First test: test of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic prototype Car News

There’s a clear sense of EQS familiarity inside, too. The driving position is not as low as the Porsche Taycan, but low enough to be quite comfortable.

This feeling is further enhanced by a high center console and relatively shallow windows in frameless doors.

Buyers will also be able to choose between instrument- and portrait-oriented infotainment displays or Mercedes’ impressive Hyperscreen, which spans the full width of the dashboard.

Refinement is where the EEQ initially makes the strongest impression. Even by EV standards, it’s wonderfully silky smooth and quiet, just like the EQS.

However, the steering, while direct in typical Mercedes style, is a little heavier than that of the EQS. It’s also well-judged, making the EQE easy to maneuver and has a weight and strength seam that builds confidence as the pace picks up.

Performance is also excellent and responsive, as you would expect. At 4946mm long, the EQE is quite a big car, but it accelerates with all the enthusiasm and athleticism of a smaller, lighter offering. We expect 62 mph to be hit in around 5.0 seconds.

Driving an electric vehicle on ice can be a daunting experience due to the instant power and near-silence. However, the 4Matic system’s on-demand torque channeling, which efficiently delivers individual drive to each wheel, and fast-acting stability control, gives the EQE breathtaking traction and total predictability.