Mercedes-Benz EQE as a used car

Mercedes-Benz EQE as a Used Car

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is an unusual proposition on the used-car market. It is an executive-class electric saloon designed to deliver the long-distance comfort and refinement traditionally associated with the E-Class, but with a fully electric powertrain and a distinctive aerodynamic body. When new, the EQE occupied an expensive position in the Mercedes-Benz range, but depreciation has started to make early examples considerably more accessible to used-car buyers. That makes the EQE particularly interesting for anyone looking for a premium electric car with a large battery, impressive range and a genuinely luxurious cabin.

The EQE belongs to Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated EQ family and carries the internal designation V295. It arrived on the market from 2022, positioning itself between the compact EQE-related models and the larger EQS. Despite its name, it should not simply be regarded as an electric version of the conventional E-Class: the EQE has its own platform, proportions, battery technology and aerodynamic priorities. It is almost five metres long, has a very long wheelbase and uses a sleek one-box-style silhouette to reduce aerodynamic drag.

For a used buyer, however, the appeal of the EQE goes beyond its impressive specification sheet. Electric cars can behave very differently as second-hand purchases compared with combustion-engined vehicles. Battery health, charging history, software and high-voltage components become just as important as the traditional checks for engine, gearbox and suspension. The EQE can therefore be an excellent used car, but it rewards buyers who inspect the complete vehicle rather than concentrating simply on mileage and purchase price.

What is the Mercedes-Benz EQE?

The EQE is a large electric executive car developed as part of Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated EQ model family. The original EQE 300, for example, uses a rear-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous motor producing 180 kW, or 245 PS, and 550 Nm. It has a single-speed reduction transmission and rear-wheel drive. According to ADAC’s technical data, the car measures 4,946 mm long, 1,961 mm wide and 1,510 mm high, with a 3,120 mm wheelbase.

Those dimensions give the EQE a substantial road presence while also providing excellent cabin space. The long wheelbase is particularly beneficial for rear passengers, and the absence of a conventional combustion engine allows Mercedes-Benz to concentrate the cabin around the occupants. The car is therefore much more of a long-distance luxury cruiser than a compact electric commuter.

Aerodynamics are central to the EQE’s design. The smooth nose, flush door handles, frameless windows and gently tapering rear bodywork are all intended to reduce air resistance. This matters more in an electric car than in a conventional petrol or diesel model because aerodynamic efficiency has a direct influence on motorway energy consumption and therefore usable range.

The interior continues the Mercedes-Benz approach of combining digital technology with a high level of comfort. Depending on specification, the EQE can feature a large central MBUX display, digital instrumentation, advanced navigation, premium audio, electrically adjustable seats, extensive driver-assistance equipment and, on some examples, the spectacular Hyperscreen extending across much of the dashboard.

Why does the EQE make sense as a used car?

Luxury-car comfort with electric refinement

The strongest argument for a used EQE is comfort. The car was designed to make long journeys effortless, and its electric drivetrain complements that mission exceptionally well. There is no engine vibration at idle, no conventional gearbox changing ratios and almost no mechanical noise when accelerating gently. At motorway speeds, the EQE can be remarkably quiet.

ADAC’s testing of the EQE 350 gave particularly strong marks for comfort and described its ride comfort as excellent. The same test praised the car’s stability, agility and travel range, while noting that its charging performance was not class-leading.

This makes the EQE a particularly interesting proposition for someone who spends substantial time travelling between cities. A used example can offer the experience of a much more expensive luxury vehicle while benefiting from the lower energy and mechanical complexity associated with an electric drivetrain.

A large battery is a major advantage

The early EQE uses a battery with approximately 90 kWh of usable capacity. That is considerably larger than the batteries found in many compact electric cars and gives the EQE the ability to cover substantial distances between charging stops.

For example, ADAC lists the early EQE 300 with an 89.0 kWh net battery and an official WLTP range of 625 km in one specification. A later EQE 300 specification is listed with the same 89.0 kWh net battery and a 648 km WLTP range.

Real-world range is obviously lower, particularly at high motorway speeds or in winter, but the large battery provides a useful buffer. It also means that an older EQE does not necessarily feel outdated simply because newer electric cars have appeared.

Which EQE version should you choose?

EQE 300

The EQE 300 is one of the most sensible versions for a used buyer who prioritizes range and refinement rather than outright performance. The rear-wheel-drive configuration uses a single electric motor producing 245 PS and 550 Nm in the earlier specification. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes approximately 7.3 seconds, while top speed is 210 km/h.

That is more than adequate for normal driving. The instant response of an electric motor means that the EQE 300 feels considerably more energetic than its acceleration figure might suggest, particularly when joining fast-moving traffic or overtaking.

The single-motor layout also has an efficiency advantage over the more powerful dual-motor versions. For a buyer who spends most of the time driving on motorways and wants maximum range, the EQE 300 can therefore be an appealing combination of performance and efficiency.

EQE 350+

The EQE 350+ is one of the most interesting versions for long-distance drivers. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration is combined with a more powerful electric motor, while the large battery provides substantial range.

