Mercedes-Benz EQE 2022: Australian release date confirmed for fully-electric Tesla Model S rival

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed its EQE electric sedan will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter in 2022 – between October and December.

Sitting on a dedicated electric vehicle platform and designed to serve as an electric equivalent to the E-Class sedan in Australia, the EQE is set to compete against a growing field of rivals including the Tesla Model S and BMW i4.

Effectively slotting in as an all-electric alternative to the petrol-powered E-Class sedan in Australia, the EQE runs on a scaled-down version of the chassis deployed in the company’s flagship EQS luxury sedan.

The Q4 2022 release date applies to both the core model range and the high-performance AMG EQE43 and EQE53 variant, though the AMG models could arrive closer to Christmas.

The introduction of the EQE will contribute to a growing arsenal of EVs in the Mercedes-Benz range which consists of the EQS luxury sedan, EQA small SUV as well as the EQB and EQC midsize SUVs.

Mercedes-Benz EQE range explained

While the Australian range is still yet to be locked in, the EQE will be offered globally in a choice of three grades – with two badged as full-fat AMG models.

The range kicks off with the EQE 350+ which features a single electric motor on the rear axle producing 215kW of power and 530Nm of torque.

Those craving more performance will be offered the EQE 43 4Matic and EQE 53 4Matic, with both featuring a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup that produce up to 350kW/858Nm and 505kW/950Nm respectively.

Range is quoted at up to 660km for the EQE 350+ while the EQE 43 4Matic can drive up to 518km and EQE 53 4Matic up to 533km, when tested according to the conservative WLTP standard.

All three feature a huge lithium-ion battery with a capacity of around 90kWh – though AMG has fettled with their version to help it withstand more punishment in performance applications.

The battery can be charged at speeds of up to 170kW when using a DC fast charger, allowing drivers to top up the battery from 10-80 percent in 32 minutes. A 22kW AC charger can also be installed within the home and used to fully charge the battery in four hours and 15 minutes.

Assisting driving performance on AMG models is the inclusion of air suspension with adaptive damping but all models can be equipped with rear-wheel steering to help counteract the size and weight of the EQE.

The amount of technology within the cabin is already immense and buyers can take this further by fitting the MBUX Hyperscreen which fits a 12.3-inch unit in front of the driver and passenger plus an additional 12.8-inch screen in the centre.

Expect pricing and specification will be released closer to the release date in the fourth quarter of 2022.