Audi e-tron GT 2023 review
It's Audi's punchiest production car ever, but is it destined to live in the shadow of the Porsche Taycan?
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In the absence of the Tesla Model S the Mercedes-Benz EQE300 is a promising alternative. It offers the same blend of space, performance and electric efficiency as the Model S once did, before it disappeared from local showrooms in 2020.
The EQE 300 is priced from $134,900 (excluding on-road costs) and comes well equipped with Mercedes' latest MBUX multimedia system, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, smartphone integration for Apple and Android devices and wireless charging, heated seats and a panoramic sliding sunroof all standard.
It’s also fitted with AMG Line interior and exterior packages, which include sports-style seats, a multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather and AMG floor mats. Externally there are 20-inch alloy wheels and an ‘AMG-inspired’ body styling package that includes a tiny three-pointed star repeating pattern on the ‘grille’ panel.
It’s powered by a single, rear-mounted motor that makes 180kW/550Nm and the 90kW/h battery provides a respectable range of 508km on a single charge. Energy use is rated at 16.3kWh/100km and the EQE 300 can take an 11kW AC or 170kW DC charge via its Type CCS plug.
It may be the ‘entry-level’ model in the range but the EQE 300 gets the same key safety features as the rest of the line-up. That means 10 airbags, a 360-degree parking camera, Active Parking Assist and Traffic Sign Assist, plus all the modern active safety features, including Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Change Assist and more.
The EQE 300 is a spacious sedan, with generous room in both seating rows. This is largely thanks to the longer wheelbase of the EV2 platform that underpins the EQE, which allows for an extra 80mm of interior space.
In other words, the EQE 300 should meet the requirements of anyone looking for an alternative to the Tesla Model S while it remains unavailable, while also having plenty of appeal in its own right.
Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
---|---|---|---|
300 | —, Electric, 1 SP AUTO | $133,575 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 2023 300 Pricing and Specs |
350 4Matic | —, Electric, 1 SP AUTO | $153,575 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 2023 350 4Matic Pricing and Specs |
53 4Matic+ | —, Electric, 1 SP AUTO | $189,900 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 2023 53 4Matic+ Pricing and Specs |
350 4Matic | —, Electric, 1 SP AUTO | $144,900 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 2023 350 4Matic Pricing and Specs |