Mercedes-Benz EQE vs. Porsche Taycan: Complete comparison 2026

The Mercedes-Benz EQE, which is available on the market in both an elegant sedan body style and a taller SUV version, represents the epitome of aerodynamic luxury and cutting-edge digital technologies in the premium electric vehicle segment. The Porsche Taycan, also sold in the more practical Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo body variants, forms its more aggressive counterpart and brings uncompromising dynamics and the precise handling typical of this sports brand to the electric era. The following comparison will examine in detail the features and capabilities of both these roughly four-year-old German cars to help you decide whether to prioritize maximum travel comfort or pure driving pleasure on the used car market.

Mercedes-Benz EQE and Porsche Taycan represent two distinct approaches to premium electromobility, which is clearly evident when comparing their external dimensions. While both models show relatively similar values in terms of length and width, their overall concepts diverge. The Taycan measures 4962 to 4974 mm in length (depending on the body type), while the EQE ranges from 4946 to 4964 mm. The width of both cars is just under the two-meter mark, but Porsche is slightly wider in its sportiest variants, reaching up to 1998 mm, compared to the standard 1961 mm for the Mercedes. These similar footprint dimensions mean that both cars require a similar amount of caution when parking in urban environments or narrower garages.

The most significant visual and functional difference is the height of the cars itself. The Mercedes-Benz EQE has a profile oriented towards maximizing interior space using a strictly aerodynamic roof shape that reaches a height of 1510 mm. In contrast, the Porsche Taycan is designed as a purebred sports car. It crouches low to the asphalt with a height starting at just 1378 mm for the Coupé version (up to 1412 mm for the more practical estate body, known as Cross and Sport Turismo). In terms of use, for the Taycan, this means a significantly lower center of gravity and a sporty seating position low to the floor with brilliant driving characteristics. A customer choosing a Mercedes, on the other hand, can look forward to easier entry and an overall more comfortable position.

The wheelbase plays a key role for the interior, where Mercedes leaves no one in doubt about its luxury mission. A generous 3120 mm is a massive 220 mm more than in the case of the Porsche Taycan (2900 mm). In practice, the EQE provides rear-seat passengers with a luxurious surplus of legroom and a much airier cabin. Porsche, on the other hand, intentionally relies on more compact chassis proportions, which ensure the car's extreme agility in corners, although this inevitably loses points in the discipline of transporting adult passengers in the back.

When choosing a luxury electric car, practicality often plays a role, and the luggage compartment volume can be key for family use or weekend trips. The Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan offers a standard luggage capacity of 430 liters. Although the EQE has a fixed rear section and a classic trunk lid instead of a more practical tailgate, the space increases to a relatively generous 895 liters after folding down the rear seats. This volume is easily sufficient for weekend shopping or a longer holiday, but the disadvantage is the absence of a front trunk (so-called frunk) and a generally narrower loading opening.

On the other hand, the Porsche Taycan scores with greater variability in body styles, which is particularly appreciated by more active customers on the used car market. The standard four-door Taycan (classified as a coupé due to its sloping roofline) has a rear trunk with a capacity of 407 liters. While this lags slightly behind the EQE in its base configuration, an undeniable advantage is the presence of an additional front trunk with a capacity of 84 liters, which is ideal for storing charging cables. It is also important to remember that in some performance specifications (such as the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S), the rear trunk volume may be slightly reduced due to the more space-demanding technology of the rear electric motor.

For customers requiring true practicality, such as for transporting sports equipment or bulkier luggage, the ideal choice is the Taycan in the estate version (referred to as Cross Turismo or Sport Turismo). This model offers 446 liters as standard, which can be expanded to a generous 1,212 liters after easily folding down the rear seats. Combined with a more accessible luggage area, this model provides space for several extra suitcases and easily satisfies daily family needs, clearly outperforming the rival EQE Sedan.

Towing capacity for electric vehicles is a key parameter for many potential buyers, defining the car's practical usability for family holidays, cottage trips, or transporting bulkier loads. In this regard, there is a vast difference between the two compared models on the used car market.