ADAC’s testing of the EQE 350 found a real-world range of around 530 km in its Ecotest, a particularly useful result for a large electric executive car. The test also praised its travel suitability and comfort.

The 350+ is therefore a particularly attractive choice if long-distance efficiency matters. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration also keeps the drivetrain relatively simple compared with a dual-motor 4MATIC car.

EQE 350 4MATIC and more powerful versions

Four-wheel-drive EQE models add a second electric motor and provide significantly stronger performance. They make sense for buyers who regularly drive in difficult weather or simply want the effortless acceleration associated with a high-performance electric Mercedes.

The trade-off is increased energy consumption. An additional motor, greater system output and potentially larger wheels can all reduce efficiency. For that reason, a buyer should not automatically assume that the most powerful EQE is the best choice simply because it offers the highest specification.

There are also AMG versions of the EQE for buyers looking for much greater performance. These cars are a different proposition on the used market, with substantially higher power and potentially higher running costs. For most buyers looking for a comfortable used executive EV, the conventional EQE versions are easier to justify.

What is the real-world range?

Range is one of the EQE’s major strengths, but it needs to be interpreted realistically. Mercedes-Benz’s official WLTP figures can exceed 600 km for some versions, while actual range depends heavily on conditions. Temperature, speed, wind, rain, tyre selection, heating and air conditioning all influence consumption.

The large battery means the EQE is particularly well suited to motorway travel, but high speeds can significantly increase energy consumption. An owner driving at 130 km/h on a cold winter motorway should expect substantially less range than the official WLTP number.

ADAC’s independent testing is useful because it provides a more realistic reference point. Its EQE 350 test achieved approximately 530 km in the Ecotest, although individual results will vary with the exact car and conditions.

For a used-car buyer, the important question is therefore not whether the car can achieve a particular laboratory range, but whether its realistic range comfortably covers normal journeys. A driver who regularly travels 400 km between charging opportunities should look carefully at battery size, weather conditions and motorway speeds before purchasing.

Charging the EQE

Home charging

The EQE can be equipped for relatively fast AC charging, with some specifications supporting up to 22 kW three-phase AC charging. ADAC lists 11 kW as standard in the relevant specification and 22 kW as an available charging capability.

For home users, 11 kW is generally sufficient because the car can charge overnight. The ability to use 22 kW can be more useful for drivers who regularly have access to suitable public AC chargers and want to replenish the battery during a few hours away from home.

DC rapid charging

The EQE supports DC charging at up to approximately 170 kW in the specifications documented by ADAC. An 80 percent charge can take roughly half an hour under suitable conditions.

This is perfectly adequate for long-distance travel, but the charging curve matters as much as the headline peak number. Charging power normally decreases as the battery approaches a high state of charge, so the most efficient strategy on long trips is generally to make shorter charging stops rather than attempting to charge to 100 percent at every stop.

ADAC’s testing recorded a maximum charging rate of around 171 kW and an average of approximately 145 kW between 10 and 80 percent, requiring around half an hour for the charging session.

For a used buyer, it is worth testing DC charging if possible. A charging test can reveal whether the vehicle communicates correctly with the charging station and whether any warning messages appear.

What should you check before buying a used EQE?

Check the high-voltage battery

Battery condition should be one of the first things checked. A large battery is one of the EQE’s greatest assets, but it is also one of the most expensive components in the vehicle.

Buyers should ask for a battery-health report where available and examine the car’s charging history. A high odometer reading is not necessarily a reason to reject an EQE. Battery degradation depends on many factors, and a well-managed battery can retain substantial capacity after years of use.

The manufacturer battery warranty is also relevant. ADAC lists a Mercedes-Benz high-voltage battery warranty of 10 years or 250,000 km, with a specified minimum state of health of 70 percent for the relevant EQE specification.

Always check the precise warranty terms applicable to the vehicle’s market and first-registration date, however, because warranty conditions can vary.

Check charging equipment

The charging port should be inspected carefully for damage, contamination or signs of overheating. Test both AC and DC charging where possible, and make sure the vehicle includes the charging cables that were promised with the sale.

Also check the charging settings within the MBUX system. A used car may have been configured with charging limits, departure times or other settings by its previous owner.

Check recalls and service campaigns

Recall history is particularly important with a technologically complex electric car. ADAC’s EQE database lists, among other campaigns, a recall involving certain EQE vehicles built between March 2022 and July 2025 because of an incorrectly tightened steering coupling that could potentially result in loss of steering. The database also lists an earlier campaign concerning the towing-eye thread on certain vehicles.

The important point for a used buyer is not simply whether the model has had recalls, but whether the specific vehicle has received every required remedy. The VIN should therefore be checked with Mercedes-Benz before purchase, and documentation of completed campaigns should be retained.

Inspect the suspension and steering

The EQE is a heavy car, with ADAC listing an EU kerb weight of approximately 2,405 kg for one EQE 300 specification. That mass places significant demands on tyres, brakes and suspension components.

