Mercedes-Benz has a whole family of
electric vehicles in the making, including the EQA and EQB SUVs that will slot
under the EQC, as well as the EQS and EQE luxury sedans. While the EQS was
spied testing several times, the smaller EQE has kept a low profile. Until now,
that is, as a prototype was snapped testing in northern Europe’s cold climate
by our spy photographers.
Set to become a slightly more affordable
alternative to the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan, without cutting back on
luxury and technology gizmos, the EQE will attack the zero-emissions executive
sedan segment.
For the time being, the scooped prototype
sports heavy camo and plastic cladding, arranged to make it look like the
bigger EQS. However, there are several changes that set the two models apart,
such as the headlights that sit lower on the EQE, the shape of the boot lid
with the third brake light positioned right above it, and different side
mirrors. The automaker even went the extra mile to cover the side windows with
vinyl stickers to mirror the looks of the EQS.
Inside, we expect a familiar layout, with
the latest MBUX infotainment system and digital instrument cluster taking
center stage in the dashboard. The build quality should be top notch, with
customers given the choice of many upholstery and trim options, while the
ambient lighting will create a more pleasant atmosphere at night.
As with its larger sibling, the EQE will
be based on the Modular Electric Architecture (MEA), which is dedicated to EVs.
The clever packaging is understood to open up more space for passengers
compared to the E-Class, in spite of the EQE’s slightly shorter body. Power
should come from the dual motors, one powering the front and the other the rear
wheels for an electric all-wheel drive setup. The EQE will likely debut in
production guise at the 2021 Munich Motor Show, with the first deliveries
commencing in 2022.