While the Mercedes-Benz EQE offers standard towing homologation, this option is completely absent for the sport-oriented Porsche Taycan. For EQE models up to model year 2023 and for base rear-wheel-drive versions (e.g., EQE 300 and 350+), the standard maximum weight for both braked and unbraked trailers is limited to 750 kg. A significant shift came with the all-wheel-drive EQE variants from model year 2024 (350, 500, and high-performance AMG models), where the maximum braked trailer weight increased to a very solid 1,700 kg.

In contrast, the Porsche Taycan (2020–2024 generation) provides no towing options – its official permitted trailer weight is exactly 0 kg. For the vast majority of standard versions, the manufacturer does not account for a classic tow bar at all, offering instead only preparation for a special original rear bicycle rack.

In practice, this means that the Mercedes-Benz EQE with its improved 1,700 kg capacity easily provides the capability to tow a medium-sized caravan or boat, which you will appreciate when planning a longer summer holiday. The variants with a 750 kg capacity are fully sufficient for weekend shopping of bulky materials or transporting a light trailer for garden waste. With the Porsche Taycan, on the other hand, you must rely solely on the interior luggage space and potentially roof boxes. While this is suitable for regular weekend sports activities, as a towing vehicle, this attractive sports car is completely unusable.

Conclusion: If the ability to tow a trailer of any type is essential for you, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is the only possible choice. The Taycan focuses purely on ultimate driving dynamics and completely ignores practicality in terms of towing loads. Since there are no official values available for the Porsche Taycan (the car is not homologated for towing), this model is not included in the following overview table.

When comparing the motorizations of the Mercedes-Benz EQE (generation V295, launched in 2022) and the Porsche Taycan (from the perspective of popular four-year-old used cars, we are talking about the pre-facelift Y1A generation from 2020–2024), the completely different technical approach of both manufacturers is obvious at first glance. While Mercedes-Benz focuses on maximum efficiency, comfortable smoothness, and long range with a traditional single-speed gearbox, Porsche brings a purebred sports experience to the world of electromobility. The Taycan utilizes a unique 800V architecture (the EQE has a 400V network) and an innovative two-speed automatic transmission on the rear axle, which ensures lightning-fast acceleration without losing efficiency at higher highway speeds. Both vehicles offer a wide range of variants – from standard rear-wheel-drive versions to extremely powerful all-wheel-drive specifications. Technological and structural differences thus make these two premium sedans an ideal choice for completely different types of drivers.

The range of power units for the Mercedes-Benz EQE starts with the rational and very efficient EQE 300 variant, which provides 180 kW of power and 550 Nm of torque, which is more than sufficient for normal travel. The golden middle ground is the EQE 350 and EQE 350+ versions with 215 kW, with the "plus" version tuned for maximum possible range. For customers requiring the security of all-wheel drive, 4MATIC models are available. Here, the EQE 500 version forms a strong standard with 300 kW and a hefty 858 Nm of torque. The top of the range is represented by models tuned by the AMG division – the EQE 43 4MATIC with 350 kW and the absolute peak in the form of the EQE 53 4MATIC+, which, with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, can reach a massive 505 kW and 1000 Nm. The entire model range relies on a smooth single-speed automatic transmission.

Porsche Taycan offers motorizations that captivate primarily with their maximum power values when using the Launch Control function (overboost mode). The basic rear-wheel-drive Taycan version starts at a nominal power of 240 kW, which can be briefly increased to 300 kW (or up to 350 kW with the optional Performance Battery Plus). A popular and balanced middle ground is the Taycan 4S all-wheel-drive variant, which delivers up to 420 kW and 650 Nm. For drivers looking for perfect handling and an undiluted driving experience, the purist GTS variant (440 kW) was created. Real extremes are represented by the iconic models labeled Turbo. The Taycan Turbo generates an amazing 500 kW, while the top-of-the-line Taycan Turbo S literally defies the laws of physics with 560 kW (761 hp) and a mammoth 1050 Nm of torque. With this equipment, the car breaks the 100 km/h barrier in an incredible 2.8 seconds. Furthermore, every Taycan is equipped with an iconic two-speed gearbox on the rear axle.

