“Pick Jordan When You Have Jordan, Pick Shaq When You Don’t Have Jordan” – A Famous Quote in Basketball
This quote is well-known in the basketball industry, meaning that if a team could choose players, they should definitely pick Jordan when Jordan is available, but if Jordan is not an option, then they should choose Shaq, the “Big Diesel” O’Neal.
This quote emerged because, looking back on NBA history, Jordan and O’Neal are both indisputably the top two players in terms of dominating basketball.
Similar discussions exist in the automotive industry, but unlike everyone chasing the NBA championship, different car companies have varying positions and goals, so evaluations will also vary.
Therefore, if you ask who is the world’s number one car company, you will get a list rather than just a single name.
However, when discussing the most representative luxury brand or the most representative luxury sedan, Mercedes-Benz is perhaps the most frequently associated name.
Moreover, when a car has labels like G, AMG, or Maybach, it often means that this will be a thrilling car.
In the past and present, Mercedes-Benz has always been a brand with charisma. During this year’s IAA MOBILITY, the Germany International Automotive and Smart Mobility Show, now renamed the Munich Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz focuses on electric cars and electrifies its entire brand, including the aforementioned G, AMG, and Maybach. The discussion about whether Mercedes-Benz can continue this trait is significantly more serious and frequent than ever before at this year’s show.
EQ Four: “E” Takes the Lead
This is the poster that Mercedes-Benz prepared for the Munich Motor Show:
Counterclockwise from the bottom left, the cars shown are EQE, AMG EQS 53, EQG concept car, and EQS Maybach SUV concept car. From the poster’s composition, it’s evident that Mercedes-Benz pays more attention to EQE. This was also confirmed by the order of the cars’ appearance and the layout of the booth during the actual press conference.
Below, we will introduce these models one by one.
EQE: The Shorter EQS
EQE was the first to appear and received much attention before the Munich Motor Show. If I had to describe this car in one sentence, it would be the shorter version of EQS.
As you can see, the EQE adopts almost the same design language as the EQS in terms of appearance, including the “bow-shaped” roof on the entire vehicle outline, the enclosed starry sky EQ grille, the three-dimensional spiral light strip inside the tail light cover, and the continuous tail light.
As a pure electric vehicle, the EQE has an excellent drag coefficient like its big brother EQS under this fluid shape. With the support of low-drag wheels, its minimum drag coefficient is as low as 0.20.
When it comes to the interior, the EQE uses almost identical interior design and equipment as the EQS. In Mercedes’ words, “The interior design and equipment are clearly based on the EQS.” Therefore, the 141 cm wide single-piece glass, the center console with a three-screen design and zero level menus of Hyperscreen are all carried over to the EQE, and the configuration is almost identical.
If it were not for the difference in the steering wheel style on the interior, it would be difficult to distinguish between the EQE and EQS at first glance.
Perhaps due to the use of the same set of interior design, the EQE is not narrower than the EQS in terms of vehicle width. On the contrary, it is even slightly wider than the EQS. Let’s take a look at the dimensions (mm) of the two cars:
- EQS: 5,216 × 1,926 × 1,512, wheelbase 3,210
- EQE: 4,946 × 1,961 × 1,512, wheelbase 3,120
When I first saw this data, I also felt it was unbelievable. After multiple verifications, I confirmed that the EQE has the same height as the EQS, and it is 25 mm wider than the EQS. The main difference in size between the two cars is that the EQE is shorter in length and has a shorter wheelbase than the EQS.
The comparison between the two vehicles will become more obvious when they are brought closer together.
And the Electric Sensing Door that can best demonstrate the product’s high positioning and the 10° maximum Rear-Axle Steering available in EQS can also be optional in EQE. That’s why I said EQE is one size shorter, not smaller, compared to EQS.
After discussing the above, let’s take a look at several important information points related to EQE and consumers, which I summarize as: made in China, long range, and standard axle equals long axle.
Made in China
As a global product, EQE will be produced in two locations. The international version for the global market will be produced by the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany, while the Chinese version will be produced by Beijing Benz. The official release of EQE will be in mid-2022.
This can be said to be the most important information about EQE this time. Made in China means that EQE will abandon the label of “imported car” in the domestic market and pursue a lower price threshold. It also means that the Mercedes-Benz EVA 2.0 pure electric platform will be introduced in China, and more domestic plans based on this platform are likely to follow.
It can be seen that Mercedes-Benz is more clear about the competitiveness of the Chinese electric vehicle market than before.
