~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

With the increasing consumer acceptance of battery electric automobiles and trucks, it’s no surprise that luxury manufacturers are enhancing their lineups with machines like the new 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV.

It’s a four-door, five-passenger vehicle with about the same interior space as a midsize sedan, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, which certifies such things. The space is divided into 104 cubic feet for passengers and 14 cubic feet for cargo behind the second-row seats. Flop those seatbacks, nearly flat, and the cargo space expands to 55 cubic feet.

The EQE 500 4Matic, with all-wheel drive, is the more powerful—and expensive—of two versions. Its two electric motors make 402 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force. It’s enough to silently propel the 5,740-pound SUV to 60 miles an hour in four seconds, according to independent tests.

Its lower-priced garage-mate EQE 350 makes do with a single electric motor to drive the rear wheels. It makes 288 horsepower and  391 pound-feet of torque, and can accelerate to 60 miles an hour in less than six seconds. It has a starting price of $76,050, including the destination charge.

The EQE 500 4Matic model tested for this review, however, had  a base price of $90,650 and a suggested delivered price of $99,860. As expected, the nearly 100 grand nut brings a plethora of desirable equipment and features.

First, it has streamlined, eye-catching styling—basically an SUV version of the EQE sedan. Step inside to a luxury ambiance—perforated, heated and cooled brown leather upholstery with cream colored accents and a wood dash on the tester festooned with miniature Mercedes three-pointed stars.

Overhead is a panoramic glass sunroof, a small part of which opens to the elements. Its sunshade is a translucent white cloth that admits soft light but not harsh sunlight. Both the sunshade and the glass opening are motorized and operate with the touch of a button.

The center console houses a closed bin at the rear and also hovers over a generous forward open space for purses, small backpacks and other small items.

Front seats are supportive and comfortable, and  have prominent bolsters to hold the torso in place, as well as adjustable lumbar supports. A massage function also is available.

Outboard back seats are similarly agreeable. As usual in many vehicles, however, the center-rear cushion is high and hard, with stingy space and foot room that is compromised by the intrusion of the front center console.

The cargo area, though not overly large, is beautifully finished, so not the place for nasty or dirty items. Rear seatbacks are divided 2/3 and 1/3, and fold nearly flat for extra cargo. There’s some small space under the cargo floor to store charging cords.

Full safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. Also: blind-spot warning, traffic sign detection, active speed limit assist, and evasive steering assist.

The comfort and convenience list included a navigation system, wireless smart phone assist, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, power rear lift gate, premium Burmester audio, SXM satellite radio, and a heated steering wheel.

Given its bulk and weight, the tested EQE 500 4Matic had a certain lightness of being on the highway. It came from a bump-soaking air suspension system augmented by rear-wheel steering to improve handling on twisting roads.

For a well-planned long trip, the EQE 500 manages to somewhat mitigate range anxiety. Mercedes-Benz advertises its range at 269 miles, and says that when it is plugged into a DC fast-charging station, it can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 32 minutes. An overnight 100% charge of the tester on a level two, 240-volt charger resulted in a readout on the instruments of an available range of 354 to 380 miles.

Owners likely will habitually engage the recuperation mode, operated by paddles on the steering wheel, which uses deceleration and braking to top up the battery pack. It also enables so-called one-pedal driving, where the driver eschews the brake pedal.

Sure, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is expensive, so not available to many prospective buyers. It’s also a full-blown luxury sport utility vehicle that can satisfy many needs as a silent, willing and comfortable mechanical servant, though not a robot.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV four-door, five-passenger electric crossover sport utility vehicle.
  • Motors: Two electrics; combined 402 hp, 633 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Single speed direct drive with all-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 16 feet.
  • Height: 5 feet 6 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume:  104/14 cubic feet (55 w/rear seatbacks folded).
  • Weight: 5,740 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 1,653 pounds.
  • City/highway/combined Miles Per Gallon Equivalent: 91/86/89 MPGe.
  • Range: 269 miles.
  • Charging time on 240-volt level 2 charger: 10.75 hours.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $90,650. Price as tested: $99,860.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Mercedes-Benz