*The stated power range shows nominal power and maximum power in overboost mode when Launch Control is activated.

In terms of overall evaluation, the Mercedes-Benz EQE has a clear advantage in excellent aerodynamics, lower real-world consumption, and absolute smoothness of operation, making it an unrivaled long-distance cruiser. Its compromise, however, is higher weight and a more isolated driving experience. The Porsche Taycan, on the other hand, dominates on backroads and tracks, providing top-tier feedback, emotions worthy of a true Porsche, and very fast charging thanks to its advanced 800V network. The disadvantage is usually a shorter overall range and a significantly higher purchase price. If you are a driver focused on daily comfort, silence, and swallowing highway kilometers, the Mercedes-Benz EQE (especially in the 350+ version) is the ideal choice on the used car market. For demanding drivers oriented towards performance, perfect handling, and technological innovation, the Porsche Taycan is the right choice.

Choosing the right powertrain is crucial for long-term satisfaction with premium electric vehicles, as it affects not only dynamics but, above all, real-world range and the rate of component degradation. While the Mercedes-Benz EQE focuses primarily on maximum energy efficiency, top-tier aerodynamics, and an absolutely silent ride, the Porsche Taycan utilizes its innovative 800V architecture and unique two-speed gearbox to deliver uncompromising sports performance. Both manufacturers approach electrification from opposite ends of the spectrum, which is also reflected in our recommended versions for the used car market, where we look for the ideal balance between mechanical reliability, everyday usability, and operating costs.

For the Mercedes-Benz EQE, we recommend: EQE 350 (215 kW)

For those interested in an approximately four-year-old Mercedes-Benz EQE, the ideal powertrain choice is the EQE 350 with an output of 215 kW (292 hp) and rear-wheel drive. From an availability standpoint, it is important to mention that this specific configuration was produced between 2022 and 2023 and is no longer available in the current new car lineup in the exact same configuration. On the used car market, however, it represents an absolutely perfect compromise between purchase price, sufficient dynamics, and real-world range.

Thanks to an exceptionally smooth torque curve (565 Nm) and the absence of all-wheel drive (which always slightly increases mechanical losses and consumption in EVs), real-world combined consumption hovers around an excellent 18–20 kWh/100 km. The electric motor itself is very reliable by design; however, when buying a used one, pay close attention to the condition of the chassis and tires. The car weighs nearly 2.4 tons, which, especially when utilizing instant power and recuperation, leads to excessive wear on tires and suspension components. Also, check the software update history at an authorized service center, as early versions of the MBUX system suffered from occasional display freezing. This powertrain is tailor-made for calmer drivers and highway cruisers who appreciate smoothness, silence, and maximum efficiency on long journeys.

For the Porsche Taycan, we recommend: Taycan 4S Performance Battery Plus (420 kW)

In the case of the Porsche Taycan, the most rational choice on the used car market is the 4S version with the optional Performance Battery Plus package, which provides up to 420 kW (571 hp) in overboost mode. This specification was available from 2020 until February 2024, when it was replaced by a modernized version, making it absolutely key for the roughly four-year-old used car market.

It combines a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with an enlarged battery with a usable capacity of 83.7 kWh (93.4 kWh gross). In practice, it offers blistering acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds and excellent traction in all conditions, while the 800V architecture allows for lightning-fast charging at stations with an output of up to 270 kW. Real-world consumption ranges between 22 and 25 kWh/100 km depending on driving style. As an experienced mechanic, I strongly recommend carefully checking the functionality of the high-voltage heater (PTC module) in these vehicles, which was a known weakness in pre-facelift models and whose potential replacement is financially demanding (manifesting as weak or no heating in the cabin). Furthermore, it is necessary to verify the condition of the 12V onboard battery and the degradation of the main battery via diagnostics, especially if the previous owner charged the car exclusively at fast chargers. The Taycan 4S is ideal for dynamically-minded drivers looking for a full-fledged, emotive sports car for every day, but who want to avoid the extreme service and insurance costs associated with the top-tier Turbo versions.