Long Range
In addition to being made in China, the electrification of EQE is also impressive. The power configuration of the EQE 350 model released this time is a single permanent magnet motor on the rear axle, with a peak power of 215 kW (292 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 530 N·m.
As for the most important range parameter, EQE 350, equipped with an 811 ternary lithium battery pack with a capacity of 90 kWh, has a maximum WLTP range of 660 kilometers.
As a comparison reference, the official NEDC range data for the rear-wheel drive extended-range version of the P7 is 670 kilometers, while the actual WLTP range after a full charge is 576 kilometers. Therefore, EQE’s range, if converted according to this ratio to CLTC or NEDC, should be around 750 kilometers.
Regarding charging, EQE supports a maximum DC fast charging power of 170 kW. However, charging speed depends on both the car and the charging station. The actual performance when delivered should be at the mainstream level.
Standard Axle Equals Long Axle
EQE, built based on the pure electric platform, has excellent space performance that is typical of electric vehicles, with obvious signs of surpassing the E-Class in terms of interior space.After lengthening, the wheelbase of the domestic version of the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E-Class is 3,079 mm, while the EQE has a measurement of 3,120 mm. Compared to the E-Class, the EQE provides an additional 27mm of shoulder room in the front row and an overall increase of 80mm in cabin space length (compared to the standard wheelbase E-Class), with a 65mm increase in seat height.
Based on the existing spatial layout of the EQE, I do not believe the domestically produced version of the EQE will undergo any further improvements in lengthening the wheelbase.
However, without an overall increase in size, the larger interior space of the EQE sacrifices some of its cargo capacity, with a size of 430 L compared to the E-Class’ 540 L. Nevertheless, I believe the EQE’s space gain outweighs its loss.
Intelligent Features
Regarding its assistance in driving, the EQE is equipped with a forward multi-vision camera, four 360-degree surround-view cameras, one forward long-distance millimeter-wave radar, four corner radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars.
Although Mercedes-Benz has not yet publicized the EQE’s configuration on its driving support chip, based on a comparison with its existing products, it is speculated that the EQE uses an NVIDIA Xavier chip.
Mercedes-Benz’s official emphasis on active safety for driving support primarily refers to functions such as AEB, which can attain a speed of up to 120 km/h and identify bicycles as well as reverse obstacles. Features such as adaptive speed limit adjustment, traffic congestion assistance, turn signal-controlled automatic lane-changing, AVP automatic valet parking, etc., are also included in the official introduction. However, automatic valet parking requires support from local equipment in parking lots, so it is unlikely to be introduced in the short term in China.
Regarding Mercedes-Benz’s current driving support capabilities, one can review our previous 42Mark test on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class to summarize its level. In one sentence, it competes at the forefront, including those from new forces. As a result, the EQE can be expected to have a similar level of performance.
On the software side, the whole-vehicle OTA can be achieved on the EQE. Its current W223 generation S-Class has already highlighted these contents. However, at present, Mercedes-Benz focuses more on the feasibility of its architecture ability, and the actual experience available to the market is not yet clear.The Hyperscreen of the car infotainment system now uses zero-level UI layout, which simplifies the menu hierarchy and adds a resident control bar. In addition, the addition of the copilot screen also enhances the entertainment scene of the infotainment system. I have reservations about the software interaction experience of Mercedes, but it is worth mentioning that the hardware configuration of the infotainment system this time, featuring an 8-core CPU and 24 GB of memory, is indeed impressive. Furthermore, Mercedes has added touch vibration feedback to all three screens, so the basic response, fluency, and visual effects should not be too bad.
In objective terms, the EQE, as Mercedes’ most important new model, is a very impressive vehicle in terms of performance indicators such as range, architecture, space, and high-end mechanical configuration.
The 292 horsepower power of the debut model may not be great for high-performance car users, but it is already sufficient, and there will be a 679 horsepower high-performance version in the future.
For me, the blind box of EQE’s product level lies in the new MBUX, as well as the most critical factor affecting its sales in China: competitive pricing.
Next up, let’s talk about the performance of the AMG EQS 53. As the first AMG electric vehicle, this car has a power of 480 kW (658 horsepower) and 950 N·m. After installing the optional AMG sport package, the power will increase to 560 kW (761 horsepower) and 1020 N·m. The acceleration times of the two versions are 3.8 seconds and 3.4 seconds, respectively, with corresponding top speeds of 220 km/h and 250 km/h.
