2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Electric Art Review

The luxury electric vehicle market has been gaining popularity in Malaysia in recent years. Many consumers wish to embrace the convenience of pure electric travel without compromising the quality and features of traditional luxury cars. As the core model of Mercedes-Benz's pure electric mid-size sedan lineup, the EQE 350+ Electric Art enters the market with a claimed range of 669km, Burmester audio system, and other premium features. We took it for a week-long test drive to see if its real-world performance in daily commuting and family weekend outings justifies its price of RM 379,888.

In terms of appearance, the EQE continues the "one bow body design" of the Mercedes-EQ family, with sleek overall lines and an extremely low drag coefficient of 0.22. The front features a closed grille with a "star-patterned panel," a centrally illuminated tri-star emblem, and slim LED headlights, giving it high recognition. The side profile lacks the traditional beltline break of fuel-powered cars, with an arc extending from the front to the rear, making the car look more elongated. The 19-inch multi-spoke wheels maintain a luxurious feel. The rear is highlighted by a through-type LED taillight, which has an evenly illuminated light strip that is easily recognizable at night. The diffuser-like design below the rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness.

Stepping inside, the first thing you'll notice is the 12.8-inch OLED central control screen. The screen boasts high resolution, smooth touch response, and a menu layout similar to the fuel-powered Mercedes models, which makes it easy for familiar users to get started quickly. The dashboard materials are solid, with most areas wrapped in soft leather and complemented by metal trims, delivering a sense of luxury. An HUD head-up display comes standard, allowing you to see the speed and navigation information without looking down while driving, which is very practical. The front seats are equipped with electric adjustment and memory functions, as well as heating. The leather cushioning is moderately firm and soft, ensuring comfort even during long rides up to two hours. The rear space is a pleasant surprise; the 3210mm wheelbase provides ample legroom. A 175cm tall passenger sitting back there still has two fists' worth of space between their knees and the front seatback. The nearly flat floor allows even the middle rear passenger to sit comfortably. In terms of storage, the front center armrest box is spacious, the door panel pockets can fit large water bottles, and the trunk offers a regular capacity of 506L, expandable to 1403L by folding down the rear seats, making it easy to accommodate strollers or luggage.

In terms of power, the EQE 350+ is equipped with a rear-mounted single electric motor delivering a maximum power of 214.8kW (292.1PS) and a maximum torque of 565N·m, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.4 seconds. During daily driving, the car accelerates briskly, and the torque output is continuous once the accelerator is pressed, making overtaking or lane-changing on city roads effortless. There are three driving modes: ECO, Comfort, and Sport. In ECO mode, the power output is more subdued, making it suitable for everyday commuting. Sport mode, on the other hand, makes the accelerator response more sensitive and provides a stronger acceleration sensation. The suspension system adopts a front and rear multi-link independent setup, tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most of the bumps effectively, keeping the car stable without noticeable swaying. While cornering, although the vehicle weighs 2355kg, the suspension provides good support, and body roll is well-controlled, avoiding the feeling of "sailing on a boat." The steering wheel offers precise handling with minimal play, feeling light at low speeds and heavier at high speeds, making it very easy to drive.

In terms of range, we conducted actual tests. With a full charge, driving on city roads (air conditioning set to 24℃, regenerative braking set at medium), the car was able to run about 580km and still had 10% battery remaining, achieving approximately 86% efficiency, which is quite impressive. On highways cruising at 110km/h, the power consumption was approximately 18kWh/100km, with a full charge allowing about 500km, making it sufficient for intercity travel. Regarding charging, using a DC fast charging station, it takes around 45 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. Charging fully with a home slow charging station takes approximately 10 hours. Noise control is handled very well, with almost no motor noise detectable at low speeds. Wind and tire noise are minimal at high speeds, and along with the excellent sound quality of the Burmester audio system, the cabin remains very quiet.

Compared with electric vehicles in the same segment, the EQE 350+ has clear advantages: it delivers a stronger sense of luxury, with interior materials and configurations surpassing those of competitors like the Tesla Model S or BMW i4. It also offers great space, especially in the rear, making it suitable for family users. Its high range efficiency reduces the need for frequent charging in daily use. However, its price is slightly higher than the Model S, and the intelligence level of the in-car system is not as advanced as those offered by new-energy brands. That being said, for users who value brand heritage and luxurious textures, these factors are not major concerns.

To sum up, the EQE 350+ Electric Art is a well-rounded luxury electric vehicle that combines Mercedes-Benz's brand premium with practical space and range. It is suitable for users who prioritize luxury and comfort, have family travel needs, and wish to experience pure electric driving. Whether for daily commuting or long-distance travel, it can meet your demands. If you have a sufficient budget and are looking for a luxury electric vehicle without compromises, the EQE 350+ is worth considering.