Mercedes-Benz has recently unveiled its latest electric SUV, the EQE, in China, aiming to tap into the expanding market for electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. Developed under the joint venture Beijing Benz, the EQE SUV is based on the EVA all-electric platform and marks the 12th model manufactured by the renowned German luxury carmaker in China.
The EQE SUV is available in four different versions, each offering distinct features and starting at enticing prices. The base model begins at RMB 486,000 ($68,660), followed by the RMB 510,000 variant, the RMB 564,600 version, and the top-tier model priced at RMB 630,600. These price points are significantly more affordable compared to the previously launched EQS SUV, which debuted in China on February 21 with starting prices ranging from RMB 910,500 to RMB 1,100,500.
In terms of dimensions, the EQE SUV measures 4,880 mm in length, 2,032 mm in width, and 1,679 mm in height, with a wheelbase spanning 3,030 mm. The powertrain options include the 350 4MATIC and 500 4MATIC variants, equipped with electric motors delivering 215 kW and 300 kW respectively. These models boast impressive acceleration, with the 350 4MATIC reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and the 500 4MATIC achieving the same in just 5.1 seconds.
The EQE SUV comes standard with a 96.1 kWh battery pack, providing a maximum CLTC range of 613 km. Moreover, it supports a maximum charging power of 128 kW, allowing the vehicle to increase its range from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 48 minutes. Notably, the Adaptive Damping System Plus (ADS+) and AIRMATIC options are available for enhanced driving comfort and stability.
To provide a point of comparison, the larger EQS SUV measures 5,137 mm in length, 1,965 mm in width, and 1,721 mm in height, featuring a wheelbase of 3,210 mm. Its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes approximately 6.2 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz’s introduction of the EQE SUV comes at a time when its performance in the Chinese EV market has been lackluster. The brand has not secured a spot in the China Passenger Car Association’s (CPCA) ranking of car companies’ new energy vehicle (NEV) sales. In a bid to boost sales, the company had previously announced a significant reduction in suggested retail prices for select EQ series models, amounting to a reduction of up to RMB 237,600, on November 15, 2022.
With the launch of the more affordable EQE SUV, Mercedes-Benz aims to capitalize on the growing demand for EVs in China, offering a compelling option in the highly competitive market. By expanding its electric vehicle lineup and providing consumers with a wider range of choices, the renowned luxury carmaker seeks to establish a stronger foothold in China’s flourishing EV sector.
