The Mercedes EQE - the ultimate company car choice?

The Mercedes EQE - the ultimate company car choice?

Mercedes have been one of the leading producers of electric vehicles in the last two years. Like many of their German competition, Mercedes were slow compared to Tesla - with their Model S, 3, X and Y options -  in creating genuine and quality zero-emission options in most segments.

While Mercedes launched their all-electric SUV, the EQC, there was a noticeable time lapse between this and the latest swathe of other EVs. So what is the EQE? This is very much a pure electric version of the ever-popular E-class, which has been one of the UK’s leading lease cars for both personal and business customers. And Mercedes have a great following, consistently being one of the most searched for manufacturers on Google, which is why so many customers have been eagerly awaiting new and exciting battery innovations from their team. In 2022, the EQE and the bigger EQS (based on an S-Class) were made available for ordering for PCH, BCH and Salary Sacrifice customers.

When did the Mercedes EQE launch and when can we take delivery?

The EQE launched in 2022 under the tag-line “this is for all senses …” with a clear mantra for modern and luxury zero-emission driving. But at the time of launch, only a few models were made available for customers to buy or lease immediately, with the rest being subject to factory order. The battery configurations include:

• The EQE 350+ - the initial battery configuration which was based on a 90.6 kWh usable lithium battery and was available to order until July 2022. This £76,000+ mainstay offered 215 kW (or 288hp), 0 - 62 times of 6.4 seconds and 130mph top speeds. Combined winter ranges were 275 miles and an improved 375 miles in milder temperatures (on a full charge). In terms of charging times, this battery takes just under 10 hours to fully-charge on the 11 kW AC max with the rapid charge max of 170 kW DC allowing for 33-minute 10 - 80% charge times. A vehicle fuel equivalent of 145mpg and a towing capacity of 750 kg (braked or unbraked) made this a sensible saloon;
•  The EQE 300 -  launching in July 2022, this slightly altered luxury EV saloon is based on an 89kWh usable lithium battery and at a slightly lower starting price of around £73,500. With 180 kW (or 241hp), 0 - 62 times of 7.6 seconds and 130mph top speeds, expect slightly lower performance than the 350+. Combined winter ranges are 265 miles and an improved 365 miles in milder temperatures (on a full charge). In terms of charging times, this battery takes just under 10 hours to fully-charge on the 11 kW AC max with the rapid charge max of 170 kW DC allowing for 33-minute 10 - 80% charge times. A vehicle fuel equivalent of 145 mpg and a towing capacity of 750 kg (braked or unbraked) retain the practicalities of the previous config; and
•  The EQE 53  -  launching also in July 2022, the performance option looks to retain the comfort and style but with power and excitement. At £113,855, this is not a cheap car to add to the EV wish-list. The 90.6 kWh usable lithium battery offers 460 kW (or 617hp), 0 - 62 times of 3.5 seconds and 137 mph top speeds. Combined winter ranges are 250 miles and an improved 340 miles in milder temperatures (on a full charge). In terms of charging times, this battery takes just under 10 hours to fully-charge on the 11 kW AC max with the rapid charge max of 170 kW DC allowing for 33-minute 10 - 80% charge times. A vehicle fuel equivalent of 132 mpg and a towing capacity of 750 kg (braked or unbraked) make this an all-round EV.

But which specification is the best on the Mercedes EQE?

As you would expect from this high-calibre product, whichever route you go will not lead to disappointment. As with most things, the more you pay the better the tech! You, or the company car drivers, can choose between:

•  AMG Line - (£73,450) 19” alloys, AMG exterior styling, panoramic roof, privacy glass, 12” cluster display, 12” media display, parking package with reversing camera, AMG floor mats, AMG sports seats, heated front seats and climate control;
•  AMG Line Premium - (£78,450) adds 20” alloys, ambient lighting, keyless go, memory package, Mercedes sound system, driver assistance package and 4-zone climate;
•  AMG Line Premium Plus - (£85,450) adds 21” alloys, air suspension, digital light, radiator grille with Mercedes pattern, HUD, heated windscreen, Burmester sound, driving assistance package plus, augment reality navigation, acoustic comfort parking package and UrbanGuard plus;
•  Exclusive Luxury - (£85,450) comes with 21” alloys, ElectricArt exterior styling, climatised front seats, comfort seats, heated steering wheel and heated rear seats; and   
•  Night Edition - (£113,855)  the performance model comes with 21” alloy wheels, air suspension, AMG spoiler, AMG styling, digital light headlamps, panoramic sliding sunroof, brake calipers in red, air quality package, illuminated door dills, AMG performance steering wheel, velour floor mats, leather dashboard, Burmester sound, HUD, MBUX interior assistant and driving assistance package plus.

Many UK businesses are now converting their fleet across to electrified solutions. While the Government has confirmed a transition must happen by 2030 / 2035, there are some great reasons for converting sooner. One of the great incentives at the moment is that a car without tailpipe emissions, referred to as “0g/km”, will incur just 2% on Benefit in Kind.

For a business user, this means minimal tax exposure in stark contrast to a petrol or diesel vehicle. And for a company, the ability to claim back all the rentals for reducing Corporation Tax and reduced NIC, also makes this a shared benefit. With Whole of Life costs being much more enhanced with BEVs, both the driver and company can enjoy lower servicing costs, lower fuel costs and minimise any potential charges which will arise by a Clean Air Zone or Congestion Zone.

And the EQE will almost certainly appear on the wish-list for many drivers who want to drive a pure electric car but in the form of a familiar saloon. Unlike some manufacturers, Mercedes are retaining the familiar interior which makes their brand so distinctive and functional..

Ready to order the new EQE?

With the current lead times being somewhat more lengthy, expect a factory order to take between 6 and 9 months. The e-car lease team are encouraging customers to place an order asap, as the new car world tries to adjust to a climate of delays, part shortages and logistic issues. Contact us on 01942 910 001   or email us [email protected]  

Mercedes EQE 350+ 215kW AMG Line Premium 90kWh 4dr Auto

In terms of the car shown, the Mercedes EQE 350+ 215kW AMG Line Premium 90kWh 4dr Auto, this is based on the following configuration:

• Metallic - High tech silver
•  Artico/Dynamica - Black/space grey
• 20"" AMG 5 spoke light alloy wheels

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