The anticipation is palpable. Electric vehicle technology is moving at such a speed, it’s hard for the world to keep up. And that unstoppable pace toward a more sustainable automotive future is no more evident than in the design, research and development efforts of Mercedes-EQ.
 

We held our breath as the incredible features of the all-electric luxury EQS were unveiled in 2021. With its release in Australia imminent, the fervour has been maintained with the announcement that the EQE will follow hot on its heels in 2022.
 

EQ, which is shorthand for ‘electric intelligence’, is the dedicated Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle sub-brand spearheading the company’s ambitious strategy to be all electric by the end of the decade. This includes launching a vehicle with battery-electric capabilities into every segment where it competes within the very near future.
 

Here in Australia and New Zealand, we welcomed the trailblazing EQC medium SUV in late 2019, followed by the compact EQA in mid-2021, and are soon to meet the family-sized EQB SUV and luxury saloon EQS. The EQE slots into the line-up as an electric alternative to the popular E-Class saloon.

Electric by design
 

The first thing to note about the EQE is that it’s based on the same ground-breaking EVA2 architecture that debuted with EQS. Its bold, cab-forward design, innovative black panel grille and seamless bodywork point to a new era of space-age evolution, each iteration pushing new boundaries.
 

With a wheelbase measuring 3120mm overall, the EQE is slightly more compact than its larger sibling (90mm to be exact), yet allows plenty of cabin space for passengers, easily exceeding that of the current E-Class. The interior design is clearly derived from the plush EQS, with MBUX Hyperscreen, automatic comfort doors at the front, and noise and vibration abatement among the best in class.
 

Advanced driver features include voice-activated commands, a premium MBUX infotainment system, and cutting-edge satellite navigation via two screens – one for the driver’s dash, the second in the centre console. The Attention Assist feature monitors eyelid movement to help maintain driver alertness.

The ultra-quiet cabin is also kept clean and fragrant by way of a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter using 600 grams of activated charcoal to neutralise odours from both internal and external sources.

Technology taking you further
 

While the EQE carries a slightly smaller battery compared to the EQS (90 kWh vs 107.8 kWh) it can nevertheless deliver a very usable indicative touring range of around 600 km between charges. The EQE 350+ will deliver an effortless 215 kW to the rear wheels by way of a six-phase synchronous motor, a design that permits much higher efficiency and performance than conventional synchronous electric motors.

The Mercedes-EQ battery management software ensures the 10-cell lithium-ion unit is retained in a fully optimised state, thus preserving battery life and extending the driving range. A 15-minute charge at a DC fast-charging station can add up to 250 kilometres to your range.

Even in standard configuration, the EQE 350+ can accelerate from a standing start to 100 km/h in less than six seconds with a theoretical top speed of more than 200 km/h, affording safe and relaxed overtaking at highway speeds. The 530 Nm of torque is a comparable output to a turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine, the difference being that it’s available instantly.

We are yet to hear exactly which variants of the EQE will make it to Australia and New Zealand, but the European market launch included, among others, the EQE 350+ and the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC, which delivers an extremely potent power output of up to 505 kW, promising a truly sensational driving experience.

Register your details for the latest updates on the all-electric EQE.

By Roderick Eime