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Pros: interior design, subtle exterior, performance
Cons: not as exciting as its AMG badge promises
Mercedes-AMG EQE Design
The regular Mercedes-Benz EQE saloon was shaped as much by the wind tunnel as it was a designer’s pen, so it’s an exceptionally curvy design with little adornment. It’s quite a ‘meek’ shape in comparison to most contemporary executive saloons, but the AMG makeover redresses the balance with a protruding rear spoiler, new bumpers, a more aggressive looking ‘grille’ up front and a set of particularly tasty alloy wheels giving this model a more appealing stance on the road.
Mercedes-AMG EQE Interior
The interior of the EQE is snugger than that of the Mercedes E-Class, and that suits the AMG model better – though there’s plenty of room for four adults on board. A black-and-red theme is used inside to denote the car’s sporting pretensions, extending to the lovely sports seats and other trim. The special steering wheel is a real highlight, not because of its – frankly unnecessary – flat bottom, but because it features bespoke AMG controls that allow the driver to alter the characteristics of the car on the fly. They’re really intuitive to use and we’re sure it’s no mistake that they call to mind the multitude of steering wheel controls found on the Mercedes-AMG F1 car.
Elsewhere, the digital instruments and large central touchscreen are carried over – albeit with a few AMG-specific touches – and are largely excellent to use. Buyers with deep pockets can upgrade to the ‘Hyperscreen’ setup featuring a touchscreen for the passenger as well, but we don’t think it warrants the premium.
Mercedes-AMG EQE Performance & Drive
Power comes from two electric motors – one on each axle – for a maximum 476hp and a colossal 858Nm of torque. Though this car is no featherweight, it can still accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. That’s sports-car-fast, and it feels it, though there’s so much traction on offer from the all-wheel drive that the performance is delivered in a smooth manner with little drama. Fans of full-on AMG models of old may not be impressed, as capable as this car undoubtedly is – and the selectable sounds won’t help the situation, as they’re all too synthetic.
On an interesting road, the EQE fights back with rock solid body control and great steering. It features adaptive air suspension so the driver can optimise the settings for comfort or cornering as they so wish, and it is really good fun through a sequence of corners. The strangely numb brake pedal feel is one of the few flies in the ointment.
Under all the AMG goodness is a smooth electric saloon with an official range of up to 503km and the ability to charge at up to 170kW on a rapid DC charger.
Mercedes-AMG EQE Pricing
The EQE 43 tested here is priced at €118,865, so it’s not for everyone, especially when you realise that the non-AMG EQE starts at €80,175. Still, it justifies that premium with lots of extra equipment as well as the visual makeover and performance bump, so it’s not difficult to make a case for the AMG model being decent value given the circumstances.
Carzone Verdict
While the AMG version of the electric EQE won’t excite or appeal to most traditional AMG fans, it does represent an enhanced and better-to-drive option in the line-up, for a surprisingly modest increase in price. Even if you’ll never use the extra performance, the beefier appearance alone is arguably worth the cost.