Mercedes has just launched another electric car, called the EQE. No prizes for guessing that it’s a smaller EQS because it is. The EQE is a car that is larger than a Model 3 Tesla but smaller than a Model S. It’s essentially an electric E-Class. My first impression is, that the EQE is a hideous-looking thing. Why can’t Mercedes actually design a decent-looking electric car? Surely it can’t be that hard, can it?
The EQE is again yet another aerodynamic design, and it certainly looks like an egg on wheels. Inside though, it’s a spaceship. It features the “hyper screens” that you get on the EQS as well as the cool turbine air vents. It’s an interesting interior indeed, and `i personally feel it is better than any Tesla. Impressive indeed.
The launch model is the EQE 350. It’s not particularly very powerful at 296hp and all of that power is pushed to the rear wheels. There will be a 691hp AWD model being launched soon, which will be quite impressive. The EQE is a car that Mercedes expects to sell massively. In my opinion, I think this car will end up replacing the E and C-Class due to a decline in sedan sales. However, there will be an EQE SUV coming in the future.
The EQE comes in a few great colors too. I really am a fan of this nardo-grey color option, since it really does make the car stand out. There is also a satin-black option that looks pretty cool. The worst color in my opinion for this car is white. It reminds me too much of a Prius in that color.
There will be a few trim levels available. These include Sport, AMG-Line, and SE. There probably will be an AMG model in the future, which could be pretty special. The range on the EQE 350 is quite impressive at 410 miles. A lot more than the Long Range Model 3 Tesla.
Is The EQE a Model 3 Killer?
Is the EQE a Model 3 killer? Well, it will start at $65,000 which is far more than a Model 3. However, it is slightly larger and inside the interior is far better. In fact, this car makes the Model 3 look like an economy car. Plus build quality is far far better but the EQE ultimately is so much slower.
A $65,000 Model 3 is a top-spec Performance model car. It looks cooler than the EQE and it is a heck of a lot faster too. It seats the same amount of people as the EQE, and you also get access to the supercharger network. Ok, overall the Tesla Model 3 is a better car. However, the EQE is something that takes the Model 3’s criticisms and solves them.
The EQE does get tax credits though. Up to $7500 to be precise. So that’s $57,500 which is still more than a Performance Model 3. The EQE is a car that attracts a select customer base. The UFO looks is something that will turn heads, and despite its ugliness, the exterior design has more character than the Model 3. Oh, I’ll mention it again. The EQE has a higher range than the Model 3. The EQE 350 does 410 miles of range whilst the Model 3 Long-range does 351. That aerodynamic design sure is paying off.
Is the EQE a Model S Killer?
What is it with “Tesla killers?” Well, it’s not me. It’s the press. I have seen many headlines calling the EQE a “Tesla killer” so I want to address that. A Model S starts at just over $82.000 which is a lot. But it is a larger car, it’s faster and it has a higher range.
The Model S is more of an EQS rival in my opinion. However, some will argue that the EQE is also a Model S rival due to its size. The Model S also looks a heck of a lot cooler too, and again the supercharger network is a massive benefit that Mercedes cannot compete with.
In my opinion, the EQE is not a Model S rival, to say the least. Some may argue it is, but I believe that the EQS is the Model S rival. I would say that again the EQE is a better-built car than the Model S and inside it looks cooler. But ultimately, the Model S is more expensive for a reason. But, the EQE does do a higher range than both the Model S cars. Again, pretty impressive.
Will The EQE Be a Game Changer For Mercedes?
Will the EQE be a game-changer for Mercedes? Well, probably. The E-Class has always been a popular car, so I have no doubts that the EQE will be too. Plus, these electric cars always tend to have great business deals on them. The EQE will be a very popular taxi, especially in Germany where the E-Class is already a popular taxi.
In my opinion, I can see this car doing better in Europe than in North America. However, Tesla is building a Berlin Gigafactiory that will decrease the price of Teslas in Europe. This will, of course, make them so much more competitive.
The EQE in the US would be a harder sell. The Model S and Model 3 Tesla are two cars that are very popular in the US right now. Of course, some people hate the build quality, etc of these cars and that’s fine. But most people, look past that. A Tesla right now is cooler than a Mercedes.
I believe that Mercedes is going to have to up their marketing game if they want to compete better with Tesla. However, the space-age design sure is a great start. This car needs no explanation at all, it’s way ahead of its time!
To Conclude
The EQE is a very futuristic car. I will admit, it is ugly but it sure does turn heads. I love the interior, and I still do believe that Mercedes currently makes the best-looking interiors of any car. I love the turbine vents, the huge screen, and just how ludicrous it is. Who said that Germans can’t be crazy?
In comparison to any Tesla, it does beat all of them when it comes to build quality. Easily. No panel gaps, no interior issues, etc. Plus. Mercedes has far better customer service than Tesla. However, the EQE in my opinion does represent poor value in comparison to these Teslas.
Comparing this car to other brands such as Polestar or Audi is more suitable. I think that the EQE is very different to any of these cars from these marques. It’s more out there, and it’s purposely different. reminds me very much of the BMW I8 when that was launched. Way ahead of its time.