New Mercedes EQE vs Porsche Taycan: verdict
As the electric equivalent of an E-Class, the new Mercedes EQE has the potential to shake up the executive car category. But first it’ll have to beat the Porsche Taycan...
Our verdict
Look up the definition of ‘a mixed bag’ and you might find a picture of the EQE. While it has attributes that are desirable in an executive car (namely, a long range, hushed cruising manners and plenty of standard kit), these have to be weighed against a jarringly inconsistent ride, grabby brakes and patchy interior quality. Pricier versions with air suspension are better – but not by enough to beat the Taycan.
Not only does the latter deliver the kind of straight-line performance you expect from a premium electric car, but it also exhibits thrilling handling and a smooth ride. And while there’s no getting away from the fact that it costs more to buy and run, its quality totally befits its price.
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1st – Porsche Taycan
For Punchier performance; sublime handling; composed ride; high-quality interior; more versatile luggage space
Against More expensive to buy and run; less efficient; you’ll want to add options
Recommended options Performance Battery Plus (£4454), 4+1 seats (£371)
For Longer range; cheaper to buy outright or on PCP finance; more standard equipment; quieter at a cruise
Against Lumpy ride; grabby brakes; patchy interior quality; wallowy handling; rear seats aren’t the most comfortable or roomy
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 3 stars out of 5
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Specifications: Mercedes EQE 300 AMG Line Premium
Engine Electric motor
Peak power 241bhp
Peak torque 406lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
0-60mph 6.9sec
30-70mph in kickdown 6.7sec
Top speed 130mph
30-0mph braking 8.6m
70-0mph braking 46.7m
Noise at 30mph 60.2dB
Noise at 70mph 65.6dB
Kerb weight 2355kg
Tyres (std) 255/40 R20 (front), 285/35 R20 (rear)
Battery capacity (usable) 89kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Peak charging rate 170kW
Charging time 7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 14hr 15min
Charging time rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 33min
Real-world range 267 miles
Official range 365 miles
Efficiency on test 3.0 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Porsche Taycan RWD Performance Battery Plus
Engine Electric motor
Peak power 322bhp (402bhp on overboost)
Peak torque 254lb ft
Gearbox 2-spd automatic
0-60mph 5.2sec
30-70mph in kickdown 3.9sec
Top speed 143mph
30-0mph braking 8.3m
70-0mph braking 44.5m
Noise at 30mph 60.6dB
Noise at 70mph 66.7dB
Kerb weight 2125kg
Tyres (std) 225/55 R19 (front), 275/45 R19 (rear)
Battery capacity (usable) 83.7kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Peak charging rate 270kW
Charging time 7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 13hr 30min
Charging time rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 20min
Real-world range (est) 234 miles
Official range 313 miles
Efficiency on test 2.8 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Weather conditions Dry
Cars pictured
Mercedes EQE 300 AMG Line Premium with Manufaktur Alpine Grey paint (£695)
Porsche Taycan RWD with Frozen Berry metallic paint (£852), Performance Battery Plus (£4454), 20in Turbo aero wheels, Blackberry leather interior (£2792), Sport Chrono package (£875) and black side window trims (£269)
