Mercedes-Benz isn’t wasting any time fleshing out its all-electric line-up, starting with an assortment of new models debuting this week at the first-ever Munich Motor Show. That includes the new EQE, a battery-powered alternative to the marque’s classic E-Class sedan.
The 2023 EQE will become the second model line to use the automaker’s new EVA2 electric vehicle architecture, following the launch of the flagship EQS model. And like the bigger sedan, the EQE will adopt a distinctive “one-bow” design language meant to set it apart from traditional Mercedes sedans — while also delivering a significant improvement to aerodynamics meant to improve the battery car’s range.
In typical Mercedes fashion, the new EQE, “At market launch, the model range initially (will feature) two variants: the EQE 350 with 288 hp, as well as another model,” the automaker confirmed ahead of the sedan’s Munich debut. “Further versions will follow.”
Longer range quicker charging
The EQE 350 will draw from a battery pack with a “usable energy content” of 90 kilowatt-hours. It will deliver power to a single motor module mounted on the rear axle producing 288 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Though Mercedes isn’t providing specific details, it broadly hints the second EQE version will adopt an electric version of its familiar 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. That iteration will feature a second drivetrain module on the front axle and likely push horsepower up towards the 400 range.
Mercedes isn’t yet revealing specific range numbers, though it’s expected to deliver somewhere north of 300 miles per charge using the European WLTP test cycle. (The EQS is rated at around 480 miles per charge.)
The driver will be able to choose between three different settings for the sedan’s regenerative braking. The most aggressive mode not only will increase range by sending more power back to the battery pack but also allow One-Pedal driving, a motorist simply easing off the throttle to rapidly decelerate in light-to-moderate traffic situations.
The low-cobalt lithium-ion battery pack will completely charge up using a 240-volt Level 2 system in as little as 4.25 hours. With a 170 kilowatt quick-charger, it can go from 10% to 80% in 32 minutes and, Mercedes claims, add another 160 miles in just 15 minutes. To speed things up, the electric sedan will feature the new Mercedes me Plug & Charge system. It lets the EQS “talk” to a charger and automatically transmit billing information, eliminating the need to go fumbling with a credit card.
Plenty of room, plenty of technology
The EQE measures 196.6 inches in length, with a width of 77.2 inches and a height of 59.5 inches — similar numbers to today’s gas-powered E-Class. Its wheels are pushed further to the corners, however, with a wheelbase of 122.9 inches.
The basic design is cab-forward, taking advantage of the fact that most of the electric sedan’s drivetrain technology is mounted below the load floor. That results in a much larger cabin than the current E-Class line.
Like the flagship EQS, the mid-range EQE will be offered with the new Mercedes Hyperscreen, with an array of video displays stretching from pillar to pillar across the instrument panel. The system can be operated in a variety of ways, including steering wheel-mounted capacitive controls, several touchscreens, or by voice using the MBUX voice assistant.
Another feature shared with the EQS lets a driver choose between two different “soundscapes” as long as the sedan is equipped with the optional Burmeister audio system.
“Silver Waves provides a rich and clean sound,” explains Mercedes. “Aimed at EV enthusiasts, Vivid Flux is crystalline, synthetic yet humanly warm. They can be selected or switched off as sound experiences on the central display. The additional soundscape Roaring Pulse can be activated as an over-the-air update. This sound experience is reminiscent of powerful machines, and is sonorous and extroverted.”
Multiple options, more variants to come
Since it shares the EVA2 platform, the EQE and EQS have similar suspension designs, with a four-link front and a multilink rear. But an Airmatic air suspension with Mercedes’ ADS+ adaptive damping will be available.
The EQE also will offer two different rear-wheel steering options. These can improve handling at highway speeds while also tightening the standard turning circle from 41 feet to as little as 35 feet.
Look for the 2023 Mercedes-EQ EQE 350 to start rolling into U.S. showrooms sometime next year. Pricing will be revealed closer to that sales launch.
The EQE is one of an assortment of new battery-cars Mercedes is launching at the new Munich Motor Show this week. The list also includes a new AMG version of the EQS. It’s widely expected that there will be an EQE AMG package to follow, as well.