Comparing the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE to the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: To go electric or not?

Mercedes-Benz is known for the refinement, performance, and advanced technology found in all its models, but that is just the beginning. The German automaker has also redefined expectations when it comes to premium sedans while leading the electric revolution with more luxury electric vehicle options than its rivals. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE electric sedan and fully redesigned 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class both reflect the brand’s unique DNA and aforementioned qualities. 

Both occupy the midsize position in their respective lineups, with the new E-Class slotting between the C-Class and S-Class. The EQE sits just below the electric EQS flagship. It’s therefore natural to wonder which model is right if you are in the market for a midsize luxury sedan in Brampton, Ontario. For many potential buyers, the question may come down to whether they are ready to shift to electrification, although as we highlight the similarities and differences between the gas-powered E-Class and electric EQE, there may be other elements that prospective owners will take into consideration. Either way, there is no compromise required and both options are sure to surpass expectations. How they do so, however, may differ slightly. Let’s take a closer look.

Powertrain Differences – Performance Meets Efficiency

The E-Class models, E 350 4MATIC and E 450 4MATIC, feature turbocharged engines with intelligent support from an integrated starter-generator, making them mild hybrids. The E 350 4MATIC's 2.0L engine delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the E 450 4MATIC's 3.0L engine ups the ante with 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines benefit from the boost of an electric motor, increasing power and torque for a more dynamic drive.

The EQE, being fully electric, offers a different kind of driving experience. The EQE 350 4MATIC provides 288 horsepower from its 90.6 kWh battery, with a range of 418 kilometres, making it a compelling option for those looking to transition to electric vehicles. The EQE 500 4MATIC further enhances performance with 402 horsepower, showcasing the potential of electric mobility.

The major difference here, of course, is that the EQE is fully electric while the E-Class features a more traditional powertrain, albeit with the advantage of mild electrification. Given its level of performance, the E-Class’ efficiency is remarkable. The new EQE offers generous range as mentioned previously, but it also makes switching to electrification easier for new EV owners.

The EQE is equipped with intelligent navigation that sets a new standard in EV convenience, integrating charging stops into your route planning. This feature optimizes your journey for both speed and efficiency, ensuring that you always have sufficient charge. Additionally, the EQE takes advantage of the Mercedes me Charge network, which simplifies the process of locating, using, and paying for charging across a majority of public charging points in Canada. This network, included for one year with the purchase of the EQE, represents a significant step forward in making EV ownership hassle-free. The inclusion of home charging solutions through recommended partners like FLO, ChargePoint, and Qmerit further enhances the ease of charging, allowing EQE owners to start each day with a fully charged battery, ready for any adventure.

Interior Design and Comfort

The E-Class interior is defined by the optional MBUX Superscreen that extends across the dashboard, offering a digital experience that combines high-tech and luxury. The Active Ambient Lighting creates a spacious feel, and the center console merges seamlessly into the lower section of the dashboard, with a focus on ergonomic design and premium materials.

The EQE's interior, featuring the available MBUX Hyperscreen, presents an avant-garde cockpit architecture, with digital displays merging under a shared glass cover. This setup, along with the slim vent band spanning the width of the cabin, offers a cutting-edge environment, further enhanced by high-tech precision mechanics and digital display elements. Both interiors are stunning and share multiple features.

Regarding interior space, both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and EQE offer an upscale environment, but their designs cater to different user experiences. The E-Class, with its more traditional layout, offers a familiar sense of luxury and practicality, including a generous luggage capacity of 540 litres. This aspect makes it a more versatile choice for those who prioritize cargo space alongside passenger comfort.

The new 2024 EQE, leveraging its electric architecture, provides a spacious and futuristic interior. The lack of a traditional transmission tunnel allows for more cabin room, making it feel more expansive. However, with a slightly smaller cargo capacity of 430 litres, it positions itself as a choice for those who prioritize innovative design and the unique experience of electric driving over maximum storage space.

Driving Dynamics – A Tale of Two Experiences

On the road, the E-Class and EQE offer distinctly different driving experiences. The E-Class, with its refined suspension and powertrain options, delivers a driving experience that's both engaging and familiar, offering a sense of control and predictability that many drivers appreciate. The EQE, meanwhile, provides the unique smoothness and instant torque characteristic of electric vehicles, coupled with advanced regenerative braking systems that enhance the driving experience while maximizing efficiency.

In summary, the choice between the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE and E-Class is more than just electric versus gasoline; it's a decision that encompasses lifestyle, driving preferences, and a vision for the future. Both vehicles offer the pinnacle of luxury, performance, and technology, but cater to different sensibilities and priorities. Whether it's the cutting-edge electric experience of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE or the refined evolution of the new-generation 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz ensures that quality and luxury remain constant.