#TLDR: The Mercedes-EQ EQE 350+ is a sedan EV that is a size smaller than the EQS 450+, yet carries all the essential EV functions and battery recuperation capable to offer a driving range of 669km according to WLTP.
Following the launch of the Mercedes-EQ EQS, the new EQE 350+ offers all the essentials of the EQS 450+ in a more compact form. It is evident that the EQE’s wheelbase is slightly shorter compared to the EQS. The EQE joins the likes of the EQA, EQB, EQC and the EQS in the most comprehensive EV lineup in Malaysia.
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-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, together with a pronounced muscular shoulder section, give the EQE an athletic character.
The battery in the EQE has a usable energy content of 90.56 kWh, and the range of up to 669 km according to WLTP is absolutely suitable for travelling.
All EQE models have an electric drivetrain (eATS) on the rear axle. The electric motors 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. The advantages of this design include high power density, high efficiency and high power constancy. The motor on the rear axle is particularly powerful due to its six-phase design: it has two windings with three phases each.
The motors produces 292hp and 565Nm of torque. It will move the EQE from 0 to 100kph in 6.4 seconds up to a top speed of 210kph.
In the EQE, the lithium-ion battery consists of ten modules and has a usable energy content of 90.56 kWh. Via AC, the EQE recharges from 10 per cent to 100 per cent in eight hours 15 minutes. At the same time, the EQE only needs 32 minutes to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent.
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.
In the case of the battery, 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 ten percent. The continuous optimisation of recyclability is part of Mercedes-Benz’s holistic battery strategy.
The vent band spans across the entire width at the top and is very slim at the same time. These extreme proportions, create the avant-garde architecture of the cockpit. The outer nozzles feature a turbine design. They play on the theme hyperanalogue through the contrast between high-tech precision mechanics and digital, glass display world.
The latest MBUX generation, recently introduced in the EQS, is also on board the EQE. With adaptive software, the control and display concept completely 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. The most important applications are offered situationally and contextually on the top level in the field of view. In this way the EQE driver is relieved of certain operating steps.
Consistently high performance and multiple accelerations without a drop in power characterise the EQE’s drive philosophy. 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 driver can manually select the deceleration in three stages (D+, D and D-) as well as the gliding function via shift paddles behind the steering wheel. Also available: D-AUTO. ECO Assist also offers situation-optimised recuperation – deceleration is so strong or weak that it ultimately results in the most efficient driving style. If possible, recuperative deceleration is also used for vehicles detected ahead. This even occurs until they come to a standstill, for example at traffic lights. The driver does not need to press the brake pedal for this – literally one-pedal driving.
Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route, based on numerous factors and reacts dynamically to traffic jams or a change in driving style, for example. 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.
As a saloon with a boot lid, the EQE’s concept is well equipped to offer a high level of NVH comfort Noise, Vibration, Harshness) into account. Numerous measures contribute to this. In the electric drivetrains (eATS), the magnets are arranged inside the rotors in an NVH-optimised way (known as ‘sheet metal cut’). In addition, the eATS have a special foam mat all around as an NVH cover. The inverter cover is a sandwich construction. The eATS are double-decoupled from the body via elastomeric bearings.
Highly effective spring/mass components provide continuous sound insulation from the crossmember under the windscreen to the floor of the boot. Acoustic foams are inserted into many carriers during body-in-white construction.
With the Burmester surround sound system on board, the EQE has the two soundscapes: Silver Waves Vivid Flux and Roaring Pulse. Silver Waves is a sensuous and clean sound. Aimed at EV enthusiasts, Vivid Flux is crystalline, synthetic yet humanly warm. They can be selected or switched off as sound experiences on the central display. The e Roaring Pulse sound experience is reminiscent of powerful machines, and is sonorous and extroverted.
The principles of Integral Safety, in particular accident safety, apply regardless of the platform. Like all other Mercedes-Benz models, the EQE therefore 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 the driver if there is a risk of collision and intervening if necessary – for the benefit of all road users
The fact that the EQE is based on an all-electric architecture also opened up new design possibilities for its safety concept. It meant, for example, that a favourable location could be chosen for the installation of the battery, in a crash-protected area in the underbody. And because there is no large crankcase on board, the behaviour in a frontal crash could be modelled even better.
The EQE 350+ is priced at RM419,888 and is available with tailored financing through Mercedes-Benz Financial. For the avant-garde person that wants an electrified mobility in a luxury package that only Mercedes-Benz can offer, then the EQE is the vehicle of choice.
