There’s not a lot of choice for someone that wants an electric executive saloon car. In fact, there’s only one option, currently, the Mercedes EQE.

Very soon the segment will become more crowded, however, as BMW is gearing up to launch the i5 and Audi’s electric replacement for the A6 will join the ranks next year.

The EQE isn’t strictly an electric E-Class, even though both occupy the same part of the market, that car will continue with its petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines.

Instead it’s based on a purpose-built EV platform, which also underpins the EQS. As a result the car looks quite a lot different to fossil-fuel powered Mercedes models. The futuristic look is the result of efforts to maximise interior space and aerodynamics, so the car has short overhangs and soft sweeping curves.

The car’s chassis houses a gigantic battery with a useable capacity of 90kWh. It gives the car a range of 388 miles (WLTP), which equates to around 320 miles of real-world driving. In this regard, the EQE is one of the most useable EVs currently on sale.

Two single motor variants are offered: EQE 300 and EQE 350. The 300 develops 245PS, while the 350 puts out 292PS. A twin-motor AMG version is also available, producing 625PS, but that has the reduced range of 290 miles (WLTP).

The EQE’s maximum charging speed is 170kW so, at the right charge point, it can go from 10% capacity to 80% in just over half-an-hour.

Prices start at £74,435, which is almost £10,000 more than the most expensive E-Class. Opting for a higher-spec 350 model will cost almost £90,000, firmly in luxury car territory.

Refinement levels are very high. The EQE rides beautifully, has comfortable seats and is well insulated from unwanted noises. In the 300, performance is mediocre. The car’s throttle mapping is very subdued, so don’t expect the immediate power surge that most EVs deliver. Things are more progressive, which is great for passenger comfort, but not so enjoyable for the driver – especially at this price point.

The 350 feels more potent and gets going with a little more urgency, shaving almost a second off the 300’s 7.3-second 0-62mph acceleration time.

Higher grade models are equipped with air suspension which keeps the ride supple but can also be firmed up for a more dynamic drive. In conjunction with the four-wheel steering system, the EQE defies its weight and size on the road. It’s easy to manoeuvre at low speeds, but equally nimble on faster roads.

This setup is standard on the AMG Line Premium Plus and Exclusive Luxury models, with AMG Line and AMG Line Premium using a traditional steel coil system and front-wheel-steering.

We can’t help but think that a twin-motor version, to sit between the 350 and the AMG would offer the best balance of performance and range.

At 430 litres, the EQE’s boot is a decent size although fairly narrow – as is the boot opening itself. The cabin is a great place to be: Mercedes-Benz has managed to strike an admirable balance between technology and traditional opulence in its design, with materials including leather, wood and piano black plastics.

All models feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display and a 12.8-inch central infotainment system, and the interface will be familiar to anyone who has used the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system. It is pretty straightforward to use and can be operated by voice or touch, but does mean there is a paucity of physical buttons in the cabin. Many people will be happy with that, but it does make operating some functions, such as climate control, perhaps fiddlier than they need to be.

For an extra £6,995 you can add the Mercedes Hyperscreen package, which extends the central screen to 17.7 inches and adds a third display in front of the passenger.

The EQE’s dashboard is mounted high in the cabin, forcing drivers to raise the seat more than perhaps they usually would. Outward visibility isn’t the best as a result and we found it more difficult to get comfortable in the EQE than in other saloon cars.

As an electric alternative to the E-Class, the EQE delivers on refinement, technology and day-to-day usability, but its significantly more expensive and doesn’t offer the same level of performance as other EVs in its price bracket. Its appeal, then, may be more limited to those in higher company grades rather than the traditional executive saloon driver.