BMW i4 or Mercedes-Benz EQE: which is better for a Ukrainian driver?

Electric cars are no longer a novelty on Ukrainian roads. From Chinese budget cars to premium models, there is a choice. But when it comes to the business class, eyes often focus on two rivals: BMW i4 and Mercedes-Benz EQE. Both look serious, have strong performance and promise the comfort that fans of the German car industry are used to. But on paper, everything looks nice. […]

But everything looks beautiful on paper. What about in real life? How do they behave on our roads, how long can they really go on a single charge, how fast do they charge, and which is better for a Ukrainian driver? Let’s find out.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

BMW i4 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE: which looks better?

Appearance: BMW i4 or Mercedes EQE?

The BMW i4 looks restrained but recognisable at the same time. The classic kidney on the front grille hasn’t disappeared, and the silhouette itself is smooth, with a sporty fastback feel. The car looks fast even in a static position. The blue and black details hint that this is an electric BMW, but without the ostentatious futurism. Those who want an electric car but are not ready for a “space” design will appreciate this moderate appearance.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE takes a different approach. Everything here indicates that you’re driving a modern electric car: a sleek front end without a traditional grille, elongated lines, darkened glossy inserts and almost no sharp corners. This design looks more like a concept car than a production car and definitely stands out from the crowd. It looks “more expensive” and a little more futuristic, which will appeal to those who love technological aesthetics.

Interior: comfort, style, technology

Inside the BMW i4, minimalism is in keeping with the brand’s signature style. The driver is the focus here: everything is within easy reach, the large screens are slightly angled towards the steering wheel, the seating position is deep, and you really feel as though you’re sitting in something dynamic. The central display is integrated with the instrument panel to form a single curved unit. The materials are high-quality, crafted with German precision. The focus here is more on functionality than on the ‘wow’ factor, but comfort hasn’t been compromised.

The interior of the EQE is a real ‘wow’ factor. A large central screen (and in some trim levels, a gigantic Hyperscreen spanning the full width of the dashboard), soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and plenty of space. The seating position is slightly higher than in a BMW, and the experience feels more like sitting in business class on a plane than in a sports saloon. And whilst in a BMW you feel like you’re in control, in a Mercedes you feel like you’re being driven.

Practicality in everyday life

An electric car isn’t just about the environment, but about practicality: how much fits in the boot, how comfortable it is to drive on the motorway, and how the car handles on bumpy roads or in winter. The BMW i4 is a pleasant surprise in this respect. Admittedly, the 470-litre boot isn’t record-breaking, but it’s perfectly adequate for a saloon in this class. What’s more, it’s deep and has a convenient loading opening. Large suitcases, a pram or shopping bags from Epicentre will fit in without any trouble. There’s also a folding rear seat backrest if you need to transport something longer.

The i4’s cabin is a bit cramped in height at the rear, especially if you’re tall or often carry passengers over 6’2″. This is a design compromise – the sloping roof and sporty body line come at a price. But there’s more than enough space in the front, and the quality of materials and ergonomics are on par. An additional advantage is the rather thin floor insulation, which copes well with tyre noise and does not create a “resonator” effect, as in some other electric cars.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is noticeably larger – and you can tell this even before you get behind the wheel. The interior is spacious, particularly in the second row. If you often travel with five people, or have child seats, the EQE will be more comfortable. The boot is technically smaller in volume – 430 litres – but it’s wider, deeper and easier to load thanks to its more vertical opening. It’s easier to use for everyday tasks – supermarket bags, boxes and tools.

The EQE has a slightly better organised space for small items, with more compartments, deeper cup holders and door pockets that can hold a 1.5-litre bottle without strain. It also has a wider door opening radius, which parents with children will appreciate. If you’re looking for something more family-friendly than just a commuter car, the EQE has the goods.

Dynamics: is the BMW really faster?

The BMW i4 eDrive40 is truly dynamic. It’s not just numbers on paper – 0 to 60 km/h in 5.7 seconds is impressive, but what’s even more impressive is how this dynamism is transmitted to the driver. Thanks to its low centre of gravity (battery in the floor), rear-wheel drive and precise steering, the i4 truly feels like a true BMW. In the Sport Boost mode, the response to the accelerator pedal is instantaneous – just press it and the car literally dives forward. And this is without the roar of the engine, but with a pleasant artificial sound that is not annoying.

