A Teutonic Triumph
Let's get one thing out of the way – electric SUVs are everywhere these days. From budget blobs to anonymous pods, the market's brimming with contenders all jostling for your eco-conscious dollar. So, does the 2024 Mercedes-EQE 350 SUV carve a niche for itself, or is it merely another forgettable face in the crowd? Buckle up, because this electric Merc might surprise you.
Visual Appeal: A Departure from the Oddball
Mercedes has a bit of a…well, unique design language for their EQ electric vehicles. The EQC crossover, bless its heart, resembled a jellybean that had undergone a particularly enthusiastic game of squash. Thankfully, the EQE SUV adopts a more conventional silhouette. It's undeniably a Mercedes, with the brand's signature swooping lines and that undeniably haughty stance. Sure, it won't win any beauty contests, but it's handsome in a purposeful, Germanic sort of way.
Inner Sanctum: Luxe Living
Step inside, and the EQE truly enters its element. The cabin is a masterclass in modern luxury. Lavish swathes of leather mingle with open-pore wood trim, and the overall ambience is one of sophisticated comfort. Mercedes' current generation 12.8 inch centrescreen is a little jarring at first, however it's intuitive software makes it a breeze to use. It's a technological marvel, no doubt, but some might find it a little overwhelming.
Thankfully, the infotainment system itself is intuitive and responsive, a vast improvement over some of Mercedes' earlier efforts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still the go-to applications, but the native system is competent enough. Where the EQE truly shines is in the space it offers. Front passengers are treated to ample legroom and headroom, while the rear seats are best described as generous – even for adults. Storage space isn't as abundant as in some larger SUVs, but it's sufficient for most everyday needs.
Power Play: Silent but Swift
The EQE 350 sits in the middle of the EQE range. Its dual electric motors produce a healthy 288 horsepower and a stonking 765 Nm of torque. Translated into driverspeak, that means this hefty SUV scoots from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 6.3 seconds. It's not mind-bendingly fast, but there's a satisfying thrust that presses you back in your seat when you prod the throttle.
More importantly, the electric powertrain delivers that oh-so-characteristic instant torque, making overtaking a breeze and highway cruising effortless. Unlike some EVs that feel like they're constantly whirring and whining, the EQE is eerily silent. Just a gentle hum and the whoosh of wind rushing by – a testament to Mercedes' excellent soundproofing.
One area where the EQE 350 doesn't quite excel is driving dynamics. Don't get me wrong, it handles predictably and competently, but there's a certain detachment, a sense of isolation from the road that some enthusiasts might find off-putting. The steering, while accurate, feels a tad numb, and the suspension prioritizes comfort over agility. This is a luxury SUV, after all, and comfort it delivers in spades. The ride is plush, soaking up bumps and imperfections with aplomb, making even long journeys a breeze.
Range Anxiety? Not Quite
The EQE 350 boasts a respectable WLTP-claimed range of 436 kilometres. In real-world conditions, expect that number to dip slightly, but you should still be able to comfortably navigate most commutes and errands on a single charge. DC fast charging is available, and Mercedes claims you can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes – ideal for those longer highway trips.
The Verdict: A Polished Performer
The 2024 Mercedes-EQE 350 SUV might not be the most exciting electric SUV on the market, but it's a compelling option nonetheless. It offers a luxurious cabin, a smooth and silent ride, and enough performance to keep most drivers happy. The range is decent, and Mercedes' ever-expanding network of charging stations should quell any lingering anxieties.
Sure, it's not the most fun to drive, and the lack of Apple CarPlay might irk some. But if you're looking for a refined, comfortable, and undeniably luxurious electric SUV, the EQE 350 deserves a serious look. In this burgeoning segment, the EQE stands out as a polished performer, a testament to Mercedes' enduring commitment to quality and innovation.
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