In terms of power, the AMG EQS 53 is the strongest 53 model in the AMG family.
As an electric vehicle, the AMG EQS 53 has a battery capacity of 107.8 kWh, a WLTP maximum range of 580 km, and a maximum DC charging power of 200 kW.
However, due to its large battery and size, the weight of the AMG EQS 53 has also reached 2,655 kg, so its sportiness is unlikely to reach the level of a racing-oriented vehicle.
But like other 53 models, this car’s positioning is still “balanced driving performance”, and I don’t need to talk about the indescribable driving experience that Mercedes’ products offer in this regard.
To create an electric AMG, in addition to using a high-power electric motor, upgrading to high-performance 6-piston brakes, and adding more aggressive styling kits and high-performance suspension, which are things that traditional fuel-powered cars can also do, Mercedes-Benz focuses on cooling for the electric system.
Mercedes-Benz has designed a water cooling system specifically for the rotor shaft of the motor in this car, and a fan heatsink specifically for the stator, and even a needle-shaped cooling structure for the inverter in the electric drive system.
Additionally, the gear reducer of this car has a dedicated oil cooling and temperature control system, which not only cools the oil but also heats it to quickly warm up the car.
For those who criticize electric cars for lacking sound and soul, AMG puts heavy emphasis on this and added custom sport simulation sound and external speakers. Mercedes-Benz announced that the AMG EQS 53 is an electric performance car that people will take notice of even with sound.
The era of driving an AMG electric car and turning heads is soon to come.
EQG Concept Car: Balancing Classic and Innovation
Although not officially confirmed, the exterior of the EQG concept car can be seen to be a “gas-to-electric” version of the current G-class model. This makes the EQG concept car the only electric vehicle on the poster of the four EQ heroes.
The Mercedes-Benz G-class is a very classic and hard-to-replicate design, and has maintained a consistently high price since its release. This proves that good looks mean business.
Therefore, it seems reasonable that the Mercedes-Benz EQG concept car would use the same design framework as the fuel-based car. Although it is regrettable for the product, the focus of EQG is to create a G-class, and making styling changes for the sake of electricification may be a greater risk for Mercedes-Benz.
Therefore, the question that should be considered for EQG is what its theme is as a personalized, presidential-level Mercedes-Benz model, and whether it is still a G-class.
# The Appearance
In terms of exterior styling, the EQG looks identical to the current G-Class, but with some modifications. To anyone familiar with Mercedes, it is immediately recognizable as a Mercedes G.
This may seem like the easy way out, but it is actually critical for the G-Class.
As an electric vehicle in the EQ family, the EQG has followed suit by incorporating a closed front grille design and incorporating more light elements throughout, from grille decoration to the logo.
The light elements are also reflected in the EQG’s circular daytime running lights, rearview mirrors, waistline, backpack ambient lights, and luggage racks. When combined with the silver-black double-tone color scheme, the car gives a feeling reminiscent of the props in 90s sci-fi films.
On the fuel-powered G, the spare tire backpack has been replaced with a rounded rectangular charging device box, retaining the G-Class style while also “keeping up with the times.”
In my opinion, the most outstanding design feature of the entire car is the wheel hub, the matte silver five enclosed-type wheel hubs embody the essence of sci-fi, electric, power, all in one, they fit perfect on this EQG.
In my opinion, the exterior design of the EQG successfully captures the classic features of the fuel-powered G, while also creating distinctive personalized features under the EQ label.
The only area I believe needs improvement is the 3D illuminated logo, I feel that Mercedes’ tristar logo would be more elegant if represented in metallic colors, and if the front grille could be replaced with a full OLED display screen, changing the logo to an AOD pattern display, this would provide the digital aspects of EQ while also focusing on the visual experience, and it could also allow for customization of the grille pattern.
Off-Road Ability
In addition to its appearance, the other characteristic of the G-Class is its purebred off-road capability. The EQG will use a power system with four-wheel drive and four electric motors, providing the highest degree of freedom in power distribution, surpassing mechanical four-wheel drive and 3-lock systems. To balance off-road and high-speed driving, Mercedes has added a two-speed gearbox to the rear motor.
Combining the motor’s torque characteristics with the low center of gravity structure provided by the battery pack, there is no need to worry about the EQG’s off-road ability.Therefore, the appearance and off-road capabilities are both OK for the EQG. The remaining question concerning the EQG’s interpretation of the G is its “bloodline“. It is uncertain if users who purchase the G for the sake of personalization will still be willing to pay for it without the roar of an internal combustion engine.