When choosing a used electric car, one of the most important parameters is real-world energy consumption, which often differs significantly from the official, laboratory-measured values from the WLTP cycle. While automakers usually promise consumption from 16 to 22 kWh/100 km for models like the Mercedes-Benz EQE (V295 generation) and Porsche Taycan (Y1A generation before the facelift, manufactured until approximately 2024), in real-world conditions, physics and aerodynamics cannot be cheated. To determine the actual values, we used real data directly from drivers on the community server Spritmonitor.de and long-term statistics from the EV-Database platform. These values much more reliably reflect the daily operation of roughly four-year-old used cars, including highway travel, the influence of cold weather, and the use of onboard appliances.

Looking at the real-world data, several clear trends quickly emerge. The Mercedes-Benz EQE benefits massively from its purist, strictly aerodynamic body shape resembling a water droplet, which gives it a noticeable advantage, especially in the entry-level and mid-range specifications. Conversely, the Porsche Taycan, which by design bets on more muscular proportions and substantially wider sports tires, draws significantly more energy from the battery. A surprising finding is that the base rear-wheel-drive Taycan variant does not save nearly as much electricity in practice as one might expect compared to the very popular 4S all-wheel drive. For top-tier versions like the EQE 43 AMG or Taycan Turbo S, all considerations for efficiency naturally go out the window, and for both heavy vehicles, consumption easily rises above the 24 kWh/100 km mark.

For the average user, this difference brings completely different daily usage scenarios. If you are a highway mile-muncher or commute longer distances daily, the EQE in 300 or 350+ versions is an absolutely ideal tool. Its low appetite effectively erases any range anxiety, and the car handles long routes without trouble with a minimum of charging stops. On the other hand, owners of the more dynamic Taycans must accept a shorter highway range, which the sport-oriented automaker compensates for quite effectively with its fantastic 800V battery architecture – at modern fast-charging stations, the Taycan can replenish its power faster than its competitor with the three-pointed star on the hood.

In conclusion, you just need to ask yourself whether energy consumption is a decisive factor for you at all. For pragmatists and budget-conscious drivers, the significantly more economical Mercedes-Benz is a clear and logical choice. However, no one buys a Taycan with a calculator in hand. Its slightly higher electricity demands are a completely negligible price for the target group to pay for an unrivaled chassis and driving dynamics that you will hardly find in any other model on the four-year-old electric car market.

Depreciation in premium electric vehicles can be a nightmare for first owners, but for used car buyers, it represents a fantastic opportunity. If we focus on cars roughly four years old (around the 2022 model year), we find that both the Mercedes-Benz EQE and the Porsche Taycan have experienced a significant price drop. As a result, these showcases of modern technology have become much more accessible to a wider range of drivers.

Porsche Taycan (2020–2022)

As the brand's first purely electric model, the Porsche Taycan carried an extremely high initial price tag. However, the used car market has spoken, and today, four-year-old vehicles can be found for much more favorable amounts. Even so, the Taycan holds its value better than average for luxury electric vehicles (with a price drop of approximately 34% for three- and four-year-old used cars).

• Base models: The cheapest rear-wheel-drive versions start in used car dealerships from approximately €53,000.
• The golden mean (Taycan 4S): A very popular specification that combines adequate range with high performance, most commonly found on the used market in the range of €62,000 to €90,000, depending on the level of optional equipment.
• Top-tier versions (Turbo / Turbo S): Extremely powerful and technology-packed models still hold their value relatively well. You should expect to pay roughly €103,000 to €123,000 for them.

Mercedes-Benz EQE (2022)

The electric variant embodying the traditional E-Class entered the market a bit later and bets on absolute comfort. However, used EQE units show a slightly faster depreciation (reaching up to 40% in the first nearly four years), making this model an excellent purchase in terms of value for money.

• Base models (EQE 300 / 350+): Great cars focused on maximum efficiency and highway range can be purchased as used vehicles with a large price drop starting from €45,000.
• Higher trims and 4x4 (EQE 500 4MATIC): All-wheel-drive models with premium equipment average between €57,000 and €66,000 on the secondary market.
• Sports division (AMG 43 / 53): Even the sharper models tuned by AMG engineers have seen an uncompromising drop in price and can now easily be acquired in the price range of €74,000 to €90,000.

