The Mercedes EQE is the fourth pure-electric model from the German automaker to make its world premiere this year and the second car based on Benz’s new luxury electric vehicle (EV) platform.
Set for global launch by mid-2022, the business saloon will be produced at Bremen in Germany for the world market and in Beijing for the Chinese market.
Visually, the EQE looks like a smaller EQS, which is no bad thing. Sporting the cab-forward design, the EV has short overhangs, new age lights, a rear spoiler, and 19- to 21-inch wheel options.
Measuring 4946 mm long, 1961 mm wide, and 1512 mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 3120 mm, the Mercedes EQE is longer, wider, and taller than the current E-Class.
Stepping inside, one could mistake the cabin for the EQS’, since the design and equipment are based on Mercedes’ flagship electric saloon.
The MBUX Hyperscreen (optional extra) comprises 3 screens under a glass cover, and then there are the turbine-style side air vents, automatic front comfort doors, Navigation with Electric Intelligence, Burmester surround sound system, and more features on offer.
With a battery with a usable energy content of 90 kWh in the EQE 350 form, the EV can travel between 545 and 660 km. It has a single 215 kW (288 BHP) electric motor in the rear, putting out 530 Nm of torque.
It can be equipped with rear-axle steering and air suspension, while the standard suspension comprises a 4-link front unit and a multilink rear, which is closely related in design to the new S-Class.
When its official launch takes place, Mercedes will also introduce a second model (with a 4-wheel-drive) to accompany the EQE 350. Also, the performance variants with around 500 kW (670 BHP) are being planned.
The car is equipped with an 11 kW onboard charger (22 kW charger optional), and it takes 8.25 hours using an AC charger to fully juice up the battery (4.25 hours with 22 kW charger). It can support up to 170 kW of DC charging, adding 250 km in 15 minutes.
Customers of the car will use the Mercedes I Charge feature to charge the vehicle at over 5.3 lakh AC and DC public charging stations in 31 countries across the globe.
In addition to having the standard passive safety equipment, the Mercedes EQE comes equipped with driving assistance systems, including a new function called microsleep warning from Attention Assist.