Mercedes Debuts Two Production, Two Concept EV Models at IAA 2021
By Edward A. Sanchez – Sept. 5, 2021
It was expected that the theme at the 2021 IAA Show in Munich would be electrification, but we’re just now getting a sense of how dominant the theme will be in the press releases and announcements coming in advance of the show’s official opening. Therein, Mercedes-Benz is taking the opportunity to unveil not one, but four battery-electric vehicles at the show. Two of the vehicles are imminent production models, and two are concepts, although they also appear close to production-spec.
Making their production debut are the mid-size EQE sedan and the AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ performance variant of the recently unveiled EQS full-size luxury sedan. The concepts are a fully electrified version of the iconic G-Wagen SUV and a fully electric Maybach SUV.
Also, as an aside, it appears the previously Europe-only EQB crossover will be offered in the U.S. for 2022.
EQE 350
From a volume standpoint, certainly the EQE will be the most significant for Mercedes. As the name suggests, the EV sedan is the analog of the E-Class in the new EQ lineup. In an interesting parallel between the Tesla Model S and Model 3, the EQE has a conventional notchback configuration compared to the liftback found in the EQS. However, in many other respects, the EQE appears for all intents and purposes a “mini-me” of the EQS, including a sweeping pillar-to-pillar MBUX Hyperscreen display.
The output for what will likely be the mainstream EQE 350 model is a respectable 215 kW (288 hp). The motors are a six-phase design for optimal responsiveness and efficiency.
The 10-module battery pack has a usable energy capacity of 90 kWh, giving the EQE 350 a WLTP-rated range of 660 km (410 miles). The WLTP’s infamously generous range rating makes us think an EPA rating in the low-to-mid 300-mile range is likely.
The EQE will be offered in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Like the EQS, the EQE will offer optional rear steering, reducing the turning circle from 12.5 meters (41 ft) to a claimed 10.7 meters (35.1 ft). Specific dimensions in terms of wheelbase and overall length were not given.
If the EQE tickles your fancy, you’ll have a chance to park one in your driveway starting in mid-2022. Production of the EQE will take place in Bremen, Germany, for the European and most global markets, and Beijing for the China market.
Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+
The AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ is a more performance-oriented version of the EQS sedan, featuring two levels of performance, with the top model featuring a combined output of 560 kW (751 hp) and maximum torque output of 1,020 Nm (752 lb-ft) with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 3.4 seconds. The 107.8 kWh (usable) battery enables a WLTP-rated range of between 526-580 km (327 to 360 miles) likely to come in at around 250 miles EPA.
An “Electric Intelligence” feature on the navigation system offers dynamic routing to ensure the driver is given ample warning for recommended charging stops, as well as dynamically adjusting the range estimate based on weather or a change in driving style. The driver can edit, add, or override the system’s recommendations. Estimated charging costs for each stop are displayed as well. And the MBUX Hyperscreen that is optional in the “regular” EQS is standard in the AMG EQS 53.
Unlike the EQE, an on-sale target date for the EQS 53 was not given in the press materials, although other outlets are claiming an on-sale date of “early 2022.”
Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS
The Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS shows that Mercedes plans to go full-premium with its upscale SUV concept. Interestingly, even though the premium large SUV was showcased in Maybach trim for the IAA show, a “regular” EQS SUV will come to market first sometime in 2022.
The emphasis for the Maybach trim is clearly being driven rather than doing the driving, underlined by the dual second-row captain’s chairs, the lack of a third row, and an available “Chauffeur Package” designed specifically for that use.
As to be expected, most details were focused on comfort and convenience features and materials, such as the MBUX Hyperscreen once again, as well as dual second-row displays mounted on the front seatbacks.
The only technical specification of note was a targeted WLTP range of 600 km (373 miles) for the production EQS SUV. Although not explicitly stated on Daimler’s European media site, Mercedes’s U.S. media site says the EQS SUV will go into production at the Tuscaloosa, Ala., plant, like the current GLS SUV, including the plush Maybach variant.
Concept EQG
Last but not least, is the highly anticipated full electric version of Mercedes 4x4 icon, the G-Class or Gelandewagen, colloquially known as the “G-Wagen” by many, in the form of the Concept EQG.
The iconic styling of the G-Class remains intact, with the boxy, upright profile immediately recognizable.
Interestingly, the EQG concept carries forward the current G-Wagen’s independent front suspension and solid rear axle – with a twist. There are four motors, mounted close to the drive wheels (although presumably not “in-wheel” motors), giving infinitely variable traction modes. Mercedes is also claiming a two-speed low-range, although the specifics of whether this is a true mechanical low-range or simply a two-mode electrified system is unclear. Mercedes claims the EQG will be capable of meeting its own version of Jeep’s “Trail Rated” designation, which for the G-Wagen is “Schöckl proved,” named after a rigorous 5.6 km (3.5 mile) test course near Graz, Austria, which features 60-degree inclines to test the mettle of vehicles claiming off-road capability.
A firm on-sale date for the EQG was not given, other than a vague promise of when “market conditions permit.”
TWC’s Take
We’re encouraged by Mercedes-Benz’s apparent commitment to electrification, proven by the EQS and EQE, as well as the Europe-only (for now) EQ, EQA, and EQC models.
As we noted in a previous post, the fact of the matter is Europe’s legacy OEMs are being forced by regulatory fiat in many markets to go electric. But unlike in years past when many efforts were blatantly half-hearted “compliance” models, it seems Mercedes and other brands are facing the reality that its EVs have to be fully competitive models that offer the range, performance, features, and capabilities customers expect not just of EV models, but of new cars in general.
We’re excited to see these new models come to market and look forward to more in the years ahead. However, with Tesla and newcomers like Lucid raising the bar in terms of expectations of range and efficiency, Mercedes no longer has the premium sandbox all to itself, especially in the context of EVs. The next few years will be a test of Mercedes’s brand enduring strength and appeal in the face of new competitors.
(Images courtesy Mercedes-Benz)
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