Just a few months after the launch of the EQS, Mercedes-EQ has already presented the next model based on the electric architecture developed specifically for electric vehicles, the new EQE. The sporty business saloon offers all the essential functions of the EQS in a slightly more compact format. At market launch, the model range initially comprises two variants: the EQE 350 with 215 kW, as well as another model. Performance variants with around 500 kW are being planned. Production of the EQE takes place at two locations of the Mercedes-Benz Cars global production network: at the German Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen for the global market and at the German-Chinese joint venture BBAC in Beijing for the local market. In the outer dimensions (length/width/height: 4946/1961/1512 millimetres), the EQE is comparable to the CLS.
Compared to the luxury liner EQS, the EQE is even more streamlined, with a slightly shorter wheelbase, shorter overhangs and more recessed flanks – it carries the concept of the business saloon into the future. Sensual Purity is reflected in generously modelled surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions (seamless design). The overhangs and the front end are kept short, the rear provides the dynamic accent with a sharp rear spoiler. Flush with the outer edge of the body, the 19- to 21-inch wheels, together with a pronounced muscular shoulder section, give the EQE an athletic character. Like the latter, it has a fixed rear window and a boot lid. The interior dimensions even clearly exceed those of today’s E-Class (213 model series), e.g. the shoulder room in the front (plus 27 mm) or the interior length (plus 80 mm).
The EQE features a sporty ‘purpose design’ with all the characteristic elements of Mercedes-EQ, one-bow lines and cab-forward design. Sensual Purity is reflected in generously modelled surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions (seamless design). The overhangs and the front end are kept short, the rear provides the dynamic accent with a sharp rear spoiler. Flush with the outer edge of the body, the 19- to 21-inch wheels, together with a pronounced muscular shoulder section, give the EQE an athletic character. The sporty, low and slim front of the EQE forms a coupé-like silhouette with a bow (one bow) stretched tightly over the greenhouse. The A-pillar, which has been moved far forward, and the C-pillar at the rear create space for a generous passenger compartment. Unique in this segment is the cab-forward design: The overhangs and the front-end assembly are short, the rear forms a dynamic accent with a sharp rear spoiler.
The EQE is the new business class from Mercedes-EQ. With this completely new vehicle, the designers had the brief and the opportunity to take a completely new approach to the interior design as well. Like the EQS, the EQE is based on a large electric platform from Mercedes-EQ. For the designers, this went hand in hand with the vision of systematic digitalisation of the interior. The optionally available MBUX Hyperscreen implements this vision in a particularly impressive way: the entire instrument panel is one ultimate widescreen. This determines the aesthetics of the entire cockpit and interiorThey used this freedom and, in addition to the MBUX Hyperscreen, relied on consistent digitalisation and avant-garde design for many other elements. The real glass appears to drape itself three-dimensionally over the entire width of the vehicle like a wave – a unique feature in automotive construction to date.
The models available on launch are the EQE 350 with 215 kW, and a second model. Further versions will follow. The battery has ten modules with a usable energy content of around 90 kWh, and the range of up to 660 km2 acc. to WLTP is absolutely suitable for long distance touring. The electric motors on the front and rear axles are permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM). With the PSM, the rotor of the AC motor is fitted with permanent magnets and therefore does not need to be supplied with power. All EQE models have an electric drivetrain (eATS) on the rear axle. The later versions with 4MATIC also have an eATS on the front axle. In the 4MATIC models, the Torque Shift function ensures intelligent, continuously variable distribution of drive torque between the rear and front electric motors and thus the use of the most efficient eATS in each case. The modular powertrain concept ensures high overall performance and long range.
