Mercedes is planning to launch an assortment of electric vehicles and it appears one of them will be the EQE.
Designed to slot beneath the range-topping EQS, the EQE will reportedly be launched in 2022 and be priced more competitively with the Tesla Model S. That means buys can expect to spend approximately $75,000.
Little is known about the model, but Autocar reports the EQE will ride on the aluminum-intensive MEA platform. The car is rumored be shorter than the E-Class – which measures 193.8 inches (4923 mm) long – but offer interior space similar to the S-Class. That sounds like a bit of a stretch, but the MEA architecture has reportedly been designed to provide a flat interior floor and “class-leading interior space.”
As the name suggests, the car will draw heavily from the E-Class but feature unique styling. Nothing is official, but the publication suggests the model will be more aerodynamic than its counterpart and adopt a front fascia similar to the one used on the EQC.
Performance specifications are still hazy, but the model will reportedly have two electric motors that produce more than 402 hp (300 kW / 407 PS) and 564 lb-ft (765 Nm) of torque. The company is also said to be considering an entry-level rear-wheel drive variant which would eschew one of the electric motors.
Also Read: Mercedes EQS Electric Flagship Spotted For The First Time
In terms of range, the EQE could travel approximately 373 miles (600 km) on a single charge. That’s slightly further than the Tesla Model S Long Range, but the company will reportedly introduce an updated Model S this September with a range of 400 miles (644 km).
The EQE is rumored to have an air suspension, four wheel steering and a Level 3 semi-autonomous driving system. There could also be a handful of features borrowed from the Experimental Safety Vehicle that was introduced last month. There’s no word on specifics, but the concept had an improved cross-traffic safety system and an active brake assist system which could detect pedestrians around corners.
Note: Mercedes EQA concept pictured