Mercedes-Benz EQE revealed

The Mercedes-Benz EQE has been unveiled at the Munich motor show today, offering similar dimensions to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class but bearing a sleeker design and promising class-leading luxury and technology.

A long-awaited rival for the Tesla Model S, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQE is confirmed for release in Australia in the second half of next year, priced from around $150,000 (plus on-road costs).

As well as its rakish new exterior design, headline features for the EQE include a massive wall-to-wall Hyperscreen interior digital display and a driving range of up to 660km.

Mercedes-Benz has committed to building an EV version of every vehicle it sells by 2025 and the EQE relates to the E-Class in the same way the EQS is the EV equivalent of the S-Class.

Other models include the EQA, EQB and, as shown in Munich today, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 and even an EQG off-roader.

Based on the same EVA2 platform as the larger EQS flagship electric sedan, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQE gains many of the headline features of its range-topping sibling, such as power opening front doors, an advanced HEPA filter that virtually scrubs the air of all impurities, rear axle steering and the colossal 55.5-inch-wide Hyperscreen digital cockpit display that stretches from door to door.

The MBUX Hyperscreen merges three large screens into one, combining the driver’s display (12.3-inch), the central display (17.7-inch) and front passenger display (12.3-inch) into one connected visual unit.

The screens feature a scratch-resistant aluminium silicate glass coating, while the AI-augmented MBUX infotainment system comprises eight CPU cores with 24GB of RAM.

There’s also a massive 77-inch head-up display.

Finished with white leather upholstery, the EQE shown here has many similarities with the larger EQS model’s cabin, including the minimalist design, distinct lack of switchgear and floating dash appearance created by ambient LED interior lighting.

Two power-adjustable seat types are available, comfort and sport, and while there’s still a clear Mercedes-Benz look to the cabin (seen in the circular air vents, for example), there’s almost a sci-fi look to it.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 model unveiled in Munich is powered by a single electric motor (215kW/530Nm) on the rear axle that delivers rear-wheel drive.

Twin-motor versions will be announced at a later date, when an all-wheel-drive model, via a second motor that’s mounted on the front axle, will be detailed.

A 90kWh battery pack built in-house by Benz delivers a WLTP-rated range of between 545km and 660km and has a maximum DC recharging rate of 170kW.

According to the Stuttgart car-maker, the 170kW charging rate can add 250km of driving range after 15 minutes when plugged into a fast-charger, or 32 minutes for an almost full charge.

Over-the-air updates for the battery management software ensures the “energy management of the EQE remains up-to-date throughout the lifecycle”, says Mercedes. However, unlike Tesla models, there’s no mention of powertrain or infotainment updates via Wi-Fi.

Measuring 4956mm long, it’s slightly longer than the current 4938mm E-Class, but the EQE’s 430 litre boot can’t match its combustion engine powered cousin’s 530 litre boot.

Despite their similar size, the E-Class and EQE have distinctly different looks, with the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQE adopting the same sleek, coupe-like ‘bow line’ design philosophy as the EQS.

With its short front and rear overhangs, the sporty and chiselled EQE has more in common with the CLS than a traditional large luxury sedan.

Rolling on 19-to-21-inch alloy wheels, the large electric sedan is fitted with the latest Digital Light adaptive LED headlights up front and – like all EQ models – a full-width LED tail-light array with 3D helix patterning.

The EQE will be offered with active air suspension and adaptive dampers to deliver suitably plush ride comfort.

Driving assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, or Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC in Benz-speak, which now features predictive speed regulation and an ability to stop the car from 100km/h if it detects a stationary vehicle ahead.

Active steering systems have been improved as well, with lane detection available at low speeds and “significantly improved availability and performance on bends on country roads”, as well as better lane centring on highways.

Overhead gantry speed limit signs are identified by the traffic sign recognition system and the active lane change assistant has been enhanced as well.

The driver attention assistance system will recognise typical signs of drowsiness and driver inattention, but also now scans the driver’s eyelid movements to detect any sign of microsleep using a camera in the instrument display.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE also has active blind spot assist, evasive steering assist and a remote parking function, where owners can exit the vehicle and park the EV via smartphone.

Stay tuned for more details on pricing and local specs for the Mercedes-Benz EQE ahead of its launch next year.