We've owned our EQS 580 SUV for about 3,500 miles now - we love it! Yesterday I had an opportunity to drive a 2024 EQE 350 4-Matic SUV. It was quite surprising:

1. The car was not incredibly smaller from the outside compared to the EQS, it was really a slightly smaller EQS, what was most noticeable in the looks is it was not as long which makes it overall a better looking vehicle, although I personally love the look of our EQS SUV..
2. Once inside the cabin, it seemed about 80% as big, still very spacious, again, a smaller version of the EQS.
3. The handling was noticeable more agile and tighter.
4. The brakes were better and more predictable.
5. Very quiet, again, similar to the EQS
6. The great amount of torque made it feel very responsive from a stop or from slow speeds, it was only going out onto the interstate and merging into traffic that it was immediatrly noticeable that the seemingly endless supply of power that the 580 has was simply not there.
7. The only downside I can see is the range just seems a bit on the short side.

The reason I drove it is my wife is accustomed to a smaller SUV and her Volvo XC60 is almost out of warranty so I am looking at replacing it with another EV that is not too different in size compared to the Volvo. We want an EV because we are both overwhelmingly happy with an EV compared to a PHEV (like the XC60). We will keep the EQS SUV as we bought it CPO with 7k miles for a great price, and we need two cars. Other vehicles I have thought of for my wife are the Macan electric, the VW ID4, the Audi Q6 and a BMW (not sure which model).

 

The choice should be what she likes (happy wife = happy life). If she occasionally drives the EQS then no adjustments or adapting to different controls.

There are some variants and options that could affect the comparison.
1. Rear wheel steering will affect handling. Check if this was installed on the test EQE. Make sure what you test is the same or better than what you tested.
2. Air suspension. Same comment as #1.
3. EQE 500 has more power, as does the "Acceleration increase" subscription service if you feel the need for more performance.

There are a variety of trim packages, so make sure you get what the right version as this cannot be upgraded.

 

I agree 100% with @LastOne

I was so close to buying an EQE SUV but ended up with an EQS instead bcos of the Hyperscreen. The EQE500 is the champ among the EQE trim levels, imho. I also test drove the EQE AMG SUV but tho it was awesome drive and feel, it just felt too much. The 500 hit the spot for me, but the wife has to have the 580 bcos of the Hyperscreen so we ended up with the EQS. Long story short, the EQE SUV is a worthy alternate and should be on your list, but test drive the 500 as well.

 

My dad got an EQE 500, after driving my EQS and wanting in. While the EQS is excellent in so many ways, the EQE has a soft spot in my heart also. When I drive his car around the metro, I usually think "this is the ideal metro/exurb car". The smaller form is ideal for being in traffic, running errands, etc. The 500 is so fast that I effortlessly dart in and out of traffic, and away from trouble. If only we waited and found him a rare EQE 500 with air suspension and massage, it would be 90% as good as the EQS imho. You can't beat the comfort and range of the EQS for longer drives, but the EQE is no slouch either. I have driven the EQE AMG, which does have air suspension and often massaging seats, but I found it ironically too fast--felt almost dangerous to me, as odd as that sounds. Plus you give up range, have increased insurance, plates, and eventually part cost.

 

I went from an EQS580 sedan to an EQE AMG SUV and am delighted that I made the switch.
- Easier to drive
- More maneuverabe
- Better visibiity
- More fun and better driver feel
- More practical
- Less stressful to park
- Appearance has broader appeal to others