Is an electric Mercedes the real deal?

This sleek looking battery-powered sedan combines luxury values with cutting-edge modern technology to rival the likes of Tesla.

Mercedes-Benz is on a roll, introducing a range of electric models to tempt people away from the likes of Tesla.

It’s traditional Mercedes luxe with a modern twist

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class large sedan has long been a popular choice for those looking to experience the best of the three-pointed star brand.

The Mercedes-EQ EQE sedan delivers traditional luxury appeal.

The new Mercedes EQE is the electric alternative that is proving more popular than the traditional petrol model.

Unlike many EV Mercs to date, the EQE isn’t based on an internal combustion engine platform. Instead it starts from scratch with a layout optimised for batteries and motors.

The EQE has a distinctive curved shape designed to slip cleanly through the air.

With a stubby boot and short bonnet it also maximises occupant space. Prices for this entry-level EQE300 start at about $140,000 drive-away and, as with so many in the luxury realm, you can easily add to that with options and customisation.

The EQE cabin is a luxurious space.

There’s ample space … mostly

Occupant space is a lot better than a traditional luxury sedan due to the flat floor and open layout.

The EQE has 7cm more rear legroom than an E-Class and more space upfront. The only place it goes backwards compared with the petrol alternative is rear headroom, which is down slightly due to the sloping roofline.

While it looks a bit like a hatch at the rear, there’s a traditional boot hiding within all those curves and it reveals a useful 430-litre cavity.

Smooth looks contribute to efficient aerodynamics.

It’s quicker than you might expect

The EQE300 only has a single electric motor (all other EQE variants have two) and it makes a modest 180kW for claimed 0-100km/h acceleration of 7.3 seconds.

That’s nothing special – on paper at least – except that in the real world it’s a lot more useful. Thank the generous 550Nm of torque for that. There’s a terrific surge when you first press the accelerator, which comes in handy in the cut and thrust of city traffic, where the near-instant response is a plus.

As for how far you’ll travel on a charge, forget the 626km that Merc spruiks in the brochure; the more realistic WLTP figure is 508km and our experience suggests you can knock 20 or 30km off that.

The EQE delivers silent performance.

There’s plenty of tech

Mercedes has layered loads of traditional luxury – including leather and wood – into the EQE but modern matt finishes and interesting textures blend well with the futuristic look on display elsewhere.

There’s also plenty of tech, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a vibrant 12.8-inch central infotainment screen.

That central screen takes time to adapt to, although it at least places commonly used items such as ventilation controls in a permanent spot towards the bottom of the display. The volume control, which is operated by a sliding motion on the touchscreen, is fiddly, but for the most part the handful of fixed buttons (including fingerprint recognition for driver profiles) and menus get the job done.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 is on sale now.

It’s very comfy

The EQE300 has loads of space between the front and rear wheels, something that reduces pitching over lumps and bumps, adding to the relaxed driving experience.

Its suspension is also supple, easily soaking up the worst Aussie roads can muster. A pothole or sharp edge occasionally catches out the low profile 20-inch tyres but for the most part the EQE is beautifully composed and comfortable.

The cabin is whisper quiet, living up to luxury expectations. There’s loads of dynamic talent, too. It has excellent grip and a sure-footed feeling when you dial up the tempo.

Originally published as Is an electric Mercedes the real deal?