First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line

Those in the market for a premium electric vehicle can look to the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line for a well-endowed answer to their above-average motoring needs. 

It combines luxury and sustainability, to provide would-be owners with an opulent and intelligent mobility experience that is simply a cut above the rest. 

Zigwheels Philippines joined a pocket drive staged by Mercedes-Benz Philippines (which operates under the stewardship of Inchcape Philippines) to drive the EQE 350+ AMG Line from its flagship dealership in Greenhills to Forresta Cafe in Dasmarinas Cavite. 

Here are our thoughts after spending some short, but sweet time behind the wheel of the luxurious all-electric sedan. 

A looker 

There’s no denying that the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line can catch the attention of motorists and bystanders alike — after all, it is fitted with appointments from the marque’s high-performance division. 

At the fore is a sleek-looking black panel radiator grille decorated with a huge silver Mercedes-Benz star in the middle. The backdrop for the brand’s iconic emblem is a fascia with small three-pointed stars. 

Below it is an AMG-specific front bumper in black with an A-wing in high-gloss black and trim in chrome. 

To its sides are flush door handles with chrome inserts, power-folding side mirrors with surround lighting and lamps that project the storied carmaker’s logo, as well as a set of 20-inch AMG five-spoke light alloy wheels. 

At the back, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line receives a sexy rear with taillights connected by a long horizontal lamp, reflectors on each of its cheeks, and an AMG-specific rear apron in black with diffuser-look inserts in high-gloss black. 

Comfortable cockpit 

Inside, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line boasts a cabin that is both opulent and sporty. 

Upon entering, I was greeted by electric driver’s seats with memory function. I loved that it combined leather and suede trims, which added to the comfort level it provides. And speaking of comfort, I was pleased with its four-way lumbar support feature, which helps reduce stress and fatigue while spending some time behind the wheel. 

Once we hit the road, the electric sedan’s 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (with LED Matrix backlighting) helped feed me with relevant information without being overwhelming. 

The left gauge displays the speed while the right meter shows how much power is being consumed, making the overall display easy on the eyes. The battery level, remaining range, and rate of recuperation are displayed at the bottom. 

Complementing the screen past the steering wheel is a 12.8-inch infotainment unit powered by the Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. I was only able to use the former and found the connection seamless. 

There is also a wireless charging pad, which helped juice up my smartphone for a good portion of the drive. 

Here are some of its other interior amenities: 

• Black fabric roof liner 
• Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Active ambient interior lighting 
• Red seatbelts 
• AMG floor mats 
• Door sill panels with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering 
• Burmester 3D surround sound system 

Exciting drive 

Powering the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line is an electric motor paired with a 90.56 kilowatt-hour battery. Together, the said setup is able to dish out the following numbers: 

 

Maximum power output (in hp)	292
Maximum torque (in Nm)	565
Maximum range (in km)	628

 

The aforementioned figures translate to impressive acceleration and torque. On that note, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line is able to zoom from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in about 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 210 kph. 

With that said, it is tempting to floor the pedal when the road is open as the electric car is able to provide an exciting drive. 

Commendable also is its suspension as it was able to handle the road imperfections along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. And while the route to Villar City offered very little to test the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line’s nimbleness, it easily handled the light bends along the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway. 

Verdict, pricing 

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line offers would-be owners a vehicle that seamlessly blends luxury and sustainability with a dash of sportiness to boot. 

Because it easily differentiates itself from the horde of electric cars now available in the country, it offers would-be owners an air of exclusivity, and of course, top-notch quality. 

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line will set premium car buyers back some P6.29 million. 

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