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