Nor'West News: June 15, 2023

10
Thursday June 15 2023
Mercedes EQE breathtakingly quick
• By Bob Nettleton
IN THE last three years
Mercedes Benz has amped up its
quest to become a luxury electric
vehicle game changer, with its
efforts being spearheaded by the
EQ range.
Among them is the futuristically
styled and breathtakingly
quick EQE AMG, one of the
hottest-ever Mercedes Benz sedans
priced at a cool $220,000.
Just months after the launch of
the large luxury EQS, the EQE is
the next model series to be based
on architecture Mercedes Benz
developed specifically for its
electric models.
Riding on a slightly shorter
wheelbase than the EQS, with
shorter overhangs and more
recessed flanks, the EQE remains
a substantial high-end luxury
sedan. Interior space exceeds
the comparable ICE (Internal
Combustion Engine) Mercedes-
Benz E-Class, including interior
length (+ 80mm) and front
shoulder room (+ 27mm). The
EQE comfortably accommodates
up to five people even on longer
www.drivesouth.co.nz
journeys.
It brings sharp styling and attitude,
along with a level of standard
equipment and refinement to
what is regarded as an all-electric
alternative to the legendary
Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan.
A three-model range is offered
here and put its best foot
forward with the entry level
and attractively priced $132,100
EQE. After more power and
technology? That is offered in
abundance in the $145,000n 350
version featuring Mercedes Benz
4MATIC AWD system. Then
there’s the X-factor $200k plus
AMG 53 4MATIC. All EQE’s are
covered by a five-year unlimited
kilometre warranty and 10 years
or up to 250,000km, whatever
comes first.
The EQE 53 4MATIC+ dual
electric motors generate an epic
460 kW of power and a staggering
950 Nm of torque. Their
combined might hurtles the car
0 to 100 km/h in a mind bending
3.5 seconds – all with a handy
maximum real world all-electric
driving range of 500km. This is
around 90km less electric range
Incorporating
best motorbuys
than the other two versions.
The fit and finish of the generously
proportioned passenger
compartment is outstanding,
along with a driving position
that’s close to perfection. Both
front seats are heated and electrically
adjustable, while a panoramic
sliding sunroof lighten
ups your world and senses at the
touch of a button.
On board is the latest generation
of the MBUX multimedia
system, including MBUX
Navigation. A large centrally
mounted LED screen includes a
fingerprint scanner to activate
driver profiles. It’s hard not to
be impressed by the quality
surround sound system, smartphone
integration for Apple and
Android devices.
A smart Driving Assistance
Package includes Active Distance
Assist, Active Brake Assist
with cross-traffic function, Active
Lane Change Assist, Active
Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane,
all making for one highly active
vehicle.
AIRMATIC air suspension
enhanced the test vehicles ride
CAR CITY
EST 1973
Opposite
Uprising
Rock
Climbing
and all round poise. Rear-axle
steering shortens the turning circle
during cornering and parking,
and delivers better steering
response. Comfort for a serious
high performance sedan is excellent,
and free of the sometimes
abrasive low-speed ride associated
with this type of model.
Handling is right out of the
top draw thanks to a superbly
designed, engineered and tuned
suspension providing prodigious
levels of grip. In fact I felt at
times the test vehicle was ‘super
glued’ to the road surface. With
the lithium-ion battery forming
part of the vehicles floor you
have the ideal low centre of gravity.
This further improves what’s
an already incredibly well balanced
and agile full size luxury
sedan.
Rating out of 10:
Performance 9; Handling
8,; Build Quality 8,;
Refinement 8; Space
8; Styling 8; Value for
money 6; Safety, ANCAP
crash rating, Not tested
yet; Clean car rebate,
none. Overall points out
of 10: 8.5
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2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
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2 litre, auto, sunroof, cambelt done.
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7 years
2012 Suzuki Escudo 4WD
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7 seater 8 seater
2005 Nissan Cube
1500cc auto, airbags, cool look, great
for family or promo vehicle.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo
2 litre auto, multibags, reverse camera,
leather, tiptronic, push button start,
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2006 Nissan Presage
2.5 litre auto,twin sliding doors, reversing
camera, low 87,000km’s, drives superb.
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2006 Holden Ute SV6
3600cc, auto, alarm, immobiliser,
19” alloys, (4 out of 5 crash rating).
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Very sharp
2011 Holden Commodore
SV6 SIDI Series II 3.6 auto, multi
bags, cruise traction control, CD.
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2014 Holden Captiva LT
2231cc, diesel, 6 speed auto, A/C, ABS,
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2008 Subaru Exiga
2 litre auto, multibags, reverse camera,
drives great.
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2005 Mercedes SLK 280
3L auto, electric roof, ABS, CD, low km's
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2 Litre Diesel, Turbo, CD, A/C,
Multibags, cruise control, only
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