The Mercedes-Benz EQE will soon be available in Mzansi

Slotted below the EQS, the Mercedes-Benz EQE debuted at the IAA Show in Munich in September 2021, and now it is arriving in Mzansi to compete with Audi e-Tron and BMW X1. It will be available in both saloon and SUV guises, sharing exterior design elements and a roomy cabin with its bigger EQS sibling.

Mercedes offers the EQE for the US market in three trim levels – EQE350, EQE350+, and EQE500, but South African customers will have limited choices to start with. Currently, the Mercedes-Benz South Africa website has listed just two models - the EQE 350 saloon and the EQE SUV. However, AutoTrader SA says we will have a choice between EQE 350+ and AMG EQE 43 4MATIC.

The EQE350+ gets a single motor at the rear axle generating 215 kW and 565 Nm of torque. The AMG EQE43 4MATIC will obviously be more powerful, with 350 kW of power and 858 Nm of torque. CarMag reports the EQE SUV will deliver between 215 kW and 300 kW of power and 858 Nm of torque, depending on the variant.

Mercedes claims the entry-level EQE saloon can cover 551 km on a single charge with an outside temperature of 20 Celsius (approximately). The SUV model drops the range to 459 km on the WLTP cycle.

The EQE350 is a true engineering marvel, boasting a massive 90.6-kWh battery pack that allows lightning-fast charging. With a maximum DC charging capacity of 170kW, the EQE350 can go from empty to 80% in a mere 32 minutes. But the charging capabilities don't stop there. Even on a standard three-phase AC found in most homes, the EQE350 can fully charge in under 10 hours using an 11kW plug and in just under 5 hours with a 22kW adaptor.

At first glance, it may seem like its larger sibling, but upon closer inspection, one can see the subtle differences that set it apart. The front grille on the EQE is wider and dips deeper into the bumper, adding to its bold and confident appearance. The headlights are sharp and angular, with distinctive LED accents that give the EQE a futuristic look. The wheel options are also noteworthy, with a variety of designs to choose from, including the 19-inch and 20-inch aero options that add to its sporty and dynamic appeal.

The base model comes equipped with a 12.8-inch central touchscreen and a 12.2-inch digital cluster, providing a seamless and intuitive interface. However, for those who crave the ultimate in luxury and cutting-edge technology, the Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen is available as an option.

The interior is adorned with a single, uninterrupted piece of 56.0-inch curved glass that stretches from the instrument cluster to the passenger-side dash, creating a futuristic and minimalist aesthetic. This curved glass serves as the canvas for three state-of-the-art screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a massive 17.7-inch central touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger-side screen. These displays provide the driver and passengers with all the information and entertainment they need, while the fingerprint reader for biometric authentication and augmented-reality navigation makes it easy to access and navigate through the various features.

Auto Trader South Africa has listed an approximate starting price of R1 800 000 for the entry-level model with a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan and a 10-year battery warranty. Actual prices will be available closer to the launch.

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