5 Reasons To Avoid A Mercedes-Benz EQE At All Costs

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is an electric sedan that differs slightly from the conventional Mercedes E-class in several aspects. It features a design that enhances the EV’s aerodynamics, and it has a dedicated EV platform that allows for a bit more internal space when compared with the gas E-series. The EQE is an EV with three powertrain options for you to choose from, including a 288-hp rear-wheel-drive version and two all-wheel-drive variants with up to 402 hp. 

While the Mercedes-Benz EQE is a powerful car with the most advanced technology from the Mercdes-Benz brand, we’ve had to ask: is it worth the high price tag? The range is impressive — over 300 miles. But the EQE is a seriously expensive EV, and you want to be sure you’re getting your money’s worth. So, in this article, we will be taking a look at the five reasons you might have second thoughts about it.

Reasons to Avoid the Mercedes-Benz EQE

Reason #1: Uncomfortable braking

If you’ve ever driven an EV, you know that this isn’t exactly unique to the EQE. But while the EQE is a powerful vehicle, its braking system doesn’t exactly reflect the power and weight of the electric motor. At its base trim, the EQE can push 402 hp, but several drivers of the Mercedez-Benz EQE have noticed what’s often referred to as “mushiness” when hard-braking.

The regenerative braking is strong, but the brake pedal doesn’t move comfortably. This causes difficulty with hard braking when driving, and while the brakes do activate, it can be unnerving to some drivers. 

One of the most common complaints about the EQE’s brakes is that they are hard to modulate and feel strange. This is because the EQE uses a regenerative braking system that recovers energy from the wheels when the driver lifts off the accelerator or applies the brakes. You can adjust the regenerative braking system to different intensity levels, ranging from mild to aggressive, depending on the driver’s preference and driving style. 

Wait… is that safe?

Some drivers have found that the regenerative braking system can be unpredictable and inconsistent, causing the brake pedal to move up and down by itself or apply different amounts of pressure without warning. This can make it difficult for the driver to judge how much braking force is needed and how quickly the vehicle will slow down.

We’ve also seen reports of some drivers who have also said that the EQE’s regenerative braking system can interfere with the adaptive cruise control feature and the lane-keeping assist features, causing sudden or unwanted braking actions. 

In addition, the EQE features electronic wear sensors on the front axle that alert the driver when the brake pads need to be replaced by a warning light and message on the dashboard. However, these sensors are not present in the rear axle. And the rear axle instead relies on an inspection gauge that needs to be manually checked by the driver or a Mercedes-Benz authorized technician. So, the driver may not be aware of just how much the rear brake pads have worn out and when they need to be replaced.

It’s not just a comfort thing — this can affect the braking performance and safety of the vehicle, as well as increase the risk of damage to other components, such as the rotors and calipers. 

Reason #2: Interior storage is limited.

Remember the old days of the 1970s Cadillacs and how you could almost live in that massive amount of trunk space? Well, even if you aren’t that old, or don’t know anyone with a classic car, there is no denying that interior space on modern cars seems to be going down.

The EQE has a spacious cabin that can comfortably accommodate five passengers, with a decent amount of headroom and legroom; however, the legroom in the back seats is a bit short and is undoubtedly difficult for tall individuals. The seats, however, are adjustable and heated, so they do feel luxurious and comfortable, but when it comes to cargo space, the EQE falls short of its competitors. 

The EQE has a trunk capacity of 430 liters, which is less than the Tesa Model S (804 liters), and even the Audi e-tron GT (465 liters). The EQE is also lacking in a front trunk, commonly called a frunk, which is a common feature in many electric vehicles and provides extra storage space. 

The EQE’s trunk is also not very deep or wide and has a high-loading lip that makes it difficult to load and unload heavy or bulky items. There are, however, a few clever storage solutions in the cabin, such as door pockets, cup holders, a glove box, and a center console. However, these are not very large or well-organized and may not be enough to store all the items that drivers and passengers may need on a long trip.

The EQE, unfortunately, may not be the best choice for a driver who needs a lot of interior storage space or someone who frequently carries large or heavy items. The EQE could benefit from a larger trunk, a frunk, and more flexible and versatile storage options in the cabin.

Reason #3: There are too many screens!

The EQE is a tech-heavy EV as Mercedes-Benz has aimed to combine luxury, performance, and efficiency in a sleek package. The EQE offers plenty of tech and capabilities, but it comes with a particular problem common in some newer EVs: too many screens!  

