2023 MERCEDES AMG EQE SEDAN

MERCEDES EQE ELECTRIC SEDANS GET BIG POWER BOOST WITH AMG VERSIONS

Tesla may still be the sales leader among electric vehicles, but its dominance of the EV segment has been on a slight decline since hitting a 79.4 percent market share in 2020.

Elon Musk’s company slipped to 68.2 percent in 2021 and 65.4 percent last year as more affordable EV models from Ford, Hyundai, and others began to hit showrooms, according to data tracking from Experian Automotive.

But Tesla also is facing more competition from high-end luxury manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker introduced the sedan versions of its flagship EQS EV last year and added an SUV model of the EQS EV for 2023.

They haven’t stopped there, however, with the arrival of EQE EVs this year.

Also available in EQE 350+, EQE 350 4MATIC, and EQE 500 4MATIC form, this review is based on the 2023 Mercedes AMG EQE which, as you might suspect from the magic letters AMG, takes performance of the EQE sedan up to a new level.

The dual electric motors at the front and rear axles that drive the 2023 Mercedes AMG EQE Sedan come with standard 617 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque and top out at 677/738, respectively, for brief periods via the optional Dynamic Plus Package, or roughly twice the power available from the base EQE 350+.

According to company timers, that gives the Mercedes AMG EQE sedan a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.4/3.2 seconds.

As the Mercedes EQS models take cues from the flagship S Sedan, so the EQE is an electrified version of the company’s popular E Sedan. The 2023 Mercedes AMG EQE, however, adds special AMG styling touches like a distinctive AMG-specific front grille, an AMG steering wheel, and AMG badges and logos scattered throughout the entire vehicle.

AMG Sound Experience provides the opportunity to adjust audio mode to your preferences and high performance compound brakes are standard with the AMG high-performance ceramic compound braking system available as an option.

Other standard features included the company’s MBUX multimedia infotainment system that operates off a 12.3-inch tablet screen and includes navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless Smart phone charging, multi-contour front seats with a massage function, a heated steering wheel, power tilt-and-sliding panoramic moonroof, Burmeister premium sound, and a rear spoiler.

Standard safety features include a driver assistance package, active blind-spot and lane-keeping assist, and active parking assist. Digital LED headlights also feature adaptive high-beam assist.

A starting MSRP of $106,900 covered all that.

My test 2023 Mercedes AMG EQE came with several options that included the ceramic composite braking system, a Napple leather-wrapped AMG Performance steering wheel, 21-inch black AMG Y-spoke wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, a black microfiber headliner, an AMG Night Package (front and rear bumpers and side-sill inserts with dark chrome accents and black window trim) and a Winter Package (heated windshield washer system, heated windshield, and heated rear seats).

All that ran the final bottom line to $123,390. According to the Monroney spec sheet that accompanied the vehicle, there is no charge for destination and delivery. How about that for a break?

What I liked about the 2023 Mercedes AMG EQE: Great horsepower and unbelievable torque provides a lively driving experience. Lots of room in a very comfortable and quiet cabin. Getting over 300 miles (with the AMG Dynamic-Plus Package) from a full charge eases range anxiety fears. Its smaller size than EQS gives the EQE AMG more agility in tight quarters. Standard rear-axle steering (limited) also aids maneuverability.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Mercedes AMG EQE: There’s no AM band for the radio. You would think German engineers of all people would figure out a way to keep the electric powertrain from interfering with AM reception, but nope. Rear visibility is restricted. Tech features can be overwhelming to operate. There are buttons for some functions, which helps, but they seemed to be designed for the small fingers of 5-year-olds. Adding a few hard-wired knobs might help simplify things.

Would I buy the 2023 Mercedes AMG EQE? I’m still on the reluctant side when it comes to buying electric vehicles because of infrastructure limitations for charging, but this one is tempting. The price tag is on the high side, however. Are 3-second zero-to-60 times really worth all that money?