LOS ANGELES – The conundrum for legacy automakers developing their new fleets of electric vehicles is how much their EV versions will look like internal combustion versions. That’s especially true for Mercedes-Benz, which is developing the BEV and the ICE in tandem, with launch dates often a year apart. Should the EV feel the same just different, or like some futuristic spaceship spinning?
In the case of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE – the electric equivalent of an E-Class sedan, but shares its architecture with the EQS rather than E-Class – The EV still drives and feels essentially the same as a silent E-Class. And according to Mercedes product development engineers, that was on purpose.
During a 45-minute drive in the experimental production EQE 350 rear-wheel drive sedan along the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Monica towards Malibu, a 250 kilowatt (350 hp) electric motor was built to be sure. certainly as one would expect from the sporty interpretation of a business limousine. With approximately 417 pound-feet of torque, the EQE 350 RWD delivers a 0-60 sprint in 5.7 seconds. That’s basically a second slower than the E 450 4Matic, but it should still be very fast for most American midsize luxury sedan buyers. It is also 0.2 seconds faster than EQS base 450+.
The default operating setting for the powertrain is superbly quiet. There is no accompanying “squeak” that one would expect from a tram. The loudest sonic penetration at 45 mph is an indication of a tire burst.
“We wanted no whine, nothing at all,” said Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz Chief Technology Officer. “A lot of electric cars are like an electric car. We want ours to be absolute silence.”
In short, the EQE feels solid, a return to the banking cocoon of the great Benzes of the past. The pre-production model only makes a single chassis during the drive – while capturing an undulating angle – but otherwise feels like an ingot of steel. Elon, take note: This is the feel of a luxury EV.
Of course, there are people who need some sturdy go with them drang. For them, EQE offers three “acoustic experiences” that mimic the noise to accompany the way the car is being driven – including the familiar hum as well as something like an electronic Godzilla when under completely.
What will impress range-conscious buyers is the distance the EQE can cover between charges. Although the EPA has yet to test it, the EQE 350 has a WLTP range of 409 miles (660 km). Note that WLTP numbers are often more optimistic than EPA or real-world results. That’s in line with the Tesla Model S, though, for which the EQE should drop in price. (EQE will go on sale in Europe in April and the US in late 2022. Pricing has not been announced.)
But what will really impress most people is the available Hyperscreen infotainment system. Originally housed in the EQS flagship, the column-to-column scanning digital 3D glass appears to be a mere 1 percent vision. But those in the Mercedes mid-range segment will love it, too. Front passengers can even watch video while the vehicle is in motion; The car’s control screen will see if the driver is peeking and turn off the video until they notice the road. The screen itself is almost sharp to every detail.
The upgraded infotainment system also incorporates route planning around recharge stops; the augmented reality map includes charging locations, their availability at the time, and whether the charging and charging power source for the charger comes from a “green” source. The map function is always “on” as the main central display; Other infotainment options then appear as stacked tiles. It’s very “Minority Report.”
Since our trip was conducted during rush hour, there was little opportunity for dynamic driving other than the occasional crash of the gas pedal. Additionally, our model came with optional air suspension and rear-wheel drive, so the EQE delivered a pleasant ride in Comfort mode, but felt constrained and nimble. when switching to Sport mode. (Base models have steel suspension.) This will fit Our experience in the EQS . sedan.
The rear steering also allows the EQE to turn around on par with the compact C-Class. Our driver – Holger Enzmann, Mercedes project manager for the EVA platform – made a U-turn with ease on a two-lane residential road.
If it is a business limousine, what is the interior space like? Mercedes claims to have nearly 3 inches more rear legroom than the current E-Class. While that may be true vertically, the battery pack doesn’t intrude into floor space – rear-seat occupants’ hips lean more upwards in the EQE than in the E-Class, and the legroom cuts. front row seats have almost no entrance for men’s shoes (Lady Gaga will have to ditch her flat heels). Second-row space is just right for the a6-footer, thanks to a glass cutout on the roof that creates coupe-like roof space reminiscent of the first-generation CLS.
But unlike the CLS, for which Mercedes designers created a long roof to boast of its luxurious handling, the EQE cabin is more balanced than its front and rear wheels. With no motive to compete, the brick-to-axle ratio is shortened. Does it negate the intuitive sense of luxury? Not really. The EQE’s curb appeal is Mercedes’ challenge.
So should you buy the EQE instead of the E-Class? The EQE’s interior certainly feels progressive and state-of-the-art, as does its silent propulsion. So, while it may carry the Mercedes DNA of the E-Class in its veins, the EQE looks like the future.
Related videos:
