EQE AMG vs Porsche Taycan 4S: thoughts?!

[specialmn]

Hello everyone! New to the forum but a long-time lurker. I have a dilemma that I'd like to share with you all and seek your input and advice.

TL;DR: I’ve created a Matrix Decision table (via ChatGPT) to help me decide between a “used” 2023 Mercedes EQE 43 AMG and a 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S for a daily commute under 150 km. Similar price tag. Seeking suggestions and opinions.

I understand that comparing a Mercedes EQE AMG and a Porsche Taycan 4S might be like comparing apples and oranges for some, but I genuinely want to hear your thoughtful opinions and suggestions to help me make an informed decision.

Some background: The Taycan has always been my dream car, and it would be my first Porsche. It almost seem strange to me that being able to afford it now Im very close to not doing it.

About me

I'm in my early 30’s, from Portugal, EU, without children (for now). My current daily driver is a 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance, which will soon become my partner's car. I plan to replace it with a Tesla Model Y in the future.

My commute is 70% highway and less than 150 km daily, so range isn't a significant concern in my decision-making process.

As a tech enthusiast, I value advanced technology, as well as the exclusivity and "head-turner" factor that come with owning a unique car. I have charging capabilities at home, which makes owning an electric vehicle more convenient.

The Dilemma: Comfort & Luxury vs Sportiness & Prestige

With my budget of around €95k, I can either get a semi-new, almost fully-equipped EQE 43 AMG with less than 6k kilometers or a 2021 Taycan 4S with decent equipment and less than 20k kms. I'm considering used options to account for first years depreciation.

My dream spec would most definitely cost 10k more than the AMG. Features like the Performance Battery, Panoramic Sunroof, ACC/InnoDrive, Sport Chrono, Electric Sound, and 21" Mission E wheels are must-haves for this ideal scenario.

Test-drives

I've test-driven both the EQE (350+ version) and the Taycan 4S, and I was impressed by each in different ways, which makes my decision even more difficult: the EQE's interior is excellent, and its Infotainment features (MBUX) and large touchscreen are a step ahead of Porsche's PCM. Driving position, OTA updates, etc. are all positives for the AMG. However, I find the exterior somewhat underwhelming. On the other hand, the Taycan 4S offers exceptional driving dynamics, prestige and its exterior design stands out, making it a head-turner.

Depreciation

Since I plan to keep the car for only 1 to 2 years, resale value is an important factor. I want to avoid waiting too long for the car to depreciate significantly. That’s a lesson Tesla thought me the hard way. In addition to this, I'd like to consider factors such as maintenance costs, reliability, brand reputation, etc.

Decision & feedback

I've created a Decision Matrix table (suggested by ChatGPT) to help me weigh my options. Crazy enough I’ve got almost similar Scores for both. I would appreciate any input on whether you agree or disagree with my assessments, suggestions for improvement, or if there's anything you think I may have missed in my evaluation. Thank you!

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[WuffvonTrips]

Hello! I like that you have listed Red Seatbelt as a factor. But your best entry is "p_ssy MAGNET"- it took me a while to realise that isn't some sort of EV tech.
Even without that table, your personal circumstances and future plans suggest to me that you should go for the Taycan now, maybe even an older Turbo.

 

[B61]

Did you show that table to your partner?
what did she say?

 

[tchavei]

€95K for a light used 4S in Portugal? Not through CPO (Porsche Dealerships) I assume. Factor that in because of extended warranty etc etc.

Nevermind, you only plan to keep it for 2 years. Shouldn't matter that much.

Good luck

PS: Regarding pss_magnet, statistically, Porsche drivers are the ones which get laid less often. Can't confirm or deny yet. I'll report once I have the car.

 

[MrBlueSky]

Go for the Taycan. It’s your dream car so, why wake up each day and look at the MB?

On the subject of looks, each to their own, but I think you’ve been very kind to the MB. I would score it a 5 at very best.

