2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC | Family Review with Child Seat Installation

Summary

In this video, the Garage Talk crew—Corey, Holly, and Tucker—review the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC Sedan. After a week of testing, they share their impressions of the vehicle’s design, interior, tech, and driving experience. Holly discusses the car's egg-like exterior and luxurious interior with ambient lighting, while also critiquing the climate controls and tech features. They also evaluate family-friendly features like car seat installation and trunk space. The EQE's smooth ride, advanced suspension, and impressive range make it a strong contender, though Holly expresses concerns about some tech complexities and the price.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC sedan offers sleek and aerodynamic design, with a focus on technology and luxury features.
• 😀 The car's exterior features a unique 'one bow design,' giving it a smooth, egg-like shape with minimal curves and a clean front grille.
• 😀 It has advanced tech features, including ambient lighting, a traffic light detection system, and pop-out door handles.
• 😀 The interior includes a luxury color scheme of chocolate and cream, with rose gold accents and a floating panel design on the doors.
• 😀 Climate control in the car is extensive, with a quad-zone system; however, Holly found the air conditioning settings difficult to adjust effectively.
• 😀 The car's ride quality is smooth, aided by its adaptive suspension, and the vehicle handles potholes and rough roads very comfortably.
• 😀 The vehicle's four-wheel steering system improves maneuverability, making it easier to handle in tight spaces like driveways.
• 😀 Installing a child safety seat in the back of the EQE 500 is somewhat difficult due to the location of the top tether, which is more challenging than in SUVs.
• 😀 The trunk is not overly spacious but has a practical 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat configuration, with a power-closing trunk lid.
• 😀 Despite its luxurious feel, the EQE 500's cargo space feels a bit mid-tier in terms of quality, lacking the expected 'Uber luxury' of a high-end Mercedes-Benz.
• 😀 The 2023 EQE 500 starts at $85,900, with the higher-performance AMG version starting at $106,000, offering improved acceleration (0-60 in 3.2 seconds) and over 300 miles of range.

Q & A

What is the overall opinion on the design of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC sedan?

The design of the EQE 500 is somewhat polarizing. Holly appreciates the aerodynamic shape, describing it as an egg-like profile with a 'one bow' design, but is neutral about it. She enjoys certain features like the front grille and puddle lights but feels the design lacks curves or traditional beauty.

How does the ambient lighting in the EQE 500 enhance the driving experience?

The ambient lighting is a standout feature, with the ability to change colors, adding a touch of luxury and personalization to the cabin. It's a feature Holly particularly enjoys, as it contributes to the car's overall aesthetic.

What are some of the drawbacks of the vehicle’s tech and climate controls?

Holly finds the climate control options to be overly complicated, especially with the air blowing directions, which resulted in her feet being cold and the top of her body too warm. She also criticizes the volume controls, which are tiny sliders, making it difficult and unsafe to adjust while driving.

How does the ride quality of the EQE 500 4MATIC feel during a road trip?

The ride quality is praised for being extremely smooth, even on rougher roads. The adaptive suspension and low-profile tires provide a very comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and making long-distance travel very pleasant.

What features of the car's suspension make it suitable for family use?

The EQE 500 features an adaptive suspension system that provides a smooth ride, even on historic brick streets and potholes. The ability of the vehicle to absorb road imperfections without discomfort makes it suitable for families traveling long distances.

How easy is it to install a child safety seat in the EQE 500?

While installing a child safety seat is manageable, Holly points out that the process could be smoother. The lower latch points are hidden under removable hard plastic pieces, and the top tether is located at the back window, which makes installation a bit more cumbersome compared to other vehicles.

How does the car's storage capacity compare to other luxury sedans?

The EQE 500 offers decent storage space, with a 40/20/40 split bench rear seat and a reasonably sized trunk. However, the trunk space is described as small and not quite up to the luxury standards expected from a Mercedes-Benz, feeling a bit mid-tier.

What is the importance of the 4-wheel steering system in the EQE 500?

The 4-wheel steering system enhances maneuverability at low speeds by allowing the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction, helping with lane changes. This makes the car feel more agile and responsive, particularly in tight spaces.

What are Holly's thoughts on the EQE 500's infotainment system and controls?

Holly expresses frustration with the tech controls, particularly the small volume sliders and complicated climate settings. She prefers physical controls, such as knobs or trackpads, which she found to be more user-friendly in other Mercedes models.

Would Holly consider purchasing the EQE 500, and why or why not?

While Holly acknowledges the comfort and features of the EQE 500, she wouldn't likely purchase it due to the price and the tech complications. She prefers a more straightforward driving experience, and the vehicle’s high-tech features might require a learning curve that she’s not willing to deal with.