Mercedes-Benz has arrived at the present Munich Motor Show with all guns blazing, showcasing its next steps toward full electrification with a slew of new concepts and debuts. The all-new Mercedes EQE electric saloon, which follows the larger and more luxury-oriented EQS as the second model to be supported by the brand’s EVA2 platform, is one of the most important among them. The Mercedes EQE will compete with electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, and Polestar 2.
Just like the EQS equates with the electricity of the Mercedes S-Class, the EQE equates with the electricity of the E-Class.
The exterior design of the Mercedes EQE
Image Source: Automotive News Europe
The EQE has a black front panel, a ‘one-bow’ cab-forward shape – a signature of the brand’s new-era bespoke EV family – and short front and rear overhangs, all of which are reminiscent of the EQS flagship. Mercedes also touts the EQE’s “sensual purity” achieved by minimizing joints, transitions, and body lines, as well as its “athletic character” with noticeable rear haunches and wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches in diameter.
The EQE, like the EQS, is built for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, with Mercedes claiming a “very good” Cd number thanks to its smooth underbody, meticulous panel gap sealing, and closed-off grille. Because of its lower overhangs and standard-fit multi-link front and rear steel suspension, it can’t quite equal the EQS, but the aero-optimisation methods “were worked particularly thoroughly.” Mercedes is even providing specially designed 19-inch and 20-inch ‘aero wheels,’ including a set with a nearly closed surface.
The interior design of the Mercedes EQE
It’s also distinguished from the conventionally powered E-Class by an interior design that’s identical to the EQS, complete with the larger car’s 1,410mm-wide “Hyperscreen” infotainment system. This high-definition screen, which spans the width of the dashboard, is touted as providing “zero layer” access to the MBUX operating system’s core functions, eliminating the need for the user to cycle through many menus. The front passenger has control over their own 12.3-inch OLED display, which is darkened automatically in Europe when showing ‘dynamic content’ so the driver is not distracted.
From the start, over-the-air system updates and upgrades will be available, bringing enhanced features like the ‘Roaring Pulse’ sound mode (which allows for a “large-volume combustion engine” soundtrack), specially developed driving modes for young drivers and technicians, in-built video games, and improved headlight technology.
The EQE’s flat-floored interior similarly lacks a transmission tunnel, opting instead for a floating center console with controls for the seats and doors, which is matched by a similar set on the door panels.
EQE Mercedes: powertrain
Two variations of the EQE 350, with 288hp and 530Nm on the tap from its rear motor, will be available from the start, as well as a second drivetrain that is still unannounced. The motor’s permanent magnets are said to offer “high power density, high efficiency, and high power constancy,” according to Mercedes.
Later, four-wheel-drive 4Matic variants will arrive, possibly matching the most powerful EQS variant’s 751hp in top-tier AMG EQE 53 form. S-Class-derived air suspension and a choice of rear-axle steering systems that can minimize the turning radius by up to 1.8m are available as dynamic enhancements for all models.
Plans for India Mercedes EQ
Mercedes-Benz will launch the EQC, which is based on the GLC, in India in 2020. The EQS sedan is set to arrive in the United States next year. Mercedes is also considering assembling its EQ cars in India.
The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ is the first of many
Image Source: Daimler Media
The new Mercedes-AMG luxury performance sedan will serve as the flagship vehicle for both the EQS range and Mercedes-bespoke Benz’s electric car lineup. A number of AMG EVs will be included, including the hot variants of other EQ models developed on the EVA2 platform, and the AMG.EA architecture of certain AMG versions.
AMG was able to increase the power and torque of the permanently synchronous motors as a result of these modifications. Standard EQS 53 models will produce 649 horsepower, with the Dynamic Plus package adding a Race Start mode that can boost output to 751 horsepower. In this mode, the EQS 53 can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.4 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds faster than the usual time. Standard versions have a top speed of 220 kph, whereas Dynamic Plus automobiles have a top speed of 250 kph.
The power is stored in a 107.8kWh lithium-ion battery with a 400V design that includes bespoke AMG cabling for improved performance and a range of 326 to 360 km, depending on the specification. The EQS 53’s battery management system has been tweaked to improve performance in Sport and Sport+ driving modes. Three stages of energy recuperation are available while driving, controlled by switches on the steering wheel. On a fast charger, the battery may be charged at up to 200kW.
The new EQS incorporates multi-link front and rear axles, just like the regular EQS, but AMG claims it has redesigned any components that have “an influence on the driving dynamics,” such as the rear axle beam and both the subframe and engine mountings.
Also, read: Mercedes EQG and Mercedes-Maybach EQS concepts preview