Comparison of approximate used car market prices (approx. 4 years old)

Both of these luxury electric vehicles earned a full five-star rating in the prestigious crash tests of the independent Euro NCAP organization, confirming their exceptionally high level of safety. However, when choosing a used car, it is essential to consider the context and the exact year the tests were conducted. Euro NCAP assessment protocols are constantly evolving, and their criteria become significantly stricter every year. While earlier tests focused primarily on passive protection during the impact itself, newer protocols place much greater emphasis on simulating complex intersection scenarios, protection in frontal collisions with a mobile obstacle, and the sensitivity of active assistants in the early detection of pedestrians or cyclists. For this reason, percentage results from different years cannot be simply and directly compared.

Mercedes-Benz EQE underwent Euro NCAP testing in 2022, meaning it faced substantially stricter test scenarios according to much more modern protocols. The car literally shined in them – achieving an excellent rating of 95% for adult occupant protection and 91% for child protection. The newer methodology also thoroughly tested the safety of vulnerable road users (83%) and the level of assistance systems (81%). These results clearly show that the modern technologies in the EQE, such as improved autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping, or the advanced center airbag to prevent occupants' bodies from colliding in a side impact, work absolutely excellently.

The Porsche Taycan was tested by Euro NCAP in 2019, i.e., according to older and slightly less complex standards. Adult occupant protection received a very respectable 85% and child protection 83%, clearly demonstrating the strength of the structural foundation and the reliability of passive safety. However, the 70% rating for vulnerable user protection and 73% for safety assistants reflect the time of its creation. Although the Taycan offers a high-quality active safety package including basic emergency braking and speed assistance, it no longer belongs at the absolute technological peak compared to the latest standards. Furthermore, it is important to mention that Euro NCAP certification typically has a limited validity of six years, which means that the Taycan's five-star rating from 2019 is now past its official expiration date.

Looking at the overall picture in terms of both passive and active safety, the Mercedes-Benz EQE benefits from its more recent development date and more modern testing standards. From the perspective of current criteria, it offers a more advanced, sensitive, and comprehensive safety package, making it a car with more advanced protection in complicated accidents.

In addition to standard equipment, each of these premium electric vehicles offers much more than just basic functions, with both models approaching added value and technological innovation in their own, completely different ways.

Mercedes-Benz EQE: Technological Oasis and Maximum Comfort

• Infotainment and Dashboard: The real jewel of the interior is the optional MBUX Hyperscreen. This system transforms the entire dashboard into one massive, elegantly curved glass surface housing three displays, including a dedicated screen for the passenger. Furthermore, the software utilizes artificial intelligence and the "Zero Layer" concept – it constantly learns the driver's habits and offers the most important functions directly on the home screen without the need to search through menus.
• Chassis and Handling: A crucial element for everyday usability is the rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees. This optional technology reduces the turning circle of the nearly five-meter sedan to the level of compact cars, making parking and maneuvering in narrow city streets extremely easy.
• Advanced Air Filtration: The Energizing Air Control Plus system with a massive HEPA filter can clean the air entering the cabin of fine dust, microparticles, pollen, and unpleasant odors. In practice, this means creating an environment with air quality comparable to operating rooms, which will be especially appreciated by allergy sufferers and people traveling in heavy city traffic.
• Lighting and Telematics: Revolutionary Digital Light headlights can not only perfectly mask surrounding traffic without dazzling others but also function as projectors. They can project assistance signs, warning symbols, or guidance lines for narrow lanes directly onto the road in front of the car.
• Sound Experience and OTA Updates: Instead of the silence of an electric motor, the car offers interactive soundscapes (e.g., Silver Waves or Roaring Pulse) that react to acceleration and the position of the accelerator pedal. Additional vehicle functions and improvements, including new sounds or an increased rear-axle steering angle, can be purchased and downloaded online via remote OTA (Over-The-Air) updates.
• Sporty Variants: For more demanding drivers, Mercedes-AMG versions (EQE 43 and 53) are available, which, in addition to higher performance, bring specific tuning of the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension and a unique, more aggressive AMG Sound Experience.

