2022 Mercedes EQE review: Benz that has to shine

The new EQE is one of the most important cars in the Mercedes EV vanguard: derived from the extant EQS luxury saloon, the EQE is the one that will have to sell in volume right around the world. And if you look at it objectively, it seems to have what it takes to succeed.

The mid-range car I drove was quick enough, obviously as quiet as a morgue and, on the air suspension that’s standard on the top two trim levels in the range, as comfortable as you’d expect an executive-class Benz to be.

The interior design is as clean as an operating theatre table and while I care for its haptic controls far less than good old switches and buttons, others are far worse. And while you won’t get close to the 394 miles range claimed, something in the late 200s should be possible for most drivers, most of the time. I just wish it had more character.

The styling is rather bland and the sense of quality more applied on than designed in. It’s no worse than other EVs in this regard but it stands out more in a Mercedes-Benz and illuminates the corners being cut by motor manufacturers to get cars like this to market at a price the consumer is prepared to pay. So while I quite liked the EQE I saw nothing within that slippery shape to suggest it is not engineered like all other mass production cars on the planet. Which, for a Benz, is a shame.

Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Exclusive statistics

• Price £88,450
• Engine Rear electric motor, 90kWh battery
• Power 288bhp
• Torque 416lb ft
• Weight 2355kg
• Power to weight 86bhp per tonne
• Transmission Single-speed, rear-wheel drive
• 0-60mph 6.4sec
• Top speed 130mph
• Range 394 miles (WLTP)
• CO2 0g/km
• Verdict Quick, quiet but little character