On Ukrainian roads, especially in urban areas, such dynamics are useful: to quickly exit a secondary road, overtake on a single-lane highway, or just enjoy driving – the i4 does all this with pleasure. But keep in mind that the suspension is a bit stiff, especially on 19-inch wheels. In Kyiv or Lviv, this is still tolerable, but if you often drive around district centres or villages, you will feel every patch on the road.

The Mercedes EQE 350 is a different story. It’s not about “push and go”, but about calmness, softness and stability. Acceleration to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds is not slow, but the power delivery is smooth, without sharp jerks. This car is more suitable for quiet highway trips, far from aggressive style. Its trump card is comfort on broken asphalt, excellent noise insulation and impressive stability even at high speed.

Interestingly, even in corners, the EQE behaves better than it looks – thanks to its low centre of gravity and wide wheelbase. But the steering response is less direct than in the BMW. It’s more like an aeroplane than a Porsche. That is, if you are looking for a car that you want to drive just for the sake of driving, the i4 will be more interesting. But if you just want to get from point A to point B with maximum comfort, the EQE is for you.

Power reserve and charging speed

In terms of driving range, both cars perform well, especially in Ukraine, where the charging infrastructure is still being developed. The BMW i4 is equipped with an 83.9 kWh battery and can travel up to 590 km on a single charge according to the European WLTP cycle. In real-world conditions – with the climate control system switched on, mixed-cycle driving and under load – this is closer to 430-460 km in summer and 320-350 km in winter. The car supports alternating current (AC) up to 11 kW and direct current (DC) up to 200 kW. When connected to a fast charger, the 10% to 80% can be charged in about half an hour.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE has a larger battery – 90.6 kWh – and its officially stated range is up to 620 km according to the WLTP. In practice, the figures are very similar to those of the i4: around 440–470 km in warmer months and 330–360 km in winter. The EQE supports AC charging at up to 22 kW (which is important for those who charge at home or in the office using a three-phase supply) and DC charging at up to 170 kW. Charging time to 80 per cent is around 35–40 minutes.

In big cities, charging both cars is no longer a problem. The largest networks in Ukraine – TOKA, AutoEnterprise, Ionity, UGV Chargers, YASNO, and others – offer fast DC charging, albeit with varying levels of availability. But on the Kyiv-Odesa or Kyiv-Lviv highway, you still have to plan your stops in advance. It’s good that both BMW and Mercedes have built-in navigation services that suggest charging points along the route.

Charging type / Power (kW)	BMW i4	Mercedes-Benz EQE
Household socket (2.2-3.6 kW)	~24-27 hours	~25-28 hours
Single-phase charging (7 kW AC)	~12 hours	~13 hours
Three-phase charging (11 kW AC)	~7 hours 30 minutes	~8 hours 45 minutes
Three-phase charging (22 kW AC)	not supported, limited to 11 kW	~4 h 15 min (if 22 kW support is available)
Fast charging (50 kW DC)	~1 h 40 min	~1 h 50 min
High-speed charging (150 kW DC)	~33 minutes	~36 minutes
Maximum power (DC)	up to 200 kW	up to 170 kW

Remarks: The BMW i4 does not support 22 kW on AC, even if the station delivers this power. The maximum for AC is 11 kW. The Mercedes-Benz EQE supports 22 kW on AC in some configurations, but not all versions have this option.

Prices in Ukraine: BMW i4 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE

Prices for electric vehicles in Ukraine depend not only on the configuration but also on whether you buy them from an authorised dealer or through imports. The BMW i4 with eDrive40 is currently offered in dealerships for around UAH 2.3-2.5 million. If you want more power, there is the M50 version with all-wheel drive and two electric motors, which already costs from UAH 2.8 to 3.1 million, depending on the options. Used i4s from Europe or the US on the secondary market start at around UAH 1.8 million, but it all depends on mileage, battery condition, and service history.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is slightly more expensive by default. The base model EQE 350 in the cabin will cost about UAH 2.9 million, but the all-wheel drive versions of the EQE 500 or 4MATIC variants will have a price tag in the region of UAH 3.3-3.8 million. Used cars imported from Europe are available for several hundred thousand less, but you need to be careful about the equipment – not all of them have active air suspension, a panoramic roof, or support for 22 kW of charging.

