Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa has already introduced the next Mercedes-EQ model, the new EQE, based on the electric architecture developed specifically for electric vehicles, just a few months after the EQS was introduced in South Africa. The sporty business saloon is the fifth model in the extensive Mercedes-EQ lineup available in the region. It provides all of the essential functions of the EQS in a slightly more compact format. When the local model range is introduced to the market, it will initially consist of two variants. The EQE 350+ has 215 kW and 565 Nm of torque, while the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4MATIC has 350 kW and 858 Nm of torque. The EQE sold in South Africa is manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz factory in Bremen, Germany. 

 

Compared to the luxury liner EQS, the EQE is even more streamlined; it has a slightly shorter wheelbase, shorter overhangs, and more recessed flanks; in other words, it ushers in the future of the business saloon. The purity of the senses is communicated through generously modelled surfaces, minimized joints, and seamless transitions (seamless design). The overhangs and front end have been kept to a minimum, and the dynamic accent, provided by a pointed rear spoiler, is located in the back. In addition, the EQE has an athletic appearance due to its wheels, which range in diameter from 19 to 21 inches, and its prominently muscled shoulder section. Both of these features are flush with the exterior edge of the body.

An unconventional approach to interior design with a focus on user-friendliness.

The MBUX Hyperscreen, available as an add-on, can convert the entire instrument panel into a single, ultra-widescreen display. This determines how appealing the cockpit and the rest of the interior are. The high-resolution screens appear to blend seamlessly together under the shared glass cover. Their MBUX content has a beautifully coordinated graphic presentation throughout. The MBUX Hyperscreen is cleverly concealed within the instrumentation panel in a discrete manner. The 12.3-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display provides the front passenger with their own display and control area.

Although it runs the length of the top and across the entire width, the vent band is exceptionally narrow. These disproportionately large proportions, combined with the MBUX Hyperscreen’s undulating glass surface, give the cockpit its cutting-edge architectural design. The outer nozzles are designed to look like turbines. They use the hyperanalogue theme by juxtaposing high-tech precision mechanics with the digital world of glass display screens.

The most recent MBUX iteration, which was recently implemented in the EQS, is also available on the EQE. The control and display concept completely adapts to its user using adaptive software. It then makes personalized recommendations for a wide range of infotainment, comfort, and vehicle-related functions. In addition, the user is not required to use voice commands or scroll through submenus because the zero-layer design eliminates both. Instead, the most important situationally and contextually relevant applications are presented at the top level of the field of view. As a result, the EQE driver is relieved of specific operational responsibilities.

Drive system that is efficient

The EQE 350, with 215 kW, and the Mercedes-AMG EQS 43 4MATIC, with 350 kW, will be the first to hit the market. The EQE 350 and the AMG model have an electric drivetrain (eATS), but the EQE 350’s is located behind the vehicle, whereas the AMG model is in front. Electric motors are composed of synchronous electric motors that are permanently excited (PSM). The engine does not require an external power source because the rotor of the AC motor in a PSM is equipped with permanent magnets. This configuration has several advantages, including high power density, efficiency, and consistency. The motor attached to the rear axle is powerful due to its six-phase design, which has two windings, each containing three phases.

The EQE’s lithium-ion battery comprises ten modules and has a total energy capacity of 90.56 kWh. The cutting-edge battery management software was created in-house and supports wireless software updates (OTA). Because of this method, the EQE will have an up-to-date energy management system for its life cycle.

In the case of the battery, significant progress has been made regarding cell chemistry’s long-term viability. The optimized active material is composed of nickel, cobalt, and manganese in the following proportions: 8:1:1. As a result, the amount of cobalt has been reduced to less than 10%. The ongoing optimization of the material’s recyclability is a component of Mercedes-comprehensive Benz’s approach to battery strategy.

The driving philosophy of the EQE prioritizes maintaining a high level of performance across a range of accelerations while maintaining a constant level of output. This entails employing a cutting-edge thermal concept and several distinct approaches to recovering and restoring lost energy. This process will charge the high-voltage battery during overrun or braking mode by converting mechanical rotary motion into electrical energy. This will allow you to charge the battery. The driver can manually select the level of deceleration in one of three stages (D+, D, or D-) as well as the gliding function via shift paddles located behind the steering wheel. DAuto is also available.

ECO Assist also provides situation-optimized recuperation, which means that the vehicle’s deceleration rate is either too fast or too slow, resulting in the most fuel-efficient driving style. Furthermore, recuperative braking will be used for vehicles detected in front of the vehicle. This continues until they are forced to come to a halt, such as at a set of traffic lights. In this example of true one-pedal driving, the driver is not required to press the brake pedal at any point.

Based on various factors, navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the quickest and most convenient route, including charging stops and reacts dynamically to things like traffic jams or a change in driving style, for example. It also takes into account several other factors. This includes a visual indication in the MBUX infotainment system of whether the available battery capacity is sufficient to return to the starting point without charging the battery.

