2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line Review

With the competition in Malaysia's high-end electric vehicle market becoming increasingly intense, executive-level pure electric sedans are becoming a new choice for many middle-class families and business users—they desire the quality of traditional luxury brands while needing the low operating costs and technological features of electric vehicles. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line is precisely targeted at this niche market. It not only continues Mercedes-Benz's luxury heritage but also offers targeted optimizations in terms of power, range, and smart features. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether its luxury quality can match that of traditional executive fuel cars, while also testing its core electric vehicle performance (range, handling) to see if it meets daily usage needs.

Starting with the exterior, the EQE 350+ AMG Line's overall design leans more towards a sporty executive orientation. The front has adopted a closed grille characteristic of the Mercedes electric family, paired with AMG-exclusive star-pattern accents, offering high recognition; the LED headlight clusters on both sides feature a smoked finish, with the "eyebrow" daytime running lights creating a sharp visual effect when illuminated. The side profile of the car is smooth, and the fastback design reduces wind resistance while maintaining the sleekness of an executive sedan; the 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels are standard for the AMG Line, with tire specifications of 255/45 R19 for both front and rear, balancing grip and comfort. The rear features a standout full-width LED taillight, which forms a continuous light strip when illuminated at night. The rear bumper, with a diffuser design, not only aligns with the simplicity of an electric vehicle but also retains AMG Line's sporty details.

Upon entering the cabin, the first impression is one of Mercedes' trademark luxurious ambiance. The interior predominantly uses soft black materials, with metallic trims on the dashboard and door panels, offering a sophisticated touch. The 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen center console stands as the visual focal point, boasting high resolution and smooth operation. It is equipped with the MBUX smart system, supporting voice control and smartphone connectivity. As for the features, a HUD head-up digital display, a 15-speaker Burmester audio system, and heated electric front seats (with memory function) come as standard, combining practicality and luxury. Regarding space, the EQE has a wheelbase of 3,210mm, providing very ample rear legroom. A 175cm tall passenger would still have more than two fist-widths of legroom when seated. The rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, and the nearly flat middle floor ensures that even with five passengers, it doesn't feel crowded. For storage capabilities, the front center armrest box offers considerable capacity, the door storage compartments can hold two bottles of water, and the trunk provides 430L of standard capacity, which can be expanded to 1,485L by folding down the rear seats—perfect for meeting the luggage needs of family trips.

In terms of dynamic driving, the EQE 350+ AMG Line is equipped with a rear-mounted single electric motor, delivering a maximum power output of 214.8kW (292PS) and a peak torque of 565N·m. Official data states a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.4 seconds. During actual drives, the power response during the start-up phase is swift, and a light press on the accelerator provides a noticeable push-back feel. Switching to Sport mode further enhances the power output, and pressing the accelerator hard during overtaking situations allows the motor to release its maximum torque instantly, providing ample high-speed acceleration. In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play—light at low speeds and stable at high speeds. The front and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively absorbing most road vibrations, and the body remains steady over speed bumps. In cornering situations, the body roll is well-controlled, thanks to the vehicle's 2,355kg weight and the low center of gravity due to the battery pack, offering strong stability.

Range and energy consumption are the core metrics of an electric vehicle. We conducted a combined urban and highway road test: starting with a full charge, the official range is 669km. After driving 300km (200km in urban areas and 100km on highways, with an average speed of 60km/h), the remaining battery level is 52%, achieving a range compliance rate of about 90%, which meets expectations. The energy consumption in urban conditions is approximately 16kWh/100km, and about 19kWh/100km on the highway, showcasing reasonable energy control overall. Regarding driving comfort, EQE's noise control is excellent. At speeds below 80km/h, wind noise and tire noise are almost imperceptible. At higher speeds, wind noise increases slightly but does not affect conversations. The seat padding is soft and moderately supportive, ensuring no fatigue even during long drives. The energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels, with the lowest level closely mimicking the coasting feel of a fuel car, without obvious drag.

In terms of safety features, the EQE 350+ AMG Line comes standard with nine safety airbags, ACC adaptive cruise control, 360-degree panoramic cameras, active braking, lane-keeping assistance, among others, achieving the mainstream safety level in its class.

Overall, the core advantages of the EQE 350+ AMG Line can be summarized in three points: first, the luxurious feel and mature quality control of the Mercedes-Benz brand; second, the spacious legroom brought by its long wheelbase, making it suitable for both families and business use; third, the balanced performance in terms of range and power, meeting the demands of both daily commutes and long-distance trips. Compared to its competitors in the same class, such as the BMW i5 and Audi e-tron GT, the EQE has a longer wheelbase, offering more spacious rear legroom, richer configurations (e.g., standard Burmester sound system and heated front seats), and higher cost-effectiveness.

This car is suitable for two types of users: one is family users who value luxury feel and space, as it meets the needs of daily commutes and weekend trips; the other is users who require a vehicle for business receptions, as EQE's brand image and comfort configurations can cater to business scenarios. If you are looking for an executive sedan that balances luxury, space, and the practicality of an electric vehicle, the EQE 350+ AMG Line is worth considering.