautiful, that why. How often can you park in your garage a car that’s worthy of being installed in an art gallery? No SUV will ever be as graceful as a luxury sedan. 

The Mercedes EQE flaunts a fastback sedan body reminiscent of Stuttgart’s drop-dead gorgeous CLS-Class sedans produced from 2003 to 2023. The most prominent and head-turning styling element is, of course, that sloping roofline. Coupled to an elegant beltline that gently rises from the leading edge of the front side windows all the way to the end of the rear quarter window, the coupe-like silhouette produces a stunningly graceful side profile.

The front and rear ends are equally compelling. The front is unmistakably Mercedes, but with an equally unmistakable EV treatment, owing to the fact that it lacks one of the brand’s signature trademarks, that iconic Mercedes grille. In its place is a closed black panel with an oversized three-pointed star and the starburst pattern background which serves as the design element for fully electric Mercedes-Benz models. Aggressive-looking headlamps give it that business-like purposeful look. 

The rear is another graceful execution, with that sloping backlight that seamlessly flows onto the trunk lid. Slim taillights with stylized LED illumination that spans the whole width of the car create a distinctive look at night. 

The rest of the car has subtle curves and lines and flush surfaces (the door handles pop out when you unlock the car). Overall, it’s a look that will remain elegant, beautiful, and more importantly, undated, over the years.    

The locally available EQE comes in two variants: the EQE 300 Electric Art, and my test unit, the very sporty EQE 350+ AMG. The latter sports an AMG Line exterior that features a black-and chrome-trimmed AMG front bumper with very aggressive air intake openings, the aforementioned black panel grille, a body-color AMG rear apron with black diffusers, chrome door handles, power-folding side mirrors with surround lighting and brand logo projection, digital lighting with ultra-range high beam, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, and comfort suspension.  

So it’s a beautiful car. But is its beauty only skin deep? 

Short answer: It’s a Mercedes so expect it to be over-engineered and over-achieving. 

Did I mention that this car never needs gas or oil changes and other fluid changes? It’s an EQ (Mercedes’ designation for its electric vehicles) after all—and being designated EQE means it’s a fully electric sedan in the E-Class-size category. Needless to say, it’s got all the trappings of a luxury executive sedan.

You’ll find Mercedes-Benz-levels of fit and finish as well as quality of materials. Virtually everything is of soft-touch material or covered in supple leather or Alcantara.            

The EQE 350+ AMG offers an AMG Line interior with memory power-adjustable sports buckets seats with 4-way lumbar adjustment, racy red seatbelts, black roof liner, a multi-function steering wheel in Nappa leather, active ambient lighting, split-folding rear seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated door sill panels with Mercedes-Benz lettering, and AMG floor mats.

You’ll sit facing an elegantly minimalist dashboard with beautiful textures and flowing lines. A thick and plush flat-bottom leather steering wheel frames a 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel with LED matrix backlighting. Siting atop the slanted center console is a 12.8-inch OLED infotainment screen that’s Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compatible, has wireless charging, and pumps out sound via Burmester 3D surround sound audio system.   

It’s a very luxurious interior, with generous space for both front and rear passengers. You’d expect limited rear headroom due to the fastback roofline, but your hair will only touch the ceiling if you’re over 5’9. Legroom is generous, thanks to an expansive 3,120mm wheelbase. 

And because it’s a Mercedes, expect a staggeringly long array of safety features, from airbags everywhere, to a full suite of ADAS, and even an onboard fire extinguisher.  

On the road, the EQE 350+ AMG can be driven sedately like a true luxury car (or as a chauffeur-driven ride), thanks to its comfort-tuned suspension and impressively silent cabin (it’s an electric car, after all).

Put the pedal to the metal, however, and you’ll feel the grunt of 292 horses and a rousing 565 Nm of torque. That’s enough to propel the EQE 350+ AMG from zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h. Range? Mercedes quotes an impressive 644 to 682 kilometers on the WLTP cycle. (In contrast the EQE 300 Electric Art variant’s motor produces 255 hp and 550 Nm (for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds with the same top speed as the EQE 350), and a driving range of 422 to 473 kilometers.)

Adding to the driving enjoyment are paddle shifters, which give drivers the feel of a petrol-engine car—an absolute delight when you’re on your favorite winding road or better yet, on a race track.    

Price? P6,290,000 (the EQE 300 goes for P5,590,000). Not bad for a fully electric luxury sports sedan. 

If you’re not in a hurry and want to drive relaxed and cocooned in a luxury car, the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan is perfect. But if you like to drive fast and enjoy the handling dynamics of a low-center-of-gravity car, then the Mercedes EQE will gladly play four-door sports car with you. You can’t do that in your SUV.