The EQE Sedan shares many design cues with the EQS. Images: Daimler AG

[Updated] Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a statement regarding the local launch of the EQE series, noting that the first deliveries are expected in the second half of 2022.

The newest member of the Mercedes-Benz “EQ” electric series has debuted, in the form of the EQE mid-size sedan. More compact than the flagship EQS, with a 3120mm wheelbase (90mm shorter), the EQS shares many design cues from its larger sibling, but the overall package is more dynamic, with short overhangs and a low roofline.

Importantly, the EQE series provides greater interior space than the current E-Class, with 27mm more front seat shoulder room, 80mm greater overall length in the cabin, and a 65mm higher seating position. The boot/trunk capacity of the EQE is 430 litres.

Battery and Drivetrain of the EQE 350

Mercedes-Benz is initially offering a 90 kWh battery, promising a 660 combined WLTP range. According to Mercedes-Benz, the EQE 350 has a WLTP energy consumption figure of 19.3-15.7 kWh/100 km; a second, cheaper variant with a smaller battery, and performance variants with “around 500kW” are also in the works.

Mercedes-Benz has developed its battery chemistry and software in-house; a first for the manufacturer. Produced on-site at the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim factory, cells comprise nickel, cobalt and manganese in a ratio of 8:1:1. With less than 10 percent cobalt, Mercedes-Benz hopes to dispense with its use eventually as technology improves.

With two permanent magnet synchronous motors (PSM), the EQE 350 puts down 215 kW and 530 Nm via a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Rear wheel steering, borrowed from the EQS, is available as an option.

The 328 volt electrical system is capable of charging the EQE at 170 kW, taking 32 minutes to charge from 10-80 percent. Mercedes-Benz claims 250km (155 miles) of range can be added in 15 minutes.

The interior of the EQE is gorgeous, but not for those with an aversion to screens.

A new level of luxury for the EQE 350 interior

Mercedes-Benz is likely to cop a fair amount of criticism for the similarities of the EQE to the EQS, and this extends to the interior. As EVs share platforms, drivetrains, and more, this unification or standardization is likely to be seen more often between models, as manufacturers look to offset the steep development and R&D costs of bringing all-new electric vehicles to market.

The MBUX Hyperscreen is available as an option on the EQE; a single, glass panel stretching across the dashboard with multiple displays for driver and passenger. The air vent band stretches across the width of the cabin, giving an impression of space. Optional automatic comfort doors greet the driver and open the front doors on approach.

Mercedes-Benz provides a HEPA filter, to clean incoming air with an activated carbon filter. It is also possible for the EQE to clean the interior prior to passenger entry.

Smart tech and driver assistance system highlights in the EQE 350

Mercedes-Benz is offering its Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system, which can maintain a set distance to vehicles ahead across all road types. The system features predictive speed regulation, navigation and charging integration, and Active Steering Assist, which improves safety and performance on all road types.

Active Lane Change Assist will steer the vehicle into an adjacent lane when an indicator is activated, provided broken lane markings are present, and there is no traffic in the adjacent lane.

Evasive Steering Assist can detect critical situations such as crossing pedestrians, cyclists and even, as Mercedes-Benz puts it, “longitudinal pedestrians”. The EQE will actively avoid these obstacles up to 110 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz partners with IONITY in Europe to provide charging to EQE customers

EV Brief’s take

The EQE is an attractive car, perhaps wearing its aerodynamic skin better than the EQS, which, while full of presence, tends to look a little blob-like. Mercedes-Benz is slowly setting course for a completely electric model line up by 2030, and the company promises to offer battery electric vehicles in all product segments by 2022. We’ve seen the EQC, EQS, EQA, EQB and now EQE revealed; that leaves electrified C-Class, GLC-Class, GLE, and GLS-Class models — core volume sellers of the brand — to be revealed in the coming year. We’re also yet to see sports and performance variants of the Mercedes-Benz line-up go electric; We’d love to see what the automaker could do with its cabriolet and coupe ranges or the SLS AMG GT.