Mercedes is all-in on EVs

2023 Mercedes EQB 350 and EQE350

By Isaac Bouchard

Mercedes is all-in on EVs. Their lineup covers most every class of vehicle, from compact crossovers to the 751hp EQS-AMG, recently reviewed in our print edition. Their naming strategy follows that of their ICE (internal combustion engine) brethren, though Benz says this will change later this decade—at some point, an S-Class will just be an S-Class. For now, the German company offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of EVs from a company other than Tesla.

EQB 350 4Matic

Courtesy Mercedes-Benz

Based on Mercedes’ smallest platform, one not designed exclusively for battery power, the EQB has some baked-in compromises. It cannot hold as big a battery as some competitors, meaning its 66.5kWh sized one limits real-world range to less than its rated 227 miles, at least if it’s driven on the highway often. However, the EQB 350 motors summon 288hp and 384lb-ft of torque, which allow for a quick 5.4sec 0-60 run. These performance figures mean it is competitive with the new Audi Q4 e-tron and VW ID.4, but it doesn’t have near the range of the best-selling Tesla Model Y.

Courtesy Mercedes-Benz

The B-Class body is designed to be space efficient and evoke fond associations with the epic G-Class off roader, but when smoothed over to improve aero efficiency, its aspect is less than muscular. Inside, it has the same groovy groups of shapes as other small Mercedes, with prominent vents, bold screens and upright seating that grant it gobs of room for such a small machine. It is also bright and airy inside, thanks to the upright shape and large windows.

Courtesy Mercedes-Benz

The EQB 350 rides really well over broken tarmac—much better than a Tesla—and handles alright. Being an EV, it weighs a lot for its size (at over 4800 pounds, it is half a ton heavier than ICE-powered Bs), so one wouldn’t call its moves athletic. But it is Mercedes comfortable and quiet, virtues that aren’t a given in an electric car. The biggest knock against the EQB is that, for the price, it doesn’t offer the kind of range or charging speeds that competitors do. For similar money one can get a Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5; while neither have the brand cachet of Mercedes, they are dedicated EVs, with more room, greater range, and better performance—whether one is talking 0-60 or charging speeds, thanks to their 800-volt architecture. Of course, there’s also the Model Y, America’s best-selling EV. However, for those who want classic Mercedes virtues in a small package and don’t need lots of range, though, the GLB could be just the ticket.

Courtesy Mercedes-Benz

EPA Ratings: 96MPGe combined (98city 93 highway)

0-60mph: 5.4sec

Price as tested: $60,100

Rating: 2.5 Stars

Here is what Mercedes has to say.

EQE 350 4Matic

Courtesy Mercedes-Benz

Built on the same component set as the larger EQS, the E-Class EV looks like a bobtailed version of that big bar of soap. Its slippery shape conveys a very futuristic vibe, though it is not to all tastes. What cannot be argued is increase in highway range it helps the EQE350 achieve: over 300 miles, which means it goes farther than most all other, sub-$100,000 EVs.

The EQE interior is also much like that in the larger Mercedes: striking in design and built of high-quality materials. To these eyes, its dash actually looks better, as the test vehicle lacked the wall-to-wall “Hyperscreen”, highlighting the wood trim and lovely, contrasting blue and brown color palette. The front is very spacious, but the back seat suffers from the same issue as many other EVs, namely that the high floor forces one’s knees up and lands your weight on your sit bones. Unlike its big brother, the EQE has a conventional trunk, so there isn’t the practicality of a hatchback. But that trunk is spacious, and folding seats means this Mercedes can handle a decent-sized cargo load.

 

The EQE—at least in midlevel 350 form—hews to classic Mercedes driving characteristics. The motors (basically the same as those in the EQB 350) give a combined 288 ponies and 391lb-ft of twist. Performance is adequate, with 60mph arriving in 5.3 seconds. The 350’s large 90.6kWh battery give it that excellent real-world range. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an 800-volt electrical architecture, meaning charging speeds are not as quick as they could be on a fast charger. Set against that, the Mercedes was the first non-Tesla vehicle tested which was able to charge with no extra steps required of the driver: plug in and the electrons flowed.

Handling is fine, thanks to its low center of gravity, but the EQE 350 doesn’t interact with the driver in a way that would encourage driving just for the fun of it. It does ride well though and is exceptionally refined. In all those ways, it reminds of older, celebrated generations of E-class, cars that defined true luxury. AWD and winter tires made it a superb car for snowy roads and its range made it possible to drive significant distances without the low-level mental background noise of always wondering where the nearest working charger might be located. For those who want traditional Benz attributes and don’t need the kind of drag race bragging rights many other EVs serve up, the EQE 350 is an excellent choice.

EPA Ratings: N/A

0-60mph: 5.3sec

Price as tested: $88,300

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Here is what Mercedes has to say.

Automotive Editor Isaac Bouchard owns Denver-based Bespoke Autos ([email protected]; 303-475-1462). Read more of his automotive writing, reviews and recommendations on coloradoavidgolfer.com and bespokeautos.com.


Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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