First Drive: 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+ Review

Key Features:

• Blistering acceleration
• Smooth and comfortable
• State of the art technology

Direct Competitors:

• Porsche Taycan GTS
• Tesla Model S Dual Motor AWD
• BMW i4 M50

One day or another, all carmakers will have to face electrification. But for some, like Mercedes-AMG, the turnover could be a tad more difficult. That’s because for the longest time, the brand has been defined by large displacement V8 engines. 

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+ | Photo: Mercedes-Benz 

Yet, with a car like the EQE 4MATIC+, Mercedes’ performance division proves that it can survive without the presence of gasoline. We drove AMG’s all electric sport sedan during its international launch in Colmar, France.

Pricing and main rivals

Since the AMG EQE 4MATIC+ only arrives in Canada next year as a 2024 model, pricing isn’t yet announced. It also doesn’t have that many rivals considering that it’s one of the first high-performance, fully electric luxury mid-size sedans on the market. 

The immediate cars that come to mind as direct competitors are the BMW i4 M50, the Porsche Taycan GTS and the Tesla Model S Dual Motor. 

Inside the Mercedes EQE

MBUX Hyperscreen

From a design standpoint, the EQE looks as if the full size EQS sedan shrunk in the wash. It’s the same story inside, where it pretty much copies the dashboard layout of its big sister, complete with the highly impressive Hyperscreen layout. Essentially a dashboard that’s entirely composed of screens, it can be overwhelming for some. We didn’t spend enough time with the car to fully test out all the toys. 

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+ | Photo: Mercedes-Benz 

One thing Hyperscreen accomplishes very well though, is propel the EQE into an entirely different world, pushing the envelope of what we should expect from human to machine interfaces in the future. We were also impressed by the simplicity of operation of the enormous central command screen that also acts as an infotainment system. 

Mercedes’ integrated navigation system, with augmented reality is both clear and easy to use, while the added animations, such as real time arrows, combined with a front camera, proved handy in France’s narrow streets.

Seating and cargo space

In typical Mercedes-AMG fashion, the EQE’s seats are both immensely supportive during performance driving and comfortable while cruising around town. Overall build quality and sound insulation are also second to none, and the heavy use of Alcantara on some surfaces and around the steering wheel give this sport sedan a sense of purpose. 

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+ | Photo: Mercedes-Benz 

Accessing the rear seating area is easy in an EQE thanks to a wide door opening. And once in there, even tall passengers will appreciate more than ample leg and head clearance. That being said, the EQE doesn’t quite take advantage of its EV configuration. 

Space management is only fine. For instance, there’s no frunk (front trunk), and the rear trunk’s 430 litres of available cargo isn’t impressive considering the car’s size. For reference, a Honda Accord will engulf up to 472 liters of your gear. 

Performance and driving impressions

All-electric AMG sedan with over 600 horsepower and more than 400 km of electric range

To achieve sport sedan credentials, the AMG EQE is powered by a 90.6 kWh battery. It powers two electric motors that pump out a combined output of 617 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. 

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+ | Photo: Mercedes-Benz 

In case that’s not enough, Mercedes-AMG will be happy to sell you its optional AMG Dynamic Plus package which cranks things up to 677 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. In this configuration, the AMG EQE will hit 100 km/h from a standstill in 3.3 seconds and top out at a 240 km/h top speed.

Charging speed on a level three fast charger is rated at 170 kW. Range, for now, is claimed at 518 km, but that’s according to the WLTP European protocol. Once the EQE gets EPA-tested, we could expect around 440 km of range.

Hitting the road

Around the charming streets of Colmar, the EQE was smooth, quiet, and buttoned down. The available AMG Ride Control+ adjustable air suspension does miracles when setting the car to Comfort mode. The EQE is serene, quiet and envelops you in utmost comfort and technology.

Set the car in Sport+ mode, however, and the entire thing changes its personality. Pumped in audio is not only louder, but it also sounds different, like a TIE Fighter that’s preparing its afterburners. The entire cabin also changes ambient lighting to brighter colors. It’s all highly synthetic, but it does work at getting your pulse going.

Once we were out of the city and into the Alsatian mountains, we gunned the acceleration pedal to test out AMG’s performance claims. The EQE 4MATIC+ teleports to its next destination. Power is relentless and torque is neck-snapping. What’s particularly impressive is how AMG used all-wheel steering technology to quell the otherwise porky 5,567-pound curb weight. 

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+ | Photo: Mercedes-Benz 

While heavy, the EQE never feels like it when attacking a corner. You arrive fast, yes, but slam the brake pedal and the regenerative braking system recuperates up to 260 kW of electricity. Squeeze the throttle when coming out of the apex, and the car darts to your desired direction. It’s a scalpel, yet it shouldn’t be considering how massive the darn thing is. 

Verdict: is the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE more fun than a gasoline AMG?

Yes, it’s true that the sounds and vibrations of a burbling V8 were missed during this drive. The EQE will never be as charismatic as the AMGs of yore. But it is a heck of a fun machine to push on Europe’s picturesque canyon roads. 

Considering how mind-blowingly quick this thing is out of the box and how much it allows you to engage with it, even if it’s highly robotic, we’ll go as far as saying we never missed the presence of gasoline. Long live Mercedes-AMG. 

If you’re looking to buy a pre-owned EV, shop our inventory of used, certified electric vehicles here.