There’s a dual-screen MBUX system to recognize the driver’s fingerprints, voice, and gestures. This includes your navigation system and other AI features designed to optimize your driving route, adjust driving assists, and adapt to traffic and weather conditions. Directly at the bottom of your windshield, there’s a heads-up display showing you basic driving information (mileage, speed) and voice commands. While both are relatively common in all newer cars today, it doesn’t stop there.

Mercedes also has put in a Hyperscreen, a 56-inch display spanning the entire dashboard width, and features three OLED screens: one for the driver, one for the passenger, and central infotainment. This might not bother you, but there are just too many screens inside the Mercedes-Benz EQE for many.

I might be biased — I love the classic 1980s Mercedes Benz style, with the analog displays and leather-wrapped dash — not a screen in sight. But this is just getting out of hand. It can be distracting when driving, demanding to see at night with automatically adjusting brightness, and generally feeling unnecessary. Is this really the future? We might as well just stay at the office and stare at our computer screens.

Reason #4: Not the most comfortable ride

For this price tag, this car should be equivalent to laying down on a sleep-number mattress. Most of the driving uncomfortably in the Mercedes-Benz EQE relates to the weird mushy feeling brakes we’ve mentioned earlier. Unless you’ve never had the misfortune of test-driving or owning a car with mushy brakes, it is truly one of the most annoying issues in a vehicle. If you live somewhere with a lot of fast freeway driving, it can feel perilous to have a stiff brake in a situation where you may need to stop very quickly. 

While reviewers have commented on how powerful the regenerative braking feels, many have also noted that it often feels jerky and unpredictable. There’s also an increased blindspot due to the rear windshield’s small design and the interior’s overall sloping roof design. Altogether, these make for not the best driving experience, and for a luxury vehicle, the EQE doesn’t quite hit the mark. 

So… why is it uncomfortable?

One of the primary complaints from EQE drivers is that it feels too heavy and sluggish on the road. The EQE weighs about 2.5 tons, more than most of its competitors. This affects its handling and agility, especially on curves and corners. Some drivers have also noted that the EQE can feel like a boat rather than a car, especially when parking in tight spaces. 

Another issue we’ve seen is that the EQE has a stiff suspension, which makes the ride feel harsh. The EQE does have an adaptive air suspension system that adjusts to different road conditions, but some reviewers have found it ineffective and inconsistent. They have reported that the EQE sometimes feels too soft, floaty, and sometimes too firm and jarring. The EQE also has a low ground clearance, meaning it can scrape over speed bumps and potholes.

Reason #5: Premium Price without Premium Design and Performance

Mercedes-Benz has become more than just cars. Since their release in the early 20th century, their vehicles have become expressions of excellence, innovation, and elegance. Driving a Mercedes-Benz, you buy into a premium brand that combines comfort, performance, and safety.

It looks like Mercedes is banking on this reputation, without having to put the work in anymore. When it comes to the company’s newest EV, the legendary car manufacturer seems to have fallen a bit short of the premium design we’ve come to expect from the German automobile company. The car’s overall look is a bit weak compared to the luxurious design we’ve come to expect from Mercedes-Benz, and it feels a bit lacking in personality. 

The price of the base trim of the Mercedes-Benz EQE in the United States is $74,900 before any addons to the vehicle. Ultimately, we found the design of the EQE to feature a bland and bulky exterior, lacking the elegance and sophistication of its gasoline counterparts. The interior is dominated by that massive 56-inch touchscreen that spans the entire dashboard, which is overwhelming and distracting for most drivers. The touchscreen also replaces most of the control buttons and knobs you would typically find, making it harder to adjust settings on the fly (I mean, you have to have a volume knob, right?)

Alternatives to the Mercedes-Benz EQE

We don’t only have a negative opinion about the EQE. In fact, we’ve said a lot of good things in our article showcasing all the reasons to buy it. But if you’re having second thoughts on it and looking for alternatives, there are two that come to mind.

Tesla is the EV on the tip of everyone’s tongue when it comes to Mercedes competitors. And there are a few different Tesla models you can consider to start off with. There’s the Tesla Model Y, a crossover SUV with a range of 326 miles and a top speed of 155 mph, and it can seat up to seven people. It also has a luxurious panoramic glass roof and a cargo capacity more prominent than the EQE, at 68 cubic feet. 

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a compact luxury crossover SUV EV. It’s part of Ford’s Mustang series, known for its sports car performance and design. The Mach-E was first introduced to us in 2020, and there are four trim levels to pick: Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT. The Select and Premium trims are available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the California Route 1 and GT trims are only available with all-wheel drive. Like the EQE, the Mach-E has a range of around 300 miles, but the lower MSRP makes it a much more attractive option.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Trygve Finkelsen/Shutterstock.com.