Mercedes aims to take EVs to the masses. Can the new electric E-Class tow? EQE maximum towing capacity? Need a Mercedes EQE towbar?

With the EQE, Mercedes aims to take EVs to the masses.  Can the new electric E-Class tow?  EQE maximum towing capacity?  Need a Mercedes EQE towbar?

We must admit the EQE looks a lot like a shrunken EQS.  At 4946mm, the EQE is 270mm shorter overall than the EQS but rides on a longish 3120mm wheelbase that’s just 90mm shorter. The EQE has the same bravely designed aerodynamic profile as the EQS - the exterior design takes some getting used to and is not what many feel a Mercedes-Benz should look like. Even the motorised door handles are hidden and are supposed to usually present themselves automatically as you approach.  The biggest difference is that the EQE has a conventional type of boot, eliminating the need to hit hinges on the roof, which translates into improved rear-seat headroom.

The base model EQE300 is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 180kW of power and 550Nm of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims it can reach 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The EQE 350 4Matic is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup producing total system outputs of 215kW and 765Nm. Mercedes-Benz claims it can reach 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.

The flagship Mercedes-AMG EQE also features a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup, but with much higher outputs of 460kW and 950Nm. Mercedes-Benz claims it can reach 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds.

The EQE's are all fitted with a 89kWh battery pack. The base EQE 300 has the largest range at 626km, the dual motor 4Matic has 590km of claimed range, and the AMG EQE 500km of claimed range.  The vehicle is fast charge compatible, up to 170kW, so a 15-minute charge gives 35.55kWh, enough to get another 250 kms of road behind you.

The EQE provides more than enough power for daily needs, with a smooth and linear power delivery that gives great confidence when merging into traffic or accelerating up to motorway speeds. The steering is well-weighted and accurate, rather than exciting or engaging.  The EQE is probably more geared to comfort than anything sporty.  The EQE can be optioned with air suspension and a rear-steer system, which reduces the turning circle from 12.5m to 10.7m, which will greatly assist in parking the rather long EQE.

Getting comfortable in the Mercedes EQE is no chore, and that’s thanks to a large amount of seat and steering-wheel adjustment. The seats are very comfortable.
The EQE's battery is under the floor, so the front seating position is 65mm higher than in a traditional E-class.  With no need for a driveshaft tunnel, the EQE has a nearly flat floor and there’s 27mm more shoulder room than the non-electric version. It feels very airy and spacious.   You’ll be able to seat three in the back, though you might want to keep this to two adults due to the roofline.   Refinement is as expected, superb, as that low aerodynamic shape means that there is nearly no wind noise and Mercedes has done a very good job of eliminating tyre hum too. 

The EQE receives the newer MBUX system, OLED 12.8-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The OLED display provides vivid colours and enhanced contrast for good readability of infotainment, climate control, smartphone, and other functions. Naturally, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and wireless smartphone charging are standard. There are hardly any physical buttons in the cabin, as even the ones on the steering wheel are touch-sensitive pads, we suspect most people will rely on responsive voice commands. The menu layout is pretty sensible, thankfully the UX designers have ensured the AC controls are always displayed at the bottom, no matter what else you are playing with on the screen.

As has become a trend lately, Mercedes included an ambient lighting system that not only allows you to pick different cabin lighting colours but can even switch colours disco/club-like, when your kids are about, I guess.  

All EQE models can be connected to Mercedes-Me Connect, which enables a number of remote functions that can be performed from a linked device.  

There is plenty of storage space in the front of the EQE, thanks to big door bins, and almost endless cubbyholes on the big centre console. The front armrest has a split, side-hinged ‘butterfly’ lid and there’s lots of space for phones, wallets, water bottles etc. Underneath the central screen, there’s a lidded storage area with adjustable cupholders, a wireless phone charger and USB sockets, and under the centre console itself, there’s another massive storage space, open at the sides, with yet more USB connections. 

As for boot space, the Mercedes EQE gets 430 litres. The 40/20/40 split rear bench seat folds flat to accommodate longer cargo items. When you lower the power-operated rearseatbacks, it practically doubles the available trunk space.  Need to carry more, or take your bikes along on the next weekend trip?  Why not fit an Invisible EQE towbar?  Unfortunately, the EVA2 platform confers an aluminium-intensive chassis on the EQE, which has probably been a deciding factor in the EQEs towing rating. Mercedes has rated the EQE at a maximum of 1000kgs, our towbar is rated the same.

In terms of safety, the EQE range comes with 10 airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cross-traffic function, active lane-change assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, route-based speed adaptation, Pre-Safe collision detection, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, active parking assist, and traffic sign assist.

If you are looking for a mid-range EV offering refinement and isolation, impressive comfort and an emphasis on digital technology the new EQE could be for you.
Already driving an EQE and needing a towbar, we have you covered.  Order your Mercedes EQE towbar today.