Mercedes confirms EQE and AMG EV debuts, coming to Australia
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed its new battery electric EQE sedan will be a star reveal at September’s Munich auto show.
It has also confirmed its performance division Mercedes-AMG will roll out its first battery electric luxury saloon, expected to be based on the EQS, as driven by EVcentral recently.
AMG will also show its first performance hybrid, tipped to be the four-door GT73e, which will be marketed under the Performance E brand.
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All three vehicles are expected to come to Australia. The EQS-based AMG should be here in early 2022 and the EQE in late 2022.
Also debuting in Munich, which takes over the slot previously reserved for the Frankfurt IAA, is a Mercedes-Maybach hyper-luxury concept thought to be based on the EQS and a preview of mini-car brand Smart’s battery electric crossover.
The final electrified Benz promised for Munich will be the first European sighting of the EQB seven-seat SUV that first appeared at the Beijing show.
The EQE relates to the orthodox E-Class in the same way the EQS sits alongside the internal combustion engined S-Class.
The EQE is expected to sit on an updated EVA 2.0 version of the EQC electric SUV’s platform and utilise a similar dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain. AMG versions of the EQE are expected to follow.
“Mercedes-EQ will showcase with the EQE how sporty and comfortable an electric business saloon can be,” a Benz press release stated.
“The car combines dynamic performance and handling with relaxed travel – and sets the new benchmark in its class. The same applies to its generous interior space, while the one-bow bodyshell design gives the EQE an athletic physique.”
That “one-bow” shape is obvious from the teaser photography issued by Benz, along with a light strip cross the boot and pronounced fender flares over the rear wheels.
A picture of the cockpit reveals the new MBUX Hyperscreen that debuted in the EQS and transforms the dashboard into a screen.
Benz promised the electric AMG saloon would stick true to the brand’s DNA: “This applies not only to its performance figures, but more especially to its involving and emotional handling.”
The Mercedes-Maybach concept “conveys a first, precise impression of how the 100-year tradition of ultimate automotive luxury can be carried forward into a new era”.
Apparently not seeing the light of day, but expected to debut as production vehicles in 2022, are the EQE SUV, EQS SUV and Maybach EQS SUV.
In previewing Munich, Benz did not mention of the radical EQXX concept that it has strongly hinted has a 1200km range between recharges.
Benz’s Munich announcements come just a few days after it revealed a ramp-up of its transition to an electric future, committing to a pure EV line-up “where market conditions allow”.
That timeline is unlikely to apply to Australia folks.
