PETALING JAYA: The Mercedes-EQE is launched in Malaysia today, priced at RM419,888 (including 10% SST)
The EQE 350+ is the fifth all-electric vehicle launched so far following the debut of the EQA, EQB, EQC and EQS.
Mercedes' second fully electric limousine uses the same technology as the EQS, but is a size smaller. Both models are based on the electric architecture for large vehicles EVA 2.
It measures 4.95 metres in length, or 27cm less than the EQS, and the wheelbase is around 9cm shorter, at 3.12m.
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 lithium-ion battery variants from the electric flagship, but still has a net capacity of 90.56kWh - and thus an above-average range of 669km (WLTP).
The innovative battery management software, developed in-house, allows updates over the air (OTA). In this way, the energy management of the EQE remains up-to-date throughout the life cycle.
A major step has been achieved in terms of the sustainability of the cell chemistry: the optimised active material consists of nickel, cobalt and manganese in a ratio of 8:1:1. This reduces the cobalt content to less than 10%.
The electric motor on the rear axle is particularly powerful due to its six-phase design: it has two windings with three phases each.
It produces 215kW/292hp and 565Nm of torque for a 0-100kph sprint in 6.4s.
The EQE is charged at up to 170kW. It takes about 32 mins to charge from 10% to 80%. Under ideal conditions, it only takes 15 mins to charge the battery enough for 250km. AC charging at 11kW from 10% to 100% takes a little over 8 hours.
The EQE has a slightly shorter wheelbase compared to the EQS with shorter overhangs and more recessed flanks, exemplifying the concept of the business saloon moving forward.
Sensual Purity is reflected in generously modelled surfaces, reduced joints and 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-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, together with a pronounced muscular shoulder section, give the EQE an athletic character.
Mercedes' latest EV does not offer the MBUX Hyperscreen for Malaysia. Air suspension is not offered even as an option for this model.
In the cabin, the air-cond vent band spans across the entire width at the top and is very slim at the same time.
The latest MBUX generation, recently introduced in the EQS, is also found in the EQE. With adaptive software, the control and display concept adapts to its user and makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions.
With the zero-layer design, the user does not have to scroll through submenus or give voice commands. In-cabin entertainment is provided by a Burmester surround sound system.
Mercedes-Benz said the EQE drive experience is characterised by consistently high performance and multiple accelerations without a drop in power.
This includes a sophisticated thermal concept and several variants of energy recovery by means of recuperation in this process, the high-voltage battery is charged by converting the mechanical rotary motion into electrical energy during overrun or braking mode.
The EQE 350+ comes with intelligent navigation, enabling the car to
plan the fastest and most convenient route, based on numerous factors and reacts dynamically to traffic jams or a change in driving style.
This includes a visualisation in the MBUX infotainment system as to whether the available battery capacity is sufficient to return to the starting point without charging.
Like all other Mercedes-Benz models, the EQE has a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and modern restraint systems with PRE-SAFE.
Available as standard, the EQE is equipped with the Driving Assistance Plus package that includes but not limited to Active Distance Distronic Active Stop-and Go Assist, Active Steering Assist with hands-off warning and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
These numerous assistance systems support the driver as the situation requires, warning him if there is a risk of collision and intervening if necessary.
"This year is an extremely important year in our electric initiative: with the introduction of the EQA, EQB, EQC, EQS and now EQE, we have the most comprehensive electric-vehicle portfolio here in Malaysia," said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia CEO and president Sagree Sardien.
“The Mercedes-EQ brand is pursuing a goal that is ambitious as it is clear: that we’ll build the most sustainable and most technically advanced cars in the world."
As for subscription services, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said it would continue to offer them on selected models and only when they add value for customers.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia sales & marketing vice president Michael Jopp said Malaysian customers are ready for subscription as evident by their decision to renew such services as live traffic and remote control of the car.
Jopp said, however, that the service to upgrade a car's power and torque for a fee would not be offered in Malaysia as it catered to the US market.
Following his product presentation, Jopp revealed that he would be ending his Malaysian stint and would be leaving for Austria to manage the vans segment of the brand from 2023. His successor would be announced soon.
