On the first day of the 2021 IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Mercedes-Benz introduced a lineup of two brand new electric models, plus two concept EVs as a bonus. Since their names are very similar, I have given them the following nicknames: the “little brother,” the “beauty,” “the beast,” and the “ugly duckling.” The EQE 350 (the little brother) Basically, the EQE is the little brother of Mercedes’ EQS flagship. Being 10cm shorter than the EQS, the new electric sedan looks similar with a lot in common, such as the same 90kWh battery pack, which, according to the company, gives it a good 660 kilometers of range. However, it also has some significant differences. Some standard features in the EQS are optional in the EQE. These include the 56-inch Hyperscreen display in the dashboard and real-axle steering, for instance. The EQE also comes with less horsepower at 288hp, compared to the EQS’s 516hp. Mercedes-Benz says that there’s going to be a second — possibly more capable? — variant at launch, although it didn’t give away any characteristics. Nevertheless, you don’t miss out too much in luxury or equipment compared to the EQS, so it’ll probably be a more affordable alternative — its price is yet to be announced. The global launch will start in mid-2022. The EQS 53 4MATIC+ (the beast) This model is the first battery electric vehicle of the Mercedes’ high-performance division, the AMG. And as it marks the debut of the high-performance electric series, it’s, well, a beast. The AMG EQS houses a 107.8kWh battery and two AMG electric motors, delivering 649 horsepower in the standard models, while those equipped with the Dynamic Package feature a Race Start mode that can increase output to 751hp. In that mode, the EQS can also reach 0-62mph in 3.4 second, which is 0.4 faster than in standard mode. It has a top speed of 250km/h and offers five driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Individual, Sport, and Sport+. Naturally, you can expect luxury and high-end tech with a variety of features, including a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, the MBUX Hyperscreen display, a Burmester 3D sound system, and Mercedes’ latest driver-assistance technology. The German automaker plans to launch this vehicle at the end of 2021, and we can expect that its price tag will have six digits. The EQG Concept (the ugly duckling) Well, for me the EQG concept car isn’t a looker and I find it’s exterior excessive, especially the strict lines and the light overload. I’m mostly bothered by the G logo on the roof, which I must say is fairly explicable: the EQG is the first EV of Mercedes’ G-series. As such, it’s a 4×4 off-road that comes with four electric motors close the wheels for individual control. It will also have a new rear axle and a two-speed gearbox for on and off-road driving. For now, it’s a near-production study, but once it’s ready it’s going to be tested on Mercedes’s test track, on the 1,445-meter high Schöckl mountain in Graz. The Maybach EQS Concept (the beauty) The Maybach EQS has two distinctive features: the two-tone paint finish with Obsidian Black Metallic and Zircon Red Metallic, and its opulent interior. As per Mercedes, the cabin takes its inspiration from yachting. The interior is dressed in blue and white, complimented by the white piano lacquer and rose gold-colored accents of the rear center console, there are”faux fur” carpets, and even a flower vase to invite floral decoration. The doors handles pop out when someone approaches, the doors open automatically for the driver, there are three displays that appear as a complete unit, and a 12.3-inch OLED monitor for the back seat passengers. This stunning model has no release date, but at least we have a prediction of its range at around 600 kilometers. Do EVs excite your electrons? Do ebikes get your wheels spinning? Do self-driving cars get you all charged up? Then you need the weekly SHIFT newsletter in your life. Click here to sign up.
