MERCEDES EQE

The EQE is one of the latest electric models to enter the Mercedes line-up. Jack Evans has been finding out what the saloon is like.

WHAT IS IT?

It’s effectively the smallest battery-powered saloon that you can get with a three-pronged star on the front, acting as an electric alternative to the ever-popular E-Class.

WHAT’S NEW?

From the outside at least, you can see the direction that Mercedes is going in, with curved sections and a very aerodynamically efficient design. Inside, we’ve got space for five people and, because of the car’s flat floor, a little more legroom than you might expect.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The EQE will be available with a variety of powertrain options, but the one we’re checking out uses a single electric motor. It has rapid-charging capability, so a 10 to 80 per cent charge can be conducted in as little as 32 minutes when hooked up to a suitably speedy charger.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The electric motor is smooth and responsive, while the air suspension on our test car made for a super-soft ride, too. On the motorway, the EQE feels nicely refined and only low levels of road and wind noise are noticeable.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Because the car’s design is so dictated by aerodynamics, it’s free from any noticeable styling elements such as grilles or even cut-outs. This pebble-like look separates it from the rest of the Mercedes range and doesn’t have an awful lot to tie it to some of the firm’s classic models.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Rear-seat legroom is good, although headroom may prove to be a little tight for taller passengers. In terms of boot space, the EQE offers up to 430 litres with the seats in place or 895 litres with them down.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Entry-level AMG-Line cars (£76,450) get plenty of standard equipment including a full sports styling package and a panoramic roof. Our car, in Exclusive Luxury spec, bumped the price up to £89,345 after options but added features such as heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. All cars have a 12.8-inch media display as standard.

WHAT DO WE THINK?

The EQE feels like a natural next step in the Mercedes electrified journey. It’s comfortable, refined and quiet, while it also brings the kind of performance you’d expect. It’s pricier than an equivalent E-Class but it feels more premium and upmarket. Its looks may be up for discussion but you can’t fault the EQE’s on-board tech or the way it manages to deliver a similar experience to the one you’d get from a much larger – and more expensive – model.