Navigating the world of electric vehicles often leads to online communities where owners share their insights and experiences. In a recent Mercedes Forum discussion, users delved into the specifics of owning and driving Mercedes EVs, particularly the EQC and EQE models. This conversation provides valuable real-world perspectives for anyone considering these vehicles.
One forum member, Parkwood, initiated the discussion by acknowledging the usefulness of previous posts and sharing their experience with the Mercedes EQC. They described the ride as typical for an SUV, a characteristic they found to be the least appealing aspect of the car. Despite this, it wasn’t a deal-breaker, and the comfort settings were adequate. Parkwood drew a comparison to a GLK they previously owned, suggesting the EQC was an improvement in ride quality. Boot space was highlighted as a key consideration, with the EQC being suitable for daily needs but occasionally feeling limited, as discovered when attempting to fit a folding bike. The need for a towbar was also mentioned, raising questions about the EQE’s homologation for towing. Parkwood noted a sensation of air resistance with the GLK at motorway speeds, similar to what was described with the EQE, but found the EQC to be acceptable in this regard. Having transitioned from a GLK to C-Class and E-Class estates, Parkwood expressed a preference for the estate form factor but recognized the current lack of electric estate options. The desire for 4MATIC all-wheel drive was emphasized due to living in a rural French setting with muddy conditions and narrow lanes, where traction is crucial. The EQE SUV was deemed larger than desired and less appealing due to being manufactured in the US. Parkwood concluded by expressing interest in a potential new EQC model, while listing several drawbacks of the EQE saloon for their needs: two-wheel drive, reduced performance (though potentially acceptable), smaller boot, saloon form factor, and uncertain towbar availability. The only positive noted for the EQE saloon was the full airmatic suspension, a feature missed from previous estate cars and desired on the EQC to improve ground clearance.
Another forum participant, A2day, responded to Parkwood, concurring that they wouldn’t personally change the EQC. While acknowledging its SUV nature with body roll in curves and considerable weight, A2day balanced these aspects with the “impressive acceleration and the silence” of the electric powertrain. The initial concerns about the EQC arose from family members’ feedback, particularly when used for longer trips. A2day pointed out the practical boot space of the EQC, mentioning the removable boot floor that reveals an additional 100 liters of storage and extra vertical clearance. Comparing their move from a Volvo V90 estate to the EQC, A2day observed that while the EQC felt less aerodynamic at higher speeds, the significantly increased power made it feel more agile than the estate car. However, transitioning to the lower-riding EQE, even with slightly less horsepower, resulted in a perceived increase in acceleration at higher speeds. Ground clearance emerged as a notable issue with the EQC for A2day, necessitating adjustments to their garage entry to prevent underbody scraping and even causing driveway damage due to the vehicle’s 2.5-ton weight. Ultimately, motion sickness concerns and the lack of adjustable ground clearance led A2day to switch to the EQE with full airmatic suspension. This transition involved sacrifices, including “power, boot, 4matic, front light bar, best-looking rear end of the entire Mercedes lineup, and finally a car with a great soundtrack.”
In conclusion, this Mercedes forum exchange highlights the nuanced perspectives of EV owners. The discussion revolves around practical aspects like ride quality, space, and utility, alongside performance and design considerations. The trade-offs between different Mercedes EV models, specifically EQC and EQE, are clearly articulated from real-world driving experiences, offering valuable insights for prospective buyers researching in mercedes forums and beyond.