Porsche Taycan: Innovative Engineering and Genuine Sporting Spirit

• Powertrain and Power Delivery: A technological rarity of the Taycan is the use of a two-speed transmission located on the rear axle. While the vast majority of electric vehicles rely on a single gear, Porsche uses the first, short gear for enormously dynamic acceleration from a standstill, and the second, longer gear ensures high efficiency and plenty of power at highway speeds.
• Architecture and Charging: As one of the pioneers, the Taycan utilizes an 800-volt electrical architecture (instead of the common 400 V). For owners, this means a huge advantage in real life in the form of ultra-fast charging capability with a power of up to 270 kW. Thanks to this, stops on long journeys are reduced to an absolute minimum, where it is possible to charge from 5 to 80% capacity in just over 20 minutes.
• Smart Design and Spaciousness: Porsche came up with an ingenious solution for the battery pack with so-called "foot garages." These are recesses in the battery floor platform located directly in the footwells for rear passengers. This feature allows for a lower, more natural, and typically sporty seating position without compromising on headroom.
• Display and Ergonomics: In front of the driver is a 16.8-inch, fully digital, and significantly curved instrument cluster. In terms of design, it completely lacks a traditional cowl, and touch sensor buttons for quick control of lights and chassis settings are integrated along its edges – a feature directly inspired by the brand's racing models.
• Active Aerodynamics: The Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) suite constantly works to balance downforce and range. It includes active cooling air intake flaps at the front and an adaptive extendable rear spoiler. The system seamlessly adapts to the current speed and the selected driving mode.
• Expanded Body Style Range: Unlike the competing EQE, which is available purely as a sedan or SUV, the Taycan offers much greater variability for families or active individuals. In addition to the classic sports sedan, one can choose the more practical Sport Turismo or the off-road-oriented Cross Turismo with higher ground clearance, body protection, and a special Gravel driving mode.

Mercedes-Benz EQE is the perfect highway cruiser for drivers who prioritize uncompromising comfort, cabin silence, and the latest technology. It is an ideal choice for long journeys where you will appreciate a smooth ride and generous range rather than sporting ambitions in tight corners.

The Porsche Taycan is a genuine electric sports car that will captivate enthusiasts looking for a perfect connection with the vehicle, maximum dynamics, and driving pleasure. It is built for drivers who are happy to sacrifice some daily practicality in exchange for precise handling and a design that reliably attracts attention.

Based on long-term user experience, service reports, recalls, and the results of used car inspections, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of used cars of these two electric models should watch out for.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE electric sedan benefits from the brand's extensive experience, but it has not completely avoided some typical teething troubles of modern electric vehicles from early production.

• Electronics and software (MBUX): Owners often complain about freezing or slow responses of the giant displays (especially with the optional Hyperscreen system), navigation outages, or problems with smartphone pairing. However, most of these issues are effectively resolved by over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
• Charging system: Known ailments include occasional communication problems (so-called handshake) when connecting to some public fast-charging stations (DC). The car may occasionally refuse to start the charging process on the first attempt, requiring the cable to be disconnected and reconnected.
• Interior workmanship: Although the interior is visually extremely luxurious, there are complaints about creaking from some plastic parts in the dashboard and center console in early model years. In a perfectly soundproofed electric car, these sounds are more noticeable than in combustion models.
• Exterior door handles: Flush door handles with electronic extension can freeze in harsh winter conditions, or their capacitive proximity sensors may fail, making it difficult to enter the vehicle.

While the Porsche Taycan is a stunning pioneer in the world of electric sports cars, it requires caution on the used car market due to several known and potentially very expensive technical defects.

