Mercedes-Benz has a new electric sedan that might be of interest to those who liked the EQS, its flagship electric sedan. Mercedes-Benz unveiled the EQE on Sunday. Although the price was not disclosed, it is a smaller version of the same platform and will be a lot cheaper when it launches next years.
At the 2021 IAA Mobility conference, the EQE was unveiled along with a few other electrics coming out of Stuttgart, including the EQB compact SUV and AMG performance versions of the EQS and an electric GWagen concept.
Although the EQE is 3.5ins shorter than the EQS it shares many of the same characteristics as the company's top electric sedan. In fact, Mercedes-Benz stated in a press release that the EQE would be continuing the good genes of its EQS.
Grid View Daimler AG
Daimler AG
Daimler AG
Daimler AG
Daimler AG
Daimler AG
Daimler AG
Daimler AG
Daimler AG
Daimler AG
Daimler AG
Daimler AG
EQSs most distinctive features are not available as a standard feature. Although the massive hyperscreen display dominates the dashboard, it will only be an option. As an option, rear-axle steering is also available. (In the EQS, 4.5 degree rear-axle steering comes standard. Buyers can pay more to essentially unlock 10, 10 or 20 degrees rear axle steering. The EQE will also receive over-the-air upgrades and updates.
The 90kWh battery that powers the base model EQS will power the EQE's rear-wheel drive launch model. However, the company claims that the battery will last for up to 660 km (410 miles) on a full charge. This figure is based on European WLTP standards, so a realistic range will be lower.
This EQS is a bit less absurd, but it offers many options.
The EQE will produce 288 horsepower, compared to the 516HP of an all-wheel-drive EQS. Mercedes-Benz claims that a second variant of the EQE will launch at launch. However, it did not specify whether this EQE would be more powerful or less.
Mercedes-Benz claims that the interior dimensions of the EQEs are significantly larger than the E-Class's by using an electric vehicle platform instead of the combustion engine. This means that the interior dimensions of the EQE have an inch more shoulder space for those who sit up front and an additional three inches of length. The EQE also offers a better view of the road by being seated high above the battery pack.
The EQS looks worthy of Tesla's Model S Plaid. Therefore, the EQE aims to be a more affordable and accessible way to get into Mercedes-Benz's high-end electric car business. The EQE is a promising entry to the market if it does its job well. This could make it more successful than Mercedes-Benzs earlier attempts at the market, such as the EQC which was built on a combustion engine platform and not an electric vehicle. That goal was set when it revealed the Vision EQS concept.
Markus Schfer, chief operating office of Mercedes-Benz, stated that the EQE, after the EQS is, is already the second model in our platform for premium- and luxury-class electric vehicles. This innovation speed is a testament to the benefits of the scalable architecture. With the new EQE we can quickly make high-tech solutions for our electric flagship EQS accessible to a wider range of buyers.
Mercedes-Benz also set big goals with the Vision EQS for 2019, and it is backing that up with the EQE. According to Mercedes-Benz, the car's structural shell is made from recycled steel and many internal components, such as cable ducts, are made of recycled or renewable materials. Mercedes-Benz claims that less than 10% of the battery chemistry is made of cobalt.
It's a good thing to hear this from a company like Volkswagen that spent years lying about diesel car emissions and deliberately misleading regulators. It won't likely increase EQE sales. Mercedes-Benz will need to convince buyers that sedans still hold a place in the global marketplace and that an electric E-class is as valuable as its gas-powered counterparts.
