Over the last few years we have seen most of the big car players producing at least one electric vehicle, if not more. Jaguar, BMW, Audi and even Porsche have all joined the EV game to try and wrest some of the control of the EV market from Elon Musk and his constantly groundbreaking Tesla brand.
However, there has been one big name that has been conspicuously absent from the electric vehicle market. That name is Mercedes. The long-established German car manufacturer has been a bit slow off the start line, but they have now joined in to take on the other giants of the car industry, and boy have they joined in with all guns blazing. Mercedes aren’t content with releasing just one electric vehicle. Oh no. They have released six of them with another two coming in 2022 and a further two being developed from concept in the near future. It is absolutely mind-blowing how Mercedes entered the EV world.
Mercedes has a mission statement of going fully electric by 2030. This makes all kinds of sense as many countries, including the UK, will be banning new petrol and diesel vehicles at the start of the next decade. Mercedes will be offering an EV option on all of their vehicles from 2025, and they have already developed new platforms for the next generation of EVs.
Mercedes were one of the pioneers that helped build the first combustion engine and they are now at the forefront of EV technology that will kill off the combustion engine for good. Let’s have a look at the vehicles Mercedes have released and what they have planned for the near future.
Mercedes EQA
The Mercedes Electric cars all fall under the EQ umbrella with each model being given a different letter at the end. With that in mind, it seems sensible to start at the beginning with the Mercedes EQA.
The Mercedes EQA is a small electric car in the Mercedes electric vehicle range. The car is a small hatchback with a similar size to the Mercedes A-Class. With a range of between 260 and 264 miles (according to Mercedes) this will be a very popular company car for businesses looking for a green, stylish and compact vehicle that has the range to fulfill any requirements. The EQA is a single motor car with an 80kWh battery (66.5kWh usable) that can charge from 10-80% in 30 minutes on a 100kw rapid charger. Something that Mercedes and the independent reviewers agree on is the top speed of 99mph. More than enough for any road in the UK. The acceleration is punchy and is capable of achieving 0-62mph in 8.9s (or in 6s if you go by Mercedes own claim).
When it comes to space, the Mercedes EQA has excelled in creating a spacious cabin that can comfortably accommodate 6ft adults in both the front and back. The generous cabin space, however, comes at a cost to the boot which is small, even for a hatchback car.
The driving performance of the Mercedes EQA is where a lot of its strengths lie. The car is light to drive, largely due to it being smaller and having a smaller battery than some of the bigger cars. The steering response is exceptional, and care should be taken when going around corners in case of accidental oversteer. The lightness of the vehicle means that it can turn on the corners very quickly.
Mercedes EQB
The Mercedes EQB is a large family electric vehicle with 3 rows of seats and a capacity for 7 people as standard. The EQB was premiered at the 2021 Munich Motor Show and is set to be a rival to the Audi e-tron. Although the Mercedes EQB may not be quite as good looking as the Audi e-tron (an entirely subjective point-of-view) the vehicle has more than enough weapons in its arsenal to take on its Audi rival.
Talking through the numbers, the Mercedes EQB has a certified WLTP range of 260 miles (expect the real world range to be less than this, but it’s still very impressive nonetheless), it is powered by a 66kWh battery which can charge up to 100kw and get you from 10-80% of battery in 30 minutes. Just like the Mercedes EQA, the EQB model has a top speed of 99mph and can achieve 0-62mph in an impressive 6.2s.
The EQB is due to be released in the UK towards the end of 2021 and I’m sure we will know more about the handling of the car before then. However, we can tell you that the interior of the vehicle comes with space. Lots and lots of space. As mentioned earlier, the EQB has three rows of seats that can fit 7 people as standard. However, if you were to put the back row of seats down you would have a max load capacity of 1710 litres which is just huge!
Something else that comes as standard on all the EQ models is the MBUX infotainment system. There are several really impressive features of this system, including voice controlled interior assistant (think ‘hey Siri’ but by saying ‘hey Mercedes’ instead) which can be used to control many aspects of the car. On some of the higher specs of the EQ cars there are even contactless control touch screens that can sense when your hand is close to the panel.
Mercedes EQC
The Mercedes EQC is the German’s midsize, 5-seater, SUV offering, sitting somewhere between the Jaguar I-Pace and the Audi e-tron. The EQC counts the Audi e-tron and the Tesla Model X Long-Range amongst its closest rivals to the SUV crown and it looks like a proper SUV should (again, this is a very subjective opinion… but the correct one).
In numbers the Mercedes EQC is incredibly impressive. The range quoted by Mercedes is 255 miles, and independent reviewers who have taken the car out for on-the-road tests have stated that this is a pretty close figure, having achieved 240 miles with ease on UK roads with a single charge.
The Mercedes EQC carries a 85kWh battery (with 80kWh usable) and can charge up to 110kw. To charge the car from 10-80% will take 40 minutes on the rapid charger. The EQC is incredibly nippy as well. While the top speed of 112mph may not raise many eyebrows, the car is capable of achieving 0-62mph in a mere 5.1s. The torque, or power in layman’s terms, provided by the dual motors gives the Mercedes EQC more initial pull than either the Jaguar I-Pace or the Audi e-tron.
The EQC, as with other members of the Mercedes EQ family, benefits from the very clever MBUX infotainment system. Another clever feature of the EQC is the various driving modes which includes a ‘max range’ driving mode. This means that you can put your foot down on the pedal and the car will just drive at the right conditions to maximise the range of the car, no matter how close the pedal is to the metal.
All-in-all the Mercedes EQC will be a real crowd pleaser with the SUV enthusiasts, of which there are many in the UK.
Mercedes EQE Saloon
As you will have noticed, I have specified that this is a saloon car rather than just saying that it is a Mercedes EQE. The reason for this is because Mercedes will also be releasing an SUV version of the EQE with very different specifications. Both the saloon and SUV versions are being released in 2022 with the saloon version coming out before the SUV. I will look at the saloon version of this model first.
What we know about the EQE saloon is that it is based on the Mercedes E-Class and is expected to be a direct rival to the Tesla Model 3, BMW i4 and the Polestar 2. So just how good is it?
The EQE saloon will carry a 90kWh fully usable battery that has an incredible charging capacity of 170kw. This means that the battery can be charged from 10-80% in just 35 minutes (155 miles in just 15 minutes is another lovely statistic I came across). Although the earlier versions of the Mercedes EQE saloon car will be a single motor vehicle, with the motor affixed to the rear axle, the car is still expected to deliver quite a lot of power. Unfortunately no information on the car’s top speed or 0-62mph capabilities could be found. However, we do know from various sources that the Mercedes EQE saloon will have a fantastic range of 383 miles, so it can hold its own in competition against the other saloon cars on that front.
The EQE comes with all the amazing technology of the other cars in the EQ range, and it just looks amazing. The stunning aerodynamic shape of the body can only lend itself to a high-level performance.
Mercedes EQE SUV
The Mercedes EQE SUV, like it’s saloon sister, will be making an appearance in 2022. This is what we know about the EV so far.
As you will have noticed, Mercedes have already released an electric SUV in the shape of the EQC. The difference is that the EQE will be a bigger car option in their SUV range of EVs. And as with the EQC, the Mercedes EQE SUV will see the Tesla Model X as its direct competition on the SUV market.
Although few details are known about the EQE SUV at present, it is believed that the vehicle will be able to accommodate a 100kWh battery due to its longer chassis. It’s been estimated that this EV could produce up to around 430 miles of range which is quite an impressive achievement. Mercedes has also been prioritising ultra-rapid charging which would mean that the Mercedes EQE SUV would be able to charge at 350kW and be able to charge to 80% in just 20 minutes. This is an astonishing jump in charging technology from where we were only 3 years ago.
The release date for the Mercedes EQE SUV hasn’t been announced yet but is expected to be towards the end of 2022. It is unlikely that we will have more information about the SUV version of the EQE until next year.
Mercedes EQS Saloon
The Mercedes EQS was expected to be available in 2022, however, it has hit the dealerships in 2021 ahead of schedule. As with the EQE, the EQS will also be releasing an SUV version next year. We will have a look at the SUV version next but will consider the saloon model first.
The EQS saloon is intended to be an electric equivalent of the Mercedes S-Class. However, unlike the previous models discussed, the Mercedes EQS is not based on the underpinnings of an existing petrol or diesel vehicle. It is a Mercedes electric project from the ground up and is a sign of their intention to be fully focused on building solely EVs in the next few years.
Let’s start with the stats and numbers for this beautiful Mercedes creation. The range is, and you may want to be sitting down for this, a whopping 453 miles! Even though this is based on the WLTP calculations it is not expected to be much below this in real world driving. This makes the EQS a game-changer amongst game-changers. The range of this EV even far surpasses the newly updated Tesla Model S which has an upgraded range of 401 miles itself (still phenomenal).
The battery on the EQS is 108kWh and is capable of charging at 200kW which allows the car to charge from 10-80% in just 31 minutes. The EQS is available with a single rear motor with a dual motor version expected to be made available. The top speed of the EQS is an impressive 130mph and it can achieve 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds. Not too shabby by anyone’s standards.
When it comes to tech, the Mercedes EQS is just ridiculously amazing. As well as the standard tech already discussed in other models, the EQS also has the most futuristic dashboard we have ever seen. There are far too many features for me to discuss in this blog, but they are well worth looking up. I mean, they have to be seen to be believed anyway.