I note you list the Interior better for the MB. The show stopper for me is that non-removable iPad thingy. I realise you have a Tesla so are probably ok with/used to the stuck on the dash look but, it always looks like an afterthought imho? The Taycan’s integrated look is much better.

Enjoyed reading the table to see what matched my thoughts and we agreed on quite a few so thanks for posting.

Good luck with whichever car you opt for. ?

 

[Redhot2474]

Be most impractical now, whatever that means to you - eqs = yawn ?

 

[DoctorLife]

Different circumstances to you, but I could have opted for an EQS, having had an S class previously. The S class was just so easy to drive, relaxing, a sofa on wheels. I suspect the EQE will be similar. The Taycan demands more attention when driving, is much sharper but a lot more fun. Ultimately I wanted something different to a waft-mobile, more sporty and sexy. If that's you - and especially if its your dream car, get the Taycan. I didn't hesitate and have not regretted it even as a long term Merc fan.

BTW, as for p..ssy MAGNET.... not a single woman I've met has been impressed by my utterly gorgeous Taycan!

Numerous MEN however have been overcome with emotion from the Amazon delivery driver to Uber Eats driver. . Its not a p..ssy Magnet, more a "dick magnet". I don't swing that way unfortunately....and anyway, surely its your personality that counts ??

 

[specialmn]

Hello! I like that you have listed Red Seatbelt as a factor. But your best entry is "p_ssy MAGNET"- it took me a while to realise that isn't some sort of EV tech.
Even without that table, your personal circumstances and future plans suggest to me that you should go for the Taycan now, maybe even an older Turbo.

That Magnet is awesome tech. Its provocative. It get's the people going! Thanks for the feeback tho.

Did you show that table to your partner?
what did she say?

I think its better not to show my intrusive thoughts

€95K for a light used 4S in Portugal? Not through CPO (Porsche Dealerships) I assume. Factor that in because of extended warranty etc etc.

Nevermind, you only plan to keep it for 2 years. Shouldn't matter that much.

Good luck

PS: Regarding pss_magnet, statistically, Porsche drivers are the ones which get laid less often. Can't confirm or deny yet. I'll report once I have the car.

Not here in Portugal. As you know everything here is a robbery because of taxes. I'd looking to Import it from Porsche Stuttgart

Go for the Taycan. It’s your dream car so, why wake up each day and look at the MB?

On the subject of looks, each to their own, but I think you’ve been very kind to the MB. I would score it a 5 at very best.

I note you list the Interior better for the MB. The show stopper for me is that non-removable iPad thingy. I realise you have a Tesla so are probably ok with/used to the stuck on the dash look but, it always looks like an afterthought imho? The Taycan’s integrated look is much better.

Enjoyed reading the table to see what matched my thoughts and we agreed on quite a few so thanks for posting.

Good luck with whichever car you opt for. ?

Thanks for the feedback ?

Different circumstances to you, but I could have opted for an EQS, having had an S class previously. The S class was just so easy to drive, relaxing, a sofa on wheels. I suspect the EQE will be similar. The Taycan demands more attention when driving, is much sharper but a lot more fun. Ultimately I wanted something different to a waft-mobile, more sporty and sexy. If that's you - and especially if its your dream car, get the Taycan. I didn't hesitate and have not regretted it even as a long term Merc fan.

BTW, as for p..ssy MAGNET.... not a single woman I've met has been impressed by my utterly gorgeous Taycan!

Numerous MEN however have been overcome with emotion from the Amazon delivery driver to Uber Eats driver. . Its not a p..ssy Magnet, more a "dick magnet". I don't swing that way unfortunately....and anyway, surely its your personality that counts ??

EQS definitely feels out of proportion for me. I'm rating it a 6 regarding exterior looks. Thanks for the input of the waft-mobile experience, I have similar thoughts.
About the magnet, well that is .. not good news. Point to the EQE ?

 

[Avantgarde]

If Chat GPT is scoring EQE an 8 over 10 in looks department, we really don't have to panic about AI taking over the world. That's a relief...

