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Western News: June 15, 2023

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12<br />

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 />

Finance<br />

available<br />

(conditions apply)<br />

CARS WANTED<br />

– CASH PAID<br />

We buy small<br />

Japanese vehicles<br />

- Must be tidy<br />

loW KMs<br />

loW KMs<br />

2012 toyota aqua<br />

$10,995<br />

1.5L, hybrid, 64,000kms, alloys, back camera.<br />

20<strong>15</strong> toyota corolla GX 5/HatcH<br />

$9,495<br />

1.8L, auto, NZ new, 202,000kms, drives fine.<br />

20<strong>15</strong> toyota yaris 5/HatcH<br />

$13,995<br />

1.3L, auto, NZ new, low 56,000kms.<br />

2011 NissaN latio 4 door<br />

$6,995<br />

1.5L, auto, 122,000kms.<br />

5-sPeed<br />

sold<br />

2010 suzuKi sX-4 5/HatcH<br />

$7,995<br />

131,000kms, NZ new, 5 speed.<br />

2002 NissaN MarcH 5/HatcH<br />

$4,500<br />

1240cc, auto, 137,000kms.<br />

2007 NissaN Note<br />

$5,995<br />

1.5L auto, alloys, body kit, 176,000kms, arriving.<br />

1998 toyota rav 4 “2 WHeel drive”<br />

$6,995<br />

2.0L, auto, only 109,000kms, 3 door.<br />

2012 NissaN latio 4 door<br />

$5,995<br />

1.5L, auto, 163,000kms, drives fine.<br />

loW KMs<br />

2013 toyota aqua Hybrid<br />

$12,495 1.5L auto, low 87,000kms, high grade<br />

leather, alloys, body kit, reverse camera.<br />

2004 toyota corolla ruNX 5/HatcH<br />

$5,995<br />

1.5L, auto, 142,000kms, alloys.<br />

2011 toyota corolla GX 5/HatcH<br />

$8,995<br />

1.8L, auto, NZ new, 168,000kms, arriving.<br />

2016 toyota corolla GlX<br />

5/HatcH $11,995<br />

1.8L, auto, alloys, back camera, 194,000kms.<br />

2005 NissaN ad vaN 5/sW<br />

$2,995<br />

1.5L, auto, 274,000kms, new WOF.<br />

- 281 Ferry Road - 03 389 1121 - dougdrake@xtra.co.nz www.dougdrake.co.nz

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