EV Mercedes Benz selling the promise but not kilometres.

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), Mercedes-Benz has been a prominent player, known for its luxurious and innovative offerings. One of the latest additions to its electric lineup is the EQE 350, boasting a promised range of an impressive 600 kilometres. However, as drivers across Europe share their experiences, it becomes evident that this range may be more of a marketing strategy than an accurate representation of real-world performance.

The Promise

Mercedes-Benz positioned the EQE 350 as a game-changer, with its 600-kilometer range touted as a breakthrough in EV capabilities. The allure of an extended range on a single charge is a key selling point for electric vehicles, addressing one of the primary concerns among potential buyers – range anxiety.

The Reality

Despite the promised 600-kilometre range, drivers across Europe are reporting significantly lower figures in real-world conditions. Under normal driving circumstances and typical European weather, the EQE 350 seems to struggle to reach even half of the claimed range. Many users have reported an actual range of around 300 kilometres, painting a stark contrast to the manufacturer's promises.

The Reality

As I embarked on my leasing journey with the EQE 350 in Luxembourg, the initial excitement was soon met with the sobering reality of the vehicle's actual range. Despite the promised 600 kilometres, my daily commute to work and occasional trips out of town revealed a range of only 250 kilometres under normal driving conditions.

Personal Experience

Leasing the EQE 350 in September, I've covered 3097 kilometres, charging the vehicle more than 12 times. Regular driving conditions, normal speeds. The observed range consistently falls short of the manufacturer's claims despite careful driving practices and adherence to normal conditions. The disparity between the promised 600 kilometres and the actual 250 kilometres experienced in everyday usage raises concerns about the accuracy of the advertised specifications.

To put this into perspective, you have bought a 100.000 + EUR vehicle, and you try to get from Luxembourg to Paris 375 km distance, and you have to stop on a Supercharger with 50 minutes delay to a usually 4-hour journey. Imagine this with a family, children...

User Experiences Across Europe

My experience aligns with the sentiments shared by EQE 350 owners across Europe. Drivers from various countries, including Germany, the UK, and France, consistently report actual ranges of around 300 kilometres, signalling a widespread discrepancy between the promised and real-world performance.

Potential Factors

While environmental conditions, driving styles, and operational parameters can influence an electric vehicle's efficiency, the consistency of driver reports suggests a deeper issue. Whether rooted in the vehicle's design or battery technology, the gap between the promised and actual range demands attention and clarification from Mercedes-Benz.

Manufacturer Response

As concerns about the EQE 350's range persist, Mercedes-Benz has yet to issue an official response. Owners, myself included, eagerly awaited some transparency and potential solutions from the manufacturer to address the apparent disparity and restore confidence in the model's capabilities.

Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 entered the electric vehicle market with promises of a groundbreaking 600-kilometer range. However, real-world experiences, including my leasing journey in Luxembourg, reveal a significant gap between the advertised and actual range. As consumers seek accurate information and transparency, Mercedes-Benz faces the challenge of addressing these concerns to maintain trust in the EQE 350's performance and uphold its reputation for quality and innovation.

Epilogue

After numerous escalation points to local reseller sales management, the direct engagement of the Merbag CEO was necessary, to make a deal with the local KBC leasing company and get me a replacement in a similar category. Somewhat satisfactory, but quite far away from the proud ownership and driving pleasure of the fully equipped and personally configured EQE 350 4-Matic I initially chose.