STUTTGART: After just releasing its electric E-Class saloon EQS model, Mercedes is already paving the way for another more sustainable limousine: the EQE.
With the launch scheduled for next summer, the electrics will be a year ahead of the generation change for the conventional E-Class, said series boss Christoph Starzynski during final tuning drives.
Mercedes' second fully electric limousine uses the same technology as the EQS, but is a size smaller.
It only measures 4.95 metres in length, or 30cm less than its predecessor, and the wheelbase is around 10cm shorter, with 3.11m.
The EQS's tailgate has been replaced with a conventional boot with 430 litres of space.
Because of the limited space available, the EQE only runs with the smaller of the two battery variants from the electric flagship, but still has a net capacity of around 90kWh - and thus an above-average range of 660km.
The EQE is charged at up to 170 kW. Under ideal conditions, it only takes 15 minutes to charge the battery enough for 250km.
The standard EQE 350 model comes with a 292hp rear motor. Other motor variants are to follow later, including one with all-wheel drive. In terms of the driving experience, the EQE will differ from the EQS as well as from the conventional E-Class and S-Class, Starzynski says.
Mercedes' latest EV comes with a unique set-up for optional rear-axle steering and air suspension, for example, intended to make the EQE the most manageable and dynamic of the company's luxury class limousines.
The model has been designed for the most progressive among E-Class customers, but unlike the internal combustion models, the EQE will not be available as an estate in the future.
However, Mercedes is already planning an EQE SUV model, as a more sustainable alternative to the GLE and as a replacement for the estate or T model.