The EQS has been described as the poster car for the next generation of electric vehicles and it can be seen why. The performance and tech is on a whole new level. And not just that, the car looks absolutely stunning as well. Sleek and beautifully aerodynamic on the outside, well crafted and luxurious on the inside. The Mercedes EQS is just an all-round masterpiece and I doff my cap to the creators.
Mercedes EQS SUV
What do we know about the SUV version of the Mercedes EQS? Well, not a lot to be honest with you. We do know that the car will have two battery options with the larger one being the same size as the EQS saloon version and with the same charging capability and charging speed. There has been speculation that the EQS SUV will have a range of around 400 miles based on the size of the battery.
Other than that, we have seen the very heavily camouflaged version on the test track so have a rough idea what to expect. However, Mercedes will not be unveiling the car until next year with the vehicle going on sale towards the end of 2022.
Mercedes EQV
The Mercedes EQV is a 7-seater family people-carrier and is Mercedes electric version of the Mercedes V-Class. The EQV was the second of the Mercedes EQ range to be released in 2021.
As you would expect from a people-carrier, the vehicle is very big and very spacious. This will, of course, have some impact on the performance numbers of the vehicle. As with any battery electric vehicle, the bigger the build the more battery energy is required to move it.
The stats on the Mercedes EQV are a little underwhelming. When looking at other larger EVs such as the Jaguar I-Pace and the Tesla Model X, the EQV compares very poorly. The EQV comes with a 90kWh battery and is capable of 213 miles of range (far below what you get from the I-Pace and the Model X) and can be charged from 10-80% in 45 minutes. The front mounted motor helps the vehicle reach a top speed of 99mph and a capability of achieving 0-62mph in 12.1s (again, much poorer than the I-Pace or the Model X).
The redeeming features of the Mercedes EQV are found in the interior. The EQV is incredibly roomy inside. Even more so than the fossil fuelled equivalents, largely due to no large engine at the front allowing for more expansion. You may not be accelerating anywhere quickly, but you will be doing it in comfort. The EQV also comes with the impressive MBUX system that is found in the other EQ models.
Mercedes EQG – Concept Car
The thing with concept cars is that they are often just an expression of a manufacturer’s imagination to show what is possible. Most will never get beyond concept (often they are far too crazy to actually work anyway). Mercedes, however, are committed to actually putting the EQG into production by around 2025.
The Mercedes EQG is based on the Mercedes G-Class which in itself was based on a military vehicle from the 1970’s. Everything about this vehicle should be wrong. It is a box on wheels and, as Fully Charged put it, about as aerodynamic as a door. However, the vehicle has always been incredibly popular with the public. It wouldn’t have survived the test of time if it hadn’t been. The reason for this is because the vehicle is just so much fun. The EQG looks to be carrying on this fine tradition. With 4 motors powering the vehicle, the Mercedes EQG will be well suited for the off-road purposes that we have been used to with the G-Class.
We know very little else about the Mercedes EQG and we probably won’t hear much more in the next couple of years. However, we are quite looking forward to seeing this car become reality. It is fun and that is what EVs should be.
Mercedes EQXX – Concept Car
The final car in the Mercedes EQ range that has been announced so far is the Mercedes EQXX. This vehicle is a true enigma. Not much at all is known about the EQXX apart from the fact that it exists at all. However, if the rumours in the EV world are to be believed, this car will not only surpass any fossil fuel car, it will permanently send them to the retirement village.
We know that the EQXX is due to be revealed in 2022 (and we assume it will be at one of the major Motor Shows as is standard). The teaser photos show that the car is very low, curvy and super-sporty looking. The most incredible revelation so far is the expected range. Anywhere between 640 and 750 miles has been quoted. This will blow any existing EV on the market out of the water when it comes to distance on a single charge. We will have to wait until next year to find out more.
The EVision Electric Vehicles Verdict
Mercedes may have been late to the game but it looks like they are more than ready to take on the competition, and even blow the competition away in some cases. The only disappointment in the new Mercedes EQ range is possibly the Mercedes EQV. If you are producing a luxury, high-end vehicle you want to make sure that it is at least up to the standard of what already exists, if not making it even better. The EQV has failed to do this unfortunately.
However, that being said, the other cars in the EQ range are simply stunning. The most exciting of which is the Mercedes EQS with its ground up build setting the foundations for Mercedes future EV productions. Mercedes have been quiet but they have clearly been watching and paying attention to what everyone else has been doing. As Arnold H. Glasow once said, “success is simple. Do what’s right, the right way, at the right time”. This is exactly what Mercedes have done. They have produced the right cars, the right way, and at the right time. We raise a glass to these wonderful innovators and we wait with high anticipation to see, not only what Mercedes can produce next, but see how the rest of the car industry reacts to Mercedes groundbreaking work.