During a test drive, listen for knocking noises over uneven roads and check that the car remains stable under braking. Uneven tyre wear can indicate alignment or suspension problems.

Cars equipped with rear-wheel steering can feel particularly agile despite the EQE’s substantial dimensions, but the system adds additional complexity. Make sure there are no warning messages and that the car behaves consistently during low-speed manoeuvres.

Interior and everyday practicality

The EQE’s cabin is one of its major attractions. The long wheelbase creates generous rear-seat legroom, while the low noise level makes conversations easy even at motorway speeds. The seats are designed around long-distance comfort, and higher-specification cars can offer ventilation, massage and extensive electrical adjustment.

The boot, however, is not the EQE’s strongest point. ADAC lists approximately 430 litres of normal luggage capacity for the EQE 300. The long, flowing rear bodywork prioritizes aerodynamics and styling rather than maximum cargo volume.

This means that buyers should think about how they actually use their car. Someone carrying business luggage, shopping and a few suitcases will probably find the boot adequate, while a family that regularly transports bicycles, bulky pushchairs or large boxes may find an SUV-based electric Mercedes more practical.

Visibility is another consideration. ADAC’s EQE test identified the relatively difficult-to-see bodywork as a weakness, while also mentioning the flush door handles as less practical than conventional handles. Parking sensors and cameras are therefore particularly valuable equipment on a used example.

Running costs and maintenance

One of the advantages of an EQE is the reduced number of conventional mechanical components. There is no engine oil, exhaust system, spark plugs or conventional multi-speed transmission to maintain. Regenerative braking can also reduce wear on the friction brakes.

That does not turn the EQE into a cheap car to own. It remains a premium Mercedes-Benz with expensive tyres, sophisticated electronics and high-voltage equipment. Suspension components and bodywork can also be costly, particularly when the car is fitted with large wheels or optional systems.

Electricity costs depend heavily on where the car is charged. Home charging can make the EQE relatively inexpensive to operate, while relying heavily on expensive public rapid chargers can substantially increase energy costs.

The car’s weight also means that tyre selection deserves attention. Premium tyres in large sizes can be expensive, and correct load ratings are essential. A used EQE should never be evaluated purely on its purchase price without considering tyres, insurance, electricity and long-term maintenance.

Is the Mercedes-Benz EQE a good used car?

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is a particularly interesting used car because depreciation has the potential to make a genuinely luxurious electric vehicle much more accessible. Its greatest strengths are clear: excellent comfort, a quiet cabin, a large battery, substantial real-world range and impressive long-distance refinement.

The EQE 300 is a sensible option for buyers who want a relaxed rear-wheel-drive luxury EV, while the 350+ is particularly attractive to drivers who prioritize range and performance. Four-wheel-drive and AMG versions add capability and acceleration, but they also increase complexity and energy consumption.

The car’s weaknesses are equally worth understanding. The boot is only moderately sized for such a large vehicle, visibility is not ideal, and charging performance, while respectable, is no longer class-leading. ADAC’s testing specifically noted that the EQE’s charging performance falls behind some competitors despite its excellent travel range and comfort.

For a used buyer, the most important consideration is condition. A properly maintained EQE with a healthy battery, complete service history, verified recall work and fully functional charging equipment can be an exceptionally refined second-hand vehicle. Conversely, a heavily optioned example with unresolved electronic or charging problems can quickly become expensive.

Ultimately, the EQE makes the most sense for someone who values quietness, long-distance comfort and electric range more than maximum practicality. It is not simply a large electric car; it is a luxury grand tourer designed to make long journeys effortless. As depreciation brings early examples into a more accessible part of the used market, the EQE deserves serious consideration from buyers who can charge conveniently and are prepared to inspect the high-voltage and electronic systems as carefully as the traditional mechanical components.

Mercedes-Benz EQE technical specifications

The table below summarizes representative specifications for several important EQE versions. Exact figures vary by model year, equipment, drivetrain and market, so the specification and battery capacity of the individual used vehicle should always be verified before purchase.

*Specifications vary substantially by production year and exact equipment. For example, ADAC lists the early EQE 300 with an 89.0 kWh net battery, 180 kW/245 PS, 550 Nm, 625 km WLTP range and 170 kW DC charging, while a later EQE 300 specification reaches 648 km WLTP.

The EQE’s basic technical concept remains consistent across the range: a 400-volt electrical architecture, a large lithium-ion battery and either one or two electric motors depending on the drivetrain. ADAC lists a 400-volt architecture and NCM battery chemistry for the EQE 300, with 170 kW maximum DC charging and optional 22 kW AC charging.

For a used-car buyer, however, the most important figures are not necessarily the headline power or acceleration numbers. Battery health, usable capacity, charging performance, remaining battery warranty, recall status and the actual equipment fitted to the individual vehicle will have a much greater influence on ownership. A well-maintained EQE with a healthy battery and complete service history can therefore represent a compelling opportunity to acquire a genuinely luxurious electric executive car at a substantially lower price than when it was new.