Regarding the product attributes, as an electric car, each aspect of the EQG, such as the extremely unfriendly square box shape, four motors, and the oil-to-electricity conversion layout, all have significant negative impacts on its endurance. If its endurance is too short during mass production, then it might be the Achilles’ heel of the EQG’s electrification.
The Maybach EQS Concept Car: Mercedes’ Electric Luxury
After seeing the official renderings, the comments on social media about the Maybach EQS concept car were overwhelmingly negative. Some said it looked like it was designed by designers who lost their jobs at Evergrande, others said it copied the Hongqi, and some even said the vehicle’s shape was as chubby as a pig…
Honestly, before seeing the actual photos, I thought these feelings were understandable. Don’t believe me? Take a look.
In this set of official renderings of the Maybach EQS, the division between the red and black body takes away the focus and visual center of gravity, making the vehicle’s shape appear unbalanced. Furthermore, because the vehicle was developed on a pure electric platform, it has an excessive-long proportion to the car body when considering its long wheelbase, short overhang and short front cargo carriage.
However, after seeing the actual photos, my feeling is: this is not the same car as in the renderings at all.
With the closed straight waterfall grille, the hood wheel, and polished chrome trim, this is very Maybach.Here’s the translation of the Chinese Markdown text into English Markdown text, preserving the HTML tags inside:
Next up is the interior of the concept car. Although it features a lot of digital elements and EQS’s design language, the ambiance, color scheme, and exquisite details of the entire vehicle are even more brilliant and transparent, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The rear seats still provide a first-class cabin experience.
There’s also an aura that can only be felt with a reference object, such as a full-size SUV.
Mercedes emphasizes that the Maybach EQS SUV concept car is a luxury car built for the Chinese, Russian, Korean, and American markets. Maybach’s consumers in these regions are rapidly becoming younger, so Maybach’s emphasis on luxury also needs to be more youthful, such as being more digital and renewable.
There isn’t a lot of information provided by the Maybach EQS concept car’s product parameters. However, it’s known that the prototype version of the EQS SUV will begin mass production in 2022 and the corresponding WLTP range is up to 600 kilometers.
That sums up Mercedes’ EQ quartet. EQE, which Mercedes values the most, and is also what I’m personally paying attention to the most, has been given the most detailed explanation in this article. After all, this vehicle will be an important step for Mercedes’ EQ product line to make a second impact on the Chinese market.
But design-wise, my favorite is still the EQG. It’s the only EQ model that I loved right away without needing any adaptation, yet it’s also the only one among the four that still uses gasoline.
And perhaps that’s the problem.
Reshaping is more challenging than starting anew
One sentence from Mercedes’ promotional video at the press conference left a deep impression on me:
While we keep pushing, we also need to looking into the mirror from time to time, to see where we are, and most importantly, where we are going.The trend of electrification and intelligence cannot be avoided in the entire automotive industry. Those who do not embrace the times will eventually be abandoned by the times.
From last year’s strategic cooperation agreement with NVIDIA on autonomous driving, to later release of a pure electric platform, and then the digital update of MBUX, Mercedes-Benz’s actions tell us that it has recognized this point.
However, in the new era, Mercedes-Benz, like any other traditional automaker, not only needs to innovate but also needs to inherit. Product definition was originally Mercedes-Benz’s most skilled secret technique, but what kind of electrified and intelligent Mercedes-Benz should be reshaped?
When I saw the curved streamline design for space and low wind resistance on the flagship model EQS, and the Hyperscreen for more recognition of digitization, I couldn’t recall the excitement Mercedes-Benz had brought me.
What I saw was a Mercedes-Benz that was eager to cut off the past self but was not sure how to continue its glory in the new era.
Another sentence in the official promotional video also impressed me:
“We build the most desirable cars today, and for years to come.”
This sentence was a statement in Mercedes-Benz’s fuel car era, but in the electric car era, it seems to have become a vision. Mercedes-Benz’s design is losing the charm of the fuel car era.
At the end of the day, if you ask who is the world’s number one automaker, you will get a list instead of a name. But if you ask who is the world’s number one electric vehicle company, you can get a specific name.
Mercedes-Benz’s attitude towards electrification and things other than design of existing products is still uncertain. However, I would like to send Mercedes-Benz a phrase that I hear every day on my way to work – although there are traffic jams ahead, you are still on the right track.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.