2023 MERCEDES-BENZ EQE 350+ SUV

MERCEDES ADDS TO EV LINEUP IN PLAN 

TO BUILD ALL-ELECTRIC FLEET BY 2030

Mercedes-Benz continues expanding its all-electric fleet with EQE sedan and EQE SUV models joining the lineup this year.

Along with the SUV version of the EQS, which also debuts as a 2023 model following the introduction of the EQS sedan in 2022, the German automaker now offers all-electric power in a half-dozen vehicles in its bold plan to end production of combustion engines by 2030.


Vroom, vroom replaced by a silent whoosh, whoosh. No wonder the younger generation reportedly doesn’t have the passion for automobiles in the DNA of many older folks.

We are dealing today with the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, the company’s second all-electric SUV. Like the EQS SUV, it is offered in three versions (EQE 350+, EQE 350 4MATIC, and EQE 500 4MATIC) with three trim levels (Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle).

Serving as the base and the subject of this review is the 2023 EQE 450+ with Premium trim and rear-wheel drive; It has a starting base MSRP of $77,900 that includes as standard features like navigation, a parking package with surround view camera, heated front seats, a Burmeister sound system, 64-color selectable ambient lighting, and a power tilt-and-sliding panoramic roof.

The EQE 350 4MATIC carries the same starting price. EQE 350 models with Exclusive Packages check in at $80,000 and starting MSRP for Pinnacle models is $83,450.

EQE 500 4MATIC models carry starting MSRPs of $89,500 (Premium), $91,600 (Exclusive), and $95,450 (Pinnacle).

Standard on my test EQE 450+ SUV were LED headlights, blind-spot warning, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, Attention Assist, and a wireless Smart Phone charger.

You may choose from three different drive modes (Eco, Comfort, or Sport) or set up individual settings to your taste. One minor quibble here is that my test model automatically shifted back to Comfort when restarting after the power was turned off.

No matter the setting, the 2023 EQE 350+ delivers a torque-oriented performance. The single electric motor in the EQE 350+ is rated at an ordinary 288 horsepower but a healthy 415 pound-feet of torque resulting in a zero-to-60 mph clocking of 6.3 seconds, according to the company.

Those numbers increase to 288/564 horsepower and torque, respectively, for the dual motor E350 4MATIC and 402/633 for the EQE 500 4MATIC with zero-to-60 mph performances of 6.2 seconds and 4.6, respectively.

The EQE 350+ holds the advantage in range with a listed 279 miles to 253 and 269 miles Mercedes claims for the EQE 350 4MATIC and EQE 500 4MATIC models.

DC fast-charging times are as quick to 17-80 percent capacity as 32 minutes, according to the company

Speaking of charging times, despite discounts or even free-charging outlets for Mercedes EVs, it would behoove you to install an upgraded DC fast-charging system at your home rather than depend on public facilities.

I say that after my frustrating experience trying to charge the 2023 EQE 350+. Mercedes currently has an agreement with a company that shall remain anonymous to protect the guilty but whose corporate name rhymes with “Rectify America.”

Of seven outlets at two different sites, only one was in working order of the two days I visited. Fortunately, I was next-in-line on the second day, but two other drivers went away delayed and disappointed. AC charging at home can takeup to 10.75 hours, according to Mercedes.

To wrap up, my test EQE 350+ also included several options and packages that added such niceties as 21-inch multi-spoke wheels with back accents, 10-degree rear axle steering, and more that ran the final bottom line to $91,720 including the $1,150 destination and delivery fee.

What I liked about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ SUV: The ride is smooth and, of course, quiet. Acceleration is breathtaking. As you would expect from Mercedes, the cabin is filled with premium materials. 

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ SUV: Buttons that can be used to operate many tech features are so small they seem to be designed for a 5-year-old’s fingers. The infotainment system itself is overwhelming, and there is no AM band on the radio. The radio also is muted when the vehicle is shifted to reverse apparently on the theory that you can see better when it’s quiet. Cargo space is kind of limited for an SUV at only 14 cubic feet behind the second row. 

Would I buy the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ SUV? I’m still holding out until charging points become as common as gas stations, which means I’m probably not ever going to go all-electric. But if you have other transportation options for longer trips and don’t need or care about off-roading capability, the 2023 EQE 350+ is a good choice.