Mercedes is taking advantage of the Munich Motor Show to exhibit the EQE for the first time. This 100% electric road sedan incorporates many elements of the EQS limousine, starting with its platform, but also its hyperscreen dashboard. Marketing planned for mid-2022.
Mercedes’ 100% electric range continues to grow. Thus, more and more thermal models have their “zero exhaust emissions” counterpart: Class B / EQB, GLC / EQC, Class V / EQV, Class S / EQS. And this will accelerate even more in the coming months, with the products presented at the Munich Motor Show. And it starts with the EQE which becomes the equivalent of the Class E, and which is logically placed under the EQS.
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The EQE: a short version of the EQS
This new EQE has many points in common with the limousine already in the catalog. It starts with the style: the silhouette is based on the design dubbed “one bow” by Gorden Wagener, the group’s design manager, for the EQS. The line going from the optics to the lights seems to have been drawn in the same movement. The sedan uses the closed black grille incorporating the optics, one of the aesthetic characteristics of Mercedes EQ models.
Another distinctive sign of this electric range is the light strip crossing the stern. The whole is embellished by more marked front and especially rear wings. The wheels are located at the four corners of the car, reducing overhangs. The effect further accentuates the immense wheelbase on which the EQE is based: 3.12 m, it is worthy of that of a limousine. With regard to the length of the car 4.95 m, this announces an excellent habitability.
Up to three screens for the dashboard
The interior presentation of the EQE is also strongly inspired by the layout of the EQS with its Hyperscreen: this 141 cm digital panel that seems to run across the entire dashboard. It is actually a slightly curved glass plate covering three screens:
- thes counters: 12.3 ”
- The infotainment touchscreen: 17.7 ”
- The screenn facing the front passenger: 12.3 ”.
If the driver’s gaze is drawn to the content of this last screen, it automatically switches to standby. This hyperscreen system is an option: the basic touchscreen is only 12.8 ”.
Optional rear wheels
The technical part is another element bringing this road sedan closer to the EQS. Both are based on the EVA2 platform, specifically developed for 100% electric models. The EQE thus has the same advantages provided by the chassis of its big sister: Airmatic air suspension or steering rear axle. These two elements will be offered as an option.
Two rear-wheel drive versions at launch
For the mechanical part, the EQE will be available, at launch, in two rear-wheel drive versions. However, Mercedes only communicates the technical data of one proposal. Called EQE 350, it will have a 215 kW (292 hp) electromotor for a torque of 530 Nm. It is powered by a battery with a capacity of 90 kWh, whose energy management software can be updated remotely (OTA). Its autonomy is announced between 545 and 660 km, as for recharging, the system can recover 250 km in 15 minutes on a terminal delivering up to 170 kW. Other models equipped with an additional electric motor on the front axle will subsequently offer all-wheel drive.
Brake with your fingertips
As with the EQS, the driver has paddles located behind the steering wheel in order to modulate the regeneration of the braking energy in four levels. In addition, the Eco Assistant manages regeneration according to the situation and the vehicles in front: it is then possible to drive without using the brake pedal. Add to this a journey planner which, during long journeys, includes any stops at the charging stations. The system also assesses whether it is possible to return to the starting point without needing to reload.
Equipment worthy of a limousine
Within the driving aids department, the EQE receives a monitoring andanalysis of driver’s eyelid blinks to determine if they are entering micro-sleep phases. As with the EQS, the driver’s door opens automatically when the driver approaches, and closes when he presses the brake pedal. For this, it will be necessary to enhance the basic endowment of the Premium Plus Pack …
The EQE will be manufactured for the global market at the German plant in Bremen and in Beijing for local customers. Its arrival in the Mercedes catalog is planned by mid-2022.