 

[specialmn]

If Chat GPT is scoring EQE an 8 over 10 in looks department, we really don't have to panic about AI taking over the world. That's a relief...

Well actually no ? I did rate it very generously ?

 

[tchavei]

Not here in Portugal. As you know everything here is a robbery because of taxes. I'd looking to Import it from Porsche Stuttgart

Oh one from "Candonga" ?

Yeah, I considered something like that and did it myself, in the past, for several cars of mine but I couldn't justify it for an EV. We don't pay IUC so the only difference would be base price and VAT. Plus I was a bit shy of buying a second hand EV because of the battery.

Keep in mind that a German Taycan has much higher chance of having an extended fast charge history (but that doesn't matter if you only keeping it for 2 years) and that the "origin" will play against you when you sell it. First question I get asked every single time I want to sell a car is "is it national?"

Good luck with your choice. Can't really help since I obviously favor the Taycan since I'm in this forum. I do have two MBs and they served me well over the years.

 

[Vim Schrotnock]

My experience with decision matrices (as an engineer), is you need to carefully configure all the relevant independent variables and assign a numerical value and weighting factor - very similar to what you've done. Then when you've carefully evaluated each factor and arrived at a total, ignore it completely and go with your gut.

Here's another factor that might just make your decision easier. I can say this because I'm one of these folks... The EQS and all large luxury Mercedes cars are for old people. Sorry, but that is what I, and quite a few other people think...

 

[specialmn]

Oh one from "Candonga" ?

Yeah, I considered something like that and did it myself, in the past, for several cars of mine but I couldn't justify it for an EV. We don't pay IUC so the only difference would be base price and VAT. Plus I was a bit shy of buying a second hand EV because of the battery.

Keep in mind that a German Taycan has much higher chance of having an extended fast charge history (but that doesn't matter if you only keeping it for 2 years) and that the "origin" will play against you when you sell it. First question I get asked every single time I want to sell a car is "is it national?"

Good luck with your choice. Can't really help since I obviously favor the Taycan since I'm in this forum. I do have two MBs and they served me well over the years.

That's true! Thanks for point out. Regarding the importation, the other way to see it is that EV's are so cheap to import atm that is a opportunity. As far as it is the Porsche Approved and with Service History, I think (and I may well be wrong) that selling it may be simpler than more complex ICE cars

 

[specialmn]

My experience with decision matrices (as an engineer), is you need to carefully configure all the relevant independent variables and assign a numerical value and weighting factor - very similar to what you've done. Then when you've carefully evaluated each factor and arrived at a total, ignore it completely and go with your gut.

Here's another factor that might just make your decision easier. I can say this because I'm one of these folks... The EQS and all large luxury Mercedes cars are for old people. Sorry, but that is what I, and quite a few other people think...

Man, thanks for this comment. I laughed out loud ? It's like being super careful on doing an pointless job.

 

[tchavei]

That's true! Thanks for point out. Regarding the importation, the other way to see it is that EV's are so cheap to import atm that is a opportunity. As far as it is the Porsche Approved and with Service History, I think (and I may well be wrong) that selling it may be simpler than more complex ICE cars

If the "battery myth" starts fading out of people minds, I'm sure it will be easier to sell. The price at which you'll sell will be impacted nevertheless.

National dealerships work together against imports and I've suffered from it first hand. Any recall, repair or warranty, you get thrown to the end of the queue as they will give priority to their own customers. That is if you ever find out about the recall. They won't contact you even if you register as customer. I made the habit of calling the local dealership once a year for an imported MB to ask about recalls and updates. They would otherwise simply ignore you. I must have done 6 recalls total with that specific car.

Personally I don't agree with it but I do understand why they discriminate. It sucks though. It's like we don't own the "real thing".

In any case, this time I went national and new because I intend to keep it FOR A LONG TIME and me and the Taycan will grow old together. After 5 years, the origin doesn't really matter anymore and the resell value will be crap anyways.

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