Comfortable in the presence of high levels of noise and vibration

The EQE concept is a saloon with a trunk lid, so it is well-equipped to provide a high level of NVH comfort (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) by considering these factors. Numerous factors play a role in this. The magnets in electric drivetrain systems (eATS) are NVH-optimized and laid out inside the rotors. This is referred to as a “sheet metal cut.” Furthermore, the NVH cover for the eATS is a special foam mat that wraps all the way around. The inverter cover is built in the shape of a sandwich. The electronic active suspension system (eATS) is double-decoupled from the vehicle’s body using elastomeric bearings. Highly efficient spring/mass components provide continuous sound insulation from the cross member under the windshield to the trunk floor. Acoustic foams are placed inside many of the carriers during the body-in-white construction.

AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE is a one-of-a-kind audio experience with a wide frequency range.

AMG’s AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE system gives electric mobility a new voice. This system creates a soundtrack for both the outside and inside of the vehicle, which intellectually and emotionally enhances the dynamic driving experience. The acoustic composition, like the drive programs, has a wide bandwidth. In the standard basic version, “Authentic,” the customer can adjust the sound and intensity based on the driving status and selected drive program. This is possible because the acoustic composition has a wide bandwidth. Additional hardware, specifically specialized speakers, a bass actuator, and a sound generator, produce distinct driving sounds unique to AMG vehicles.

Another option for increased individuality is the ability for the driver to select the sound characteristics “Balanced,” “Sport,” and “Powerful” in any drive program using the buttons on the AMG steering wheel or the central display. When in RACE START mode, the motor vehicle emits a distinct sound corresponding to rapid acceleration.

.The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package also includes the AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE “Performance,” which creates a more emotionally engaging soundscape. Additionally, “Balanced,” “Sport,” or “Powerful” can be selected as options. In addition to the drive sounds, most of the so-called event sounds, which are appropriate for all aspects of the vehicle that produce a sound, are included. This includes starting and stopping the vehicle’s engine and locking and unlocking the vehicle. Because so many drivers are afraid to drive without the reassuring click of the indicator buttons, the program even simulates the sound of those buttons being pressed. For example, when drivers lock the vehicle, they will hear an event sound unique to AMG vehicles. This is a brand-new feature. The event sounds can be turned off at any time using the multimedia system’s settings; this can be done independently for the exterior and the interior.

Air suspension and rear-axle steering are available as options.

The new EQE’s suspension, which features a four-link front suspension and a multilink rear suspension, is very similar to that of the most recent generation of the S-Class. In addition, the AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS+ adaptive damping system is an option for the EQE. As a result, the EQE has the same city manoeuvrability as a compact car when equipped with optional rear-axle steering. The rear axle has up to ten degrees of steering angle. When using rear-axle steering, the turning circle can be reduced from 12.5 meters to 10.7 meters.

The optional AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension system that comes standard on the EQE 43 4MATIC includes AMG-specific wheel carriers, suspension links, and anti-roll bars with increased rigidity. This system also includes adaptive adjustable damping. AMG engineers have fine-tuned all components to meet AMG customers’ specific requirements. This is true both in terms of ride comfort and driving dynamics.

OTA technology can improve the user experience.

Over-the-air technology enables the activation of newly developed capabilities for motor vehicles (OTA). For example, the additional sound experience “Roaring Pulse,” two special driving modes for young drivers and service personnel, and a few small games were available from the moment the product was released.

Excellent ratings for both passive and active safety.

Integral safety principles, particularly accident safety, remain constant regardless of the platform. As a result, the EQE, like all other Mercedes-Benz models, has a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and modern restraint systems equipped with PRE-SAFE®️.

Because the EQE is built on an all-electric architecture, new design opportunities for its safety concept have been made possible as a direct result. It meant, for example, that a suitable location for the battery installation could be selected, such as a crash-protected area in the vehicle’s underbody. This was made possible because the battery could be installed. Furthermore, there is no large crankcase on board, which allows the vehicle’s behaviour in the event of a frontal collision to be modelled even more accurately. In addition to conventional vehicle collision evaluations, the Vehicle Safety Technology Centre evaluated the vehicle’s performance under various conditions involving additional loads and comprehensive evaluations of its components (TFS).

The most recent generation of driving assistance systems incorporates many driver assistance features. For example, one of the new functions in ATTENTION ASSIST is an additional warning for microsleep (in conjunction with MBUX Hyperscreen). In addition, it monitors and provides feedback on the driver’s eyelid movement using a camera embedded in the driver’s display. The functionality of the driving assistance systems is presented in an easily digestible full-screen view on the assistance display, which is located within the driver’s display.

If the gods of money have been smiling on you, this is a car to drive in 2023 in style