While there are some quirks that weaken the EQE SUV’s appeal, range anxiety and a boring interior aren’t one of them, says Ian McLaren.
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Time spent: Three of three months
Distance travelled: 2,276 km
Average fuel consumption: 19.7 kWh/100 km
We like: Quiet, solidly built cab; comfortable driver’s seat
We don’t like: Occasionally a shocking ride over pockmarked road surfaces
I’m hoping that a planned long-distance weekend getaway in the final month of my ownership experience with this otherwise premium Mercedes-Benz will help me bond with the EQE SUV. For various reasons – perhaps because a weekly school routine is beyond the intended purpose of a luxury, all-electric SUV – I’ve struggled to really resonate with this product. Although the fidgety body control means this substantial-looking vehicle never quite manages to hide its size on the road, the usable range improves to over 450km per charge (thanks to the large battery, which also adds to the weight) the ownership experience significantly. by reducing range anxiety during everyday driving.
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However, I found the relatively small cargo area frustrating for a vehicle that belongs to the brand’s E-Class family (including the GLE), along with the large blind spots that make navigating morning school traffic difficult. Additionally, the ramps on this test device have proven to be inconvenient, as they make unwanted contact with the back of my calf every time I step out of the vehicle.
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On a more positive note, my young family continues to enjoy the EQE’s modern interior, with its large touchscreen, ambient lighting and impressive audio system, adding to the novelty and appeal of this luxury EV.
You will find the full article in the December issue of CAR Magazine.
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