Drive the Fully Electric Mercedes EQE 350

Mercedes-EQ is the all-new electric line of vehicles that stands for progressive luxury and more than just an electric drive train for the future. Mercedes-Benz has released 4 vehicles in the EQ line this year to push towards the goal of going completely electric by 2030. The EQE 350 sedan is one of the vehicles in the Mercedes-EQ line that highlights a superior driving experience. From the exterior to the interior, the EQE manages to capture the aesthetics of what E-class represents Mercedes Benz. A sleek design creates a unique atmosphere that complements the E-class lineage while promoting a new age of EV (Electric Vehicles) with its own distinctiveness. When entering the EQE 350, the first thing that should catch your eye is the touch screen infotainment system over the dash, complemented with a color-changing strip of lights throughout the trim of the interior. Some accents that give this vehicle the E-class feel are the cross-stitched leather interior, as well as the heated steering wheel and heated seats. Some niche accents include the wireless charging station near the cup holders, massaging seats, and plenty of space for the driver and passengers. Once you turn the vehicle on, you will notice your seatbelt tighten very lightly for your safety without sacrificing any comfortability. The aerated leather seats highlight luxury with a sporty touch that gives the soft leather seats character. The shifter is on the side of the steering wheel, unlike most automatic vehicles where it is common in the center of the vehicle. Mercedes moved the shifter to allow more space for cupholders and an impressive wireless charging bay. The Mercedes-Benz EQE was the first electric car I’ve driven, and the experience wasn’t what I expected at all. As a car enthusiast I enjoy what’s under the hood down to most minute detail. The driving experience compares to a normal gas combustion engine in the aspect that Mercedes-Benz replicated the same feeling gas powered vehicle by the way the car accelerates from my perspective. While slowly pressing down on the “gas” pedal, you will notice the car releases a revving sound to replicate the sound and feel of an engine. I feel that Mercedes-Benz is trying to stimulate our car driving experience in that it feels awkward or foreign to accept the idea to drive an electric car. The Mercedes EQE manages to allow you have an ecofriendly drive, without completely sacrificing what it feels like to experience driving with a combustion engine. On the road the EQE 350 outperforms itself with smooth acceleration and a comfortable braking system. The Mercedes EQE 350 allows you to have more control of your drive with the recuperation feature that’s implemented on many Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

This feature adds paddle shifters on both sides of the steering wheel that allow the driver to control if they would like a more modern drive with sensitive braking and acceleration or if they would like a more classic drive to fully unlock the capabilities of the vehicle.

You have an option of a sensitive braking and acceleration system. In my opinion I enjoyed keeping this mode off as the driving experience was more freeing and felt closer to driving a regular E-class. The suspension system was more than equipped as it felt like the car floated over every imperfection in the road. The steering was a highlight in my experience as I would effortlessly turn the heated steering wheel accompanied by a slight stiffness that didn’t restrict me at all. I felt the car cut corners beautifully fulfilling what you would expect from a German Luxury car brand. Not only was I comfortable driving, but my passengers were more than comfortable with all the features inside for example, the all-around heated seats are a feature that is not overlooked. My favorite aspect of the vehicle was the massage feature for the driver and front passenger. This unique product of ingenuity enhances the comfortability with multiple modes to customize how the seat massages your back. Personally, I enjoyed having it move to the same rhythm as coastal waves hitting the shoreline. Electric vehicles aren’t my first choice when it comes to picking out a car, but the EQE 350 managed to shift my perspective, and I can truly say it was an enjoyable drive. This wonderful piece of electrical mechanical art features all-wheel Drive (AWD) with a dual motor drivetrain that generates 288 horsepower and 391 lbs. of torque. These beautiful features allow the vehicle to reach its 0 to 60 time in 5.6 seconds. The most jaw dropping piece of information is that it takes 31 minutes to charge from 10%-80% Battery life with a full mileage range of 260 miles. The Mercedes EQE 350 is a machine of the future, and it only takes one test drive in this innovative masterpiece to fall in love with more than just the concept. This is the E-class of the future, are you in?

Charles Fanning
Zurich / Mercedes-Benz of Hoffman Estates