EQ is the name of the electric equivalent of Mercedes Benz models. Thus the E stands for E-Class. Get the idea? Some models are simply the original internal combustion model, others, like this EQE, are purpose-built on their own platform to maximise battery capacity. The EQE 43 is the entry-level model and the EQE 53, on the other hand, focuses on even more sportiness and greater driving dynamics. The prestige electric vehicle comes of age.
On The Outside
The EQE has chunky headlights and angular daytime running lights. The blanked-off grille is the tell-tale EV sign and so are the air intakes on each side of the bumper. The EQE comes with its own range of 19 to 21-inch alloy wheels. It’s an attractive car, the design aided by it having that new platform forming the swooping roofline (this to improve the already good aerodynamics) and curvy doors augmented by chrome trim. UK models can be specified with ‘AirMatic’ suspension too.
On The Inside
The smart and ultra-modern interior design has a particularly sporty touch, dominated by style-defining AMG features on those models designated as such. The AMG seats have individual graphics and special seat covers in man-made ‘leather’ with red decorative top stitching. Alternatively, seat upholstery in Nappa leather is optionally available.
The AMG Performance steering wheel with its striking twin-spoke design and seamlessly integrated buttons combines visual stability with lightness. The steering wheel rim, which is flattened at the bottom and covered in Nappa leather, can be heated, optionally. The buttons allow control of important driving functions and the drive programmes to be controlled without having to take your hands off the steering wheel.
The dashboard (Can we still call it that? Flight-deck? Monitor?) has a 12.8-inch Multimedia Touch Display. An optional Hyperscreen which has AMG-specific functions and displays for the MBUX infotainment system can be ordered in the near future. This large, curved screen unit extends from A-pillar to A-pillar. Three screens sit under a glass cover and appear to merge into one. With adaptive software, MBUX adapts completely to its user and offers personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions.
Space up front is fine, but very tall people may struggle with headroom in back because of the sloping roofline. In the unlikely event that buyers will be ferrying around tall people all the time, then get the bigger EQS model. Most though will sit comfortably. Overall, the packaging is in fact superior to a conventional E-Class.
On The Road
Both new Mercedes-AMG EQE models offer a performance-oriented drive concept with two electric motors. The powerful electric drivetrain, with a motor on each of the axles, also offers fully variable all-wheel drive, which optimally transmits the drive power to the asphalt under all driving conditions. There's plenty of power on offer as well: 350 kW (476hp) in the EQE 43 and 505 kW (687hp) in the EQE 53. Add in the optional ‘AMG Dynamic Plus’ Package and boost function. The maximum torque ranges from 858 to 1000Nm. A noteworthy addition is that the base model, the EQE 350+, has single-motor rear-wheel drive rated at 356-394 miles of range; surely enough for most uses.
The driving characteristics can be changed by the driver at the touch of a button to suit the situation or their own preferences. This is made possible by five drive programmes (AMG models). These ‘are the curiously named ‘Slippery’, plus ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport+’ and ‘Individual’. Early test drives found this car to be a well-rounded and mature electric car. Pretty much everything you would expect from a Mercedes only without the emissions. It is a quiet, tremendously comfortable and an effortless fast car.
There’s so much to explore in the Mercedes-Benz EQ range and it’s growing all the time. Find out more about availability from us here at MHH International.
