NEW Mercedes EQE 500 (SUV): Way Better Than I Expected

Summary

In this review, Ben Hardy presents the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500, highlighting its 90.6 kWh battery, 402 horsepower, and impressive real-world range exceeding EPA estimates. He praises the vehicle's aerodynamic design, luxurious interior, and driving experience, while expressing concerns about its exterior aesthetics. Hardy also discusses the car's advanced technology, including a 360 camera system and self-driving features, concluding that despite its looks, it's the best EV he has tested, with a surprisingly high range and a starting MSRP of $98,040.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 features a 90.6 kWh battery pack paired with a dual electric motor setup, offering 402 horsepower and 633 lb-ft of torque.
• 🔋 The EPA estimated range is 269 miles, but the reviewer found this to be inaccurate, experiencing a real-world range closer to 400 miles with climate controls engaged.
• 🏎 The vehicle prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in a smooth exterior design, which may appear strange to some but contributes to its performance.
• 🌟 The car is equipped with distinctive Mercedes design elements such as the star-studded grille and a light bar effect in the headlights and taillights.
• 🛠️ The vehicle has a rear steering feature, which, combined with a 360-degree camera system, makes parking easier and more precise.
• 💺 The interior boasts a high-quality design with comfortable seats, a customizable gauge cluster, and an advanced infotainment system similar to the new S-Class.
• 🎶 The sound system is praised for its quality, and the ambient lighting adds to the luxurious feel of the interior.
• 🔑 The key fob and controls are typical of Mercedes, with features for lock/unlock, hatch opening, and a traditional Mercedes key design.
• 🛒 The cargo area is spacious for its class, with a built-in cargo cover and a charging bag, reflecting thoughtful design for utility.
• 💨 The reviewer found the car's driving experience to be fantastic, with excellent ride quality and enjoyable acceleration, despite being an EV.
• 🤖 The vehicle's self-driving features, including adaptive cruise control, are mostly effective, although there are some quirks with lane-changing behavior that the reviewer found jarring.

Q & A

What is the total system output of the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500 in terms of horsepower and torque?

The total system output of the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500 is 402 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque.

What is the stated EPA range for the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500, and what is the reviewer's opinion on its accuracy?

The stated EPA range for the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500 is 269 miles, but the reviewer believes it is extremely inaccurate and that the real-world range is significantly higher.

Why is the design of the EQE focused on aerodynamic efficiency?

The design of the EQE is focused on aerodynamic efficiency to maximize range and performance, which is evident in its smooth and streamlined exterior.

What are the wheel specifications for the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500 in terms of size and design purpose?

The wheel setup for the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500 is 255/45/20 in the front and rear, and the wheels are designed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency.

What features does the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500 have to enhance the driving experience?

The Mercedes-Benz EQ E500 has features such as rear steer, a 360 camera system with trajectory lines, and a modern infotainment system similar to the new S-Class, all of which enhance the driving experience.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the interior design of the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500?

The reviewer finds the interior design of the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500 to be one of the most beautiful ever, with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a modern, comfortable layout.

How does the reviewer describe the ride quality and acceleration of the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500?

The reviewer describes the ride quality as fantastic and the acceleration as really good, noting that the car feels like a spaceship and is fun to drive.

What is the reviewer's experience with the charging network and the range of the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500?

The reviewer has had a positive experience with the charging network, finding it easier to charge the car on the go, and has been impressed with the actual range, which is much higher than the EPA estimate.

What is the total MSRP of the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500 as mentioned in the script?

The total MSRP of the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500 is just under a hundred thousand dollars, specifically $98,040.

What discrepancy does the reviewer find between the EPA range estimates and the actual range of non-American electric cars?

The reviewer finds a significant discrepancy, where non-American electric cars, including the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500, consistently have a much higher real-world range than the EPA estimates.

What is the reviewer's main criticism of the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500?

The reviewer's main criticism of the Mercedes-Benz EQ E500 is its exterior design, which they find to be hideous despite the car's excellent performance and interior design.