Considering we were well versed with the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS, the EQE didn’t feel like a far stretch. We’re currently driving the EQE, the smaller version of the full-size EQS sedan – here are our initial impressions of it.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE is compact but very stylish

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE is based on the ever-popular E-Class platform. That means it’s a mid-size sedan compared to the EQS’ full-size stature. And although we grew accustomed to the EQS’s copious amount of interior volume and tech-savvy gadgetry, the EQE makes for a more-than-adequate and more affordable substitute.

Looking at the EQE’s exterior aesthetics, we noticed that it carries the same gloss black front grille and LED headlights as the EQS. Our tester came outfitted with the digital light LED package, which makes the headlights dance upon start-up. It’s a cool feature that is sure to impress your friends for a few seconds.

The EQE also came equipped with plenty of luxuries like the Air Balance package, which includes ionizers and carbon filters that clean and deodorize the air in the cabin. There’s also active ambient lighting, which can be set to nearly any color on the 64-color spectrum that your little heart desires. These LED dash lights even alert you when a car is in your blind spot with an impressive light show.

In the center of the dash is a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen display that shows the navigation map in great detail. Toggling between the different menus is easy, and the screen is very responsive. However, it made us miss the 56-inch Hyperscreen in the EQS – but ultimately, size doesn’t matter.

We also wish that the car came with seat massagers like its EQS bigger brother, but we’re just nitpicking now.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE has plenty of power

The Mercedes EQE comes equipped with a 90.6-kWh battery pack that feeds energy to a single electric motor mounted to the rear axle. However, our tester came with the 4MATIC AWD system, which uses another motor between the front axles. Despite the added traction, the total system output equates to 288 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque.

With that kind of power, the EQE can get up to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.2 seconds, which is fairly quick for a heavy EV sedan. In the real world, the EQE feels quick off the line. The sudden jolt of the instant torque pushes you back in your seat and quickly gets you onto the freeway. That said, it’s still not as quick as a Tesla Model S or the EQS, but for the 99% of drivers that don’t care about speed, it will do.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE provides an affordable option for a luxury EV

Ultimately, although the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE doesn’t have the same performance and fancy luxuries that you’ll find in an EQS or Tesla, it’s still a really good luxury EV. For around $75,000, you get all of the luxury features – including driver-assist features and heated/ventilated seats – you could need. Sure, that’s still a lot of money to spend, but it’s cheaper than most of its competitors. Stay tuned for more of our impressions of the Mercedes-Benz EQE.