Overall, the BMW looks like a more affordable option, especially in the basic configuration. It is better suited to those who want a premium electric car but are not ready to spend extra on luxury features. Mercedes is about status, greater comfort, and a slightly different approach to driving. If you want maximum silence, smoothness, and digital features, you’ll have to pay a little extra.

What else is there to choose from?

If you’re considering the i4 or EQE but aren’t sure if it’s your car, there are several other worthy alternatives on the Ukrainian market. For example, the Audi Q8 e-tron is a slightly different format because it is an SUV, but it costs about the same money as the EQE. It has comfort, quattro, a large range, and a reliable service network in Ukraine.

The Tesla Model 3 or Model S are classics. You can find a new Model 3 from 1.5 million UAH, but it’s slightly smaller and more akin to the i4. The Model S is more in the same league as the EQE or even higher up the range, but the price of a new one can reach 4+ million UAH, so people tend to buy second-hand models from the US.

For those looking for a thrill, the Porsche Taycan is well worth a look. You can find a second-hand Taycan in Ukraine for around 2.7–3.2 million UAH, but a new one will set you back a small fortune. This car is definitely not for those who count every kilometre, but for driving enthusiasts, it’s a real thrill.

Bottom line: which to choose – the BMW i4 or the Mercedes-Benz EQE?

Both cars are worthy representatives of the business class in the electric era. The BMW i4 is for those who aren’t prepared to compromise on performance and want that familiar ‘BMW feel’, even in a petrol-free world. It’s quick, precise to drive, not overloaded with digital bells and whistles, and very competitively priced. Especially if this is your first electric car – the i4 will make it easier to adapt to this new format.

The Mercedes EQE embodies a whole new philosophy. It’s quiet, smooth and packed with the latest technology. You won’t feel the urge to take corners at the limit of the tyres’ grip; instead, you’ll want to switch on adaptive cruise control and simply enjoy the comfort. If driving for you is not about sport but about peace of mind and convenience, the EQE will do everything to ensure you step out of the car feeling refreshed rather than exhausted.

The decision – as always – depends not on the figures in the brochure, but on your needs. Whether you commute across the whole of Kyiv every day, or travel between cities on the motorways. Whether ‘sportiness’ is important to you, or, on the contrary, a more relaxed driving experience. But it’s good that there’s a choice – and both options, despite their nuances, are already adapted for Ukraine.

ECOFACTOR – hassle-free charging for the BMW i4 and Mercedes EQE

At ECOFACTOR, we are well aware that an electric car is not just a vehicle, but a part of everyday life. Whether you drive a BMW i4 or a Mercedes-Benz EQE, it’s important that charging is simple, convenient and predictable. This is what we have been working on for over 10 years, creating charging solutions that meet the needs of Ukrainian drivers.

Our ecosystem is more than just charging stations. It is a fully-fledged infrastructure where everything comes together:

• Charging stations AC and DC ECOFACTOR production (up to 420 kW)
• Cables and adapters, RFID cards, mounts and other accessories
• Mobile application for iOS and Android with support for the Ukrainian language
• Online shop, which contains everything you need for charging
• Map of charging stations with real-time updates
• Operator platform for managing a network of charging stations

Our mobile app allows drivers to find a station, start charging, view session history and manage their user account. It maintains an up-to-date map of charging stations, shows port availability, and allows you to use different networks while roaming. And all of this is available in the Ukrainian language, with support for real Ukrainian tariffs.

We also understand that charging doesn’t end at the charging point itself. That’s why we have an online shop where you can find everything you need for an electric car: from portable chargers, cables and adaptors to interchangeable connectors and accessories. And whether you drive the powerful EQE or the dynamic i4, you won’t have to look elsewhere for the equipment you need – it’s all in one place.

We have over 3,500 active charging points in Ukraine, more than 215,000 registered drivers on our app, and over 18,000 charging stations manufactured under our brand. These aren’t just figures for a report; they represent what drivers use every day.

We create solutions that help you charge your electric car every day. So, no matter what car you have in your car park – a BMW i4 with German precision or a Mercedes EQE with comfort and range – we at ECOFACTOR are here to ensure your journey is not only electric but also seamless.

Frequently asked questions