• Heating and air conditioning (PTC heater): One of the most well-known and widespread problems in older Taycan model years (roughly until 2022) is the failure of the high-voltage heater (PTC heater). The car then fails to heat in winter, and repairing the entire module is quite expensive after the warranty expires.
• 12V on-board battery: In early production models, the 12V battery often discharged unexpectedly, causing the car to become completely "dead," even though the main traction battery was fully charged. A widespread software update from Porsche, which improved power management, was crucial.
• Two-speed rear axle transmission: The Taycan uses a unique two-speed rear transmission to improve dynamics and highway range. Some owners have reported rough shifting, unusual mechanical noises, or error messages associated with power loss. Before buying, a thorough independent inspection of the car's technical condition is absolutely necessary to test the correct operation of the transmission under load.
• Software and infotainment (PCM): Similar to the competition, users here are also troubled by slower PCM system starts, occasional spontaneous restarts of the central display while driving, or constant disconnection of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Charging ports and cables: A frequently reported problem is malfunctions of the electrically operated charging port covers (on models with this equipment), which can get dirt trapped under them. Furthermore, a stuck lock occasionally occurs, preventing the charging cable from being released.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is crucial. Both of these premium electric vehicles represent the pinnacle of technology, but in cars roughly 3 to 4 years old, certain wear and tear and teething troubles may already be apparent. To avoid unpleasant and financially demanding surprises after your purchase, a professional comprehensive car audit is always a safe bet.

When choosing a Mercedes-Benz EQE:

• High-voltage battery condition (SoH): As with any electric vehicle, the battery condition is absolutely central. Request a diagnostic report of the current usable capacity (State of Health). A significant loss of capacity in a four-year-old car may indicate frequent and harsh fast charging (DC).
• MBUX system smoothness: Especially if the car is equipped with the massive Hyperscreen dashboard, focus on the display responsiveness. Test switching between navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The system should not freeze, and the navigation should load lightning-fast. Also, check if the car has downloaded the latest software updates (OTA).
• AIRMATIC air suspension condition: During the test drive and while the car is stationary, test changing the ride height (if the car is equipped with the system). Observe if the car "sags" toward the ground at one of the wheels after parking and listen to the compressor – it should not make an inappropriately loud noise.
• Interior noise layering: An electric Mercedes is extremely quiet on board, which makes any mechanical squeaking stand out even more. While driving over bumps or cobblestones, focus on sounds from the center tunnel, dashboard, and door panels. Early EQE models occasionally had issues with the fit and finish of harder plastics.
• Charging port cover mechanism: Try opening and closing the charging port cover repeatedly. On Mercedes electric vehicles, the servomotors for this cover tend to be sensitive to moisture and dirt, and a sticking door can block the charging process.

When choosing a Porsche Taycan:

• Rear two-speed gearbox shifting: The Taycan uses a specific two-speed automatic gearbox on the rear axle. During the test drive, accelerate smoothly to the highway limit. The gearbox usually shifts to the higher gear around 80 to 100 km/h. The shift should be felt, but it must not be accompanied by any loud metallic clicking, jerking, or strong vibrations.
• Electric heater (PTC) functionality: In Taycans from 2020 and 2021, a heating element failure is a very common and expensive defect. During the test drive, turn the heating to maximum and turn off the air conditioning (A/C). If only lukewarm or cold air flows from the vents even after several minutes, the car needs a high-voltage heater replacement.
• Software version (PCM) and 12V battery: Models from the first years of production suffered from rapid discharge of the onboard 12V battery, which could put the car into a deep sleep and completely immobilize it. Check the service history to see if a major software update to the latest PCM version has been performed, which eliminates this problem and occasional freezes of the entire interface.
• Squeaking and thumping from the chassis: The Taycan is an extremely heavy and fast car, which takes its toll on the suspension. Listen carefully to the front axle when driving over speed bumps or potholes. Dull thuds and squeaks indicate worn control arms or the need to refurbish the air strut mounts.
• Brake disc corrosion: Because the Taycan absorbs most of its kinetic energy through massive electric motor recuperation, the mechanical brakes are often underused. Visually inspect the discs for deep grooves and a thick layer of corrosion. During the drive, brake sharply and observe if there are any vibrations from the wheels into the steering wheel or brake pedal.

Sources: ADAC, forbes.cz, aktualne.cz, automagazin.cz, techfocus.cz, autosystem.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.