Your Definitive Guide to the Mercedes EQE Saloon

The Mercedes EQE Saloon-Your definitive guide

Before we touch upon the new Agency model now in operation with the German manufacturer (with others to follow), it’s probably worth talking about their luxury electrified saloon - the EQE. Launching in mid-2022, the EQE is very much what it says on the tin, this is an all-electric e-class. And with BMW having just announced today (24 May 2023) that their new BMW 5 series will include an all-electric option too, it’s beneficial to Merc to already have their option on sale and in production.

While BMW will be launching two key battery options - 1) BMW i5 eDrive 40; and 2) BMW i5 M60 xDrive, Mercedes are already in a position to match this with their own three battery configurations and a swathe of specification options.

So what battery options can you get in the Merc EQE?

As at May 2023, UK leasing customers can choose between:

1. EQE 300 - the 89 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.3 seconds, 130 mph top speeds and 180 kW (or 241 hp). This model is a RWD. Expect a combined winter range of 270 miles with warmer weather allowing for 370 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hour and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 170 kW DC maximum allowing 33 minute 10 – 80% times. As an executive saloon, this has a favourable cargo volume of 430L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 145mpg. This EQE can tow 750 kg braked or unbraked;

2. EQE 350 - the 89 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 6.4 seconds, 130 mph top speeds and 215 kW (or 288 hp). This model is a RWD. Expect a combined winter range of 265 miles with warmer weather allowing for 365 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hour and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 170 kW DC maximum allowing 33 minute 10 – 80% times. As an executive saloon, this has a favourable cargo volume of 430L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 143mpg. This EQE can tow 750 kg braked or unbraked;

3. EQE AMG 53 4Matic+ - the 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 3.5 seconds, 137 mph top speeds and 460 kW (or 617 hp). This model is a AWD. Expect a combined winter range of 245 miles with warmer weather allowing for 330 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hour and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 173 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. As an executive saloon, this has a favourable cargo volume of 430L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 130 mpg. This EQE can tow 750 kg braked or unbraked. 

And what specifications can you get in the EQE?

The good news is that UK customers have a whole of host of options to enjoy including:

•  AMG Line - from £74,345) the entry model allows for 19” alloys, panoramic roof, AMG multifunction steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, AMG sports seats, heated front seats, AMG exterior styling, heat pump, privacy glass, ambient lighting, AMG floor mats, 12.3” instrument cluster, 12.8” media display, parking package with reversing camera and climate control;
•  AMG Line Premium - for an additional £5000 over the AMG this adds 20” alloys, driving assistance package, keyless go, ambient lighting plus (64 colours), memory package and sound system;
• AMG Line Premium Plus - for an additional £7000 over the Premium this includes 21” alloys, air suspension, Digital Light, HUD, heated windscreen, acoustic comfort package, Burmester sound system, MBUX augmented reality, parking package; and
•  AMG Exclusive Luxury - (from £86,435) this includes 21” alloys, Electric Art Styling, climatised front seats, comfort headrests, heated steering wheel and heated rear seats; and

•  AMG 53 Night Edition - (from £114,750) this sporty version includes 21” alloys, air suspension, AMG crest on bonnet, AMG exterior styling, AMG spoiler, brake calipers in red, headlights - digital light, panoramic sliding sunroof, AMG sports pedals, AMG velour floor mats, dashboard in leather look, climatised front seats, Burmester surround sound system, HUD and MBUX interior assistant.  

ChChoose from a suite of colours including obsidian black, sodalite blue, graphite grey, high-tech silver, patagonia red and opalite white. On options, you can add the Hyperscreen package for £6,995 which includes a 17” central display, augmented navigation HUD, fingerprint scanner and OLED high-end screens. For the AMG 53 option, add the £8000 Performance Package for a 155mph top speed increase, Dynamic Plus race start BOOST, ceramic brakes and Drive sounds.

For salary sacrifice customers in the UK, the EQ Saloon presents yet another great opportunity to enjoy pure electric driving which is both luxury but with performance. More and more companies are now exploring new cost-neutral incentives like Sal Sac to help improve staff retention and contentment.

And with many finance companies now assisting e-car lease to provide robust pricing coupled with contract flexibility, 2023 is very much the year to consider enhancing your corporate offering. The salary sacrifice is a simple process, where an employee will give-up their gross salary (before tax) in lieu of the payment for the EV (including the finance, maintenance, insurance and charge point).

Because of the low BiK payable on zero-emission vehicles (2% until 2024/2025), this is the ideal route for an employee to enjoy a leasing arrangement as opposed to a personal lease or personal contact purchase route. While there is some obligation on the employer to set up the scheme properly (in-line with HMRC), there is now a more streamlined approach to this industry, with limited Early Termination costs, robust insurance packages and charge point installation And with e-car lease, you do receive the UK’s most comprehensive all-electric buying process .

Our dedicated website is a complete resource on the potential vehicle, with elements like range, charging speed, chargingtimes, charging costs and company car tax all set out clearly for review. And our amazing EVC™ is available with each deal to ensure that the EV is right for you and the company.

Your EVC guide to the EQE

But can we order the Mercedes with a leasing broker?

The move to agency has almost certainly changed the way in which e-car lease can transact with certain customers. The expectation is that most customers will head to the Mercedes website and buy their EV directly But, as has been proved, customers are not always enamoured with this approach, particularly when they receive more detailed and higher standard of customer care from businesses like e-car lease.

With an agency model, the manufacturer takes control of the sales process and will pay the nominated dealership a delivery fee (but the dealer controls the finance and insurance aspects). With mixed opinion so far, and Mercedes sales down in the UK, the agency model is not working in the same way as the previous dealership and broker centric approach. But for businesses with Mercedes fleets or salary sacrifice customers, it is still possible for the e-car lease team to work alongside our trusted dealer partners to deliver our high-standards of service and care.

In terms of the car shown, the MERCEDES EQE SALOON EQE 300 180kW AMG Line Premium 89kWh 4dr Auto, this is based on the following configuration:

•  Obsidian Black Metallic paint 
• Artico/Dynamica - Black/space grey
•  20" AMG 5 spoke light alloy wheels

Want to know more about Mercedes leasing?

Just to call our expert team at e-car lease on 01942 910 001 or email at [email protected].