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Overview
The EQE is Mercedes’ electric E-Class - a mid-size business sedan designed for executive use, long-distance travel, and the buyer demographic that has historically specified an E-Class on corporate or personal accounts. The EQE 300 is the RWD single-motor entry variant of the EQE sedan range, delivering the full EQE experience at the most accessible price in the sedan lineup.
At 626km WLTP from an 89kWh battery, the EQE 300 delivers genuinely practical long-distance range. The characteristic aerodynamic form - a Cd of 0.22, among the lowest for a large sedan - contributes directly to this efficiency result. In Mercedes’ design language, the EQE’s rounded, pod-like silhouette is a strong visual departure from the E-Class it succeeds; reactions to the exterior are polarised, but the aerodynamic efficiency is undeniable.
The Hyperscreen option - a single curved OLED display spanning the full dashboard width at 141cm - is available on Australian EQE models. It is the largest in-car display currently sold in the market, integrating the instrument cluster, central MBUX infotainment, and a front-passenger display in a single curved glass surface. The physical experience is unlike any other car in the segment.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Battery | Range | Drive | DC Charging | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQE 300 | 89kWh | 626km WLTP | RWD | 170kW | ~$134,900 |
| AMG EQE 53 | 91kWh | 500km WLTP | AWD | 170kW | ~$214,900 |
The EQE 300 is the entry to the EQE sedan range - the most accessible version with the strongest WLTP efficiency (RWD generates longer range than AWD at the same battery capacity). The AMG EQE 53 adds performance at a substantial premium.
Performance
The EQE 300 uses a single rear motor producing 215kW and 565Nm. 0-100 km/h takes approximately 7.3 seconds - composed, executive-appropriate performance. Top speed is 210 km/h. The EQE’s rear-wheel-drive layout provides a balanced, confidence-inspiring character that suits the business sedan brief.
Air Body Control adaptive suspension is standard - the system scans the road and pre-adjusts damping for each wheel’s surface encounter. The result is a ride quality that matches or exceeds the best in the segment.
Range and Charging
- WLTP range: 626km
- Real-world estimate: 490-540km at mixed motorway/urban driving
- DC charging: 170kW (CCS)
- AC charging: 11kW (Type 2)
- 10-80% at 170kW DC: approximately 31-35 minutes
- Full charge at 11kW AC: approximately 9.5 hours
The 626km WLTP range resolves highway range anxiety for the EQE’s business travel use case. Sydney to Melbourne (878km) requires one charging stop; Adelaide to Melbourne (726km) can be covered with a brief top-up. The 170kW DC charging is capable - 10-80% in approximately 32 minutes at a compatible CCS charger - though slower than the BMW i5’s 205kW. For executive buyers who charge overnight at home or a hotel, this distinction is largely academic.
Interior and Technology
The EQE 300’s standard interior uses MBUX on a 12.8-inch central touchscreen with a 12.3-inch driver display. The Hyperscreen upgrade replaces these with a single 141cm curved OLED panel spanning the full dashboard - an experience that has no equivalent in the current market. The Hyperscreen integrates three display zones and responds to hand gestures.
Material quality is executive-class throughout: Nappa leather standard on higher trims, Burmester 3D surround sound available, 64-colour ambient lighting with variable intensity, and a noise insulation package that makes the EQE interior among the quietest in the business sedan segment. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Rear-seat space is substantial - EQE occupants have more rear legroom than an E-Class sedan, benefiting from the longer wheelbase permitted by the EV architecture.
Practicality
Five seats in a large sedan body. Boot capacity is 430 litres - adequate for the executive brief. No towing is rated. V2L is not available. The 11kW AC charging supports overnight business travel hotel charging or home garage recharging without urgency. Frunk storage is minimal.
Safety
Five-star NCAP. Mercedes PRE-SAFE suite: Active Brake Assist with intersection detection; Lane Keeping Assist; Blind Spot Assist; Active Lane Change Assist; Active Parking Assist; Driver Attention Assist. The EQE 300’s safety package is comprehensive and consistent with Mercedes’ executive sedan standard.
Running Costs and Ownership
- Energy cost: (89 ÷ 626) × 100 × $0.30 = $4.27/100km at $0.30/kWh
- Warranty: 4 years (confirm current Mercedes EV terms)
- Dealer network: Mercedes-Benz Australia’s national network
For executive buyers whose alternative is a diesel E-Class at 6.5L/100km ($13.00/100km at $2.00/L), the EQE 300’s $4.27/100km running cost represents a 67% fuel cost reduction. The 4-year warranty is shorter than Korean alternatives - confirm Mercedes’ extended warranty and battery warranty options with your dealer.
Verdict
The EQE 300 is the electric E-Class. 626km range in a premium business sedan, with the most advanced dashboard technology in the segment available as an option. 170kW DC charging is the functional limitation; for buyers who specify an E-Class for executive use and charge overnight, this matters less than the range figure.
The Hyperscreen option transforms the EQE 300 from a strong business EV into a genuinely distinctive experience - no other car currently sold in Australia provides a comparable in-cabin technology environment. For business buyers who want Mercedes execution with class-leading range, the EQE 300 is the most complete choice in this segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EQE Hyperscreen worth adding?
The Hyperscreen replaces the standard 12.8-inch display with a 141cm curved OLED panel spanning the full dashboard. It is the most visually striking and technologically ambitious in-car display available anywhere. The practical usability divides opinion - MBUX manages the complexity reasonably but the system takes time to master. If you want the most impressive interior technology experience in the current EV market, yes. If you prefer simplicity and physical controls, the standard display is adequate.
How does the EQE 300 compare to the BMW i5 eDrive40?
The BMW i5 eDrive40 (~$139,900) offers 582km WLTP, 205kW DC charging, and BMW’s more driver-focused chassis. The EQE 300 counters with 626km WLTP range, the optional Hyperscreen, and Mercedes’ more comfort-focused ride quality. BMW wins on charging speed and driving dynamics; Mercedes wins on range and interior technology. Both are excellent; the choice comes down to brand preference and driving character priority.
Does the EQE have rear-wheel steering?
Rear-axle steering is available as an option on the EQE, reducing the turning circle significantly for a car of this size - particularly useful in tight urban parking situations. Confirm current Australian-specification options with your Mercedes dealer, as available configurations can change between model years.
