A true Tesla rival? Mercedes EQE debuts with 660km of range
Although it’s been overshadowed somewhat by Mercedes-Benz’s other electric vehicle unveilings earlier this morning (namely the AMG EQS 53 and the EQG Concept), the new EQE sedan is likely to be the most important vehicle of the bunch.
The EQE shapes up as the electric equivalent of Merc’s eternal E-Class. In essence, the model is a mini-me version of the EQS (it’s more than 300mm shorter), sporting similar styling inside and out, and similar levels of tech. Consider this the German brand’s rival for the Tesla Model S.
Mercedes has shown only the one EQE spec in its pictures, being the EQE 350. But there’s other models in the pipeline, too. It’s already confirmed that an AMG-Line package will be available, adding more aggressive bodywork, bucket seats, and other sporty changes. It’s safe to assume that a fully blown AMG variant is coming, too.
For the moment, just the one powertrain option has been confirmed; a single-motor system producing 215kW of power and 530Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels (a 4Matic all-wheel drive version is coming soon). This comes paired to a 90.6kWh battery, which Mercedes claims is capable of 660km of range per charge.
That’s a solid figure, made better by affirmations from the three-pointed star that it will be able to charge from 10 per cent capacity to 80 per cent in 31 minutes when plugged into a DC fast charger.
Features? Well, the EQE also gets the EQS’s impressive huge MBUX ‘Hyperscreen’ spewed across its dashboard; three screens combining across the dash to make one big super screen. Biometric authentication and augmented reality satnav are among its bevy of features.
In this application, though, the Hyperscreen is an optional extra which will no doubt cost a pretty penny. Other EQS-isms that are optional extras include four-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension.
With EQE production slated to kick off in mid-2022, the first EQEs are expected to be delivered overseas in late 2022, with New Zealand potentially having to wait until 2023. Although this has yet to be confirmed by Mercedes-Benz’s local arm.
