Mercedes-Benz electric E-Class set to replace the EQE

The Mercedes-Benz EQE has never been universally popular. Its styling has not appealed to everyone, while its name, which differs from the star brand’s usual naming conventions, has done little to help. The result has been lower-than-expected sales.

In an effort to change that situation, Mercedes-Benz will introduce an electric version of the E-Class and discontinue the EQE. The company hopes the strength of a familiar name within its model range, combined with more conventional styling, will provide the boost sales need.

The unveiling is expected towards the end of this year or at the beginning of 2027. The first prototypes have already been “spotted” during the usual winter testing, revealing changes that look set to be substantial.

For this new generation, Mercedes-Benz will return to a more traditional approach, bringing it closer to the combustion-engined E-Class while using EQ electric technology, as seen with the new electric CLA and GLC.

Visually, the camouflage still conceals much of the final design. It is already clear, however, that the front and rear light units fitted to this prototype are not those intended for the production model.

Even so, it is expected to feature a light signature similar to that of Mercedes-Benz’s latest launches, built around graphic elements inspired by the brand’s star.

An interesting detail

The most observant readers may already have noticed that this model uses conventional door handles rather than the body-integrated solutions found on the Mercedes-Benz EQE and other models from the brand.

Mercedes is aiming not only to provide a more traditional user experience, but also to ensure compliance with new safety rules in the Chinese market. From 2027, the sale of new cars with flush door handles will be prohibited there.

At the rear, the shapes appear to follow the brand’s traditional saloon design. This will also help bring the model closer to a more classic, less rounded appearance than that of the EQE.

A familiar platform for the electric E-Class

Beneath the bodywork, Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm technical specifications, but all indications suggest that the future electric E-Class will use the MB.EA platform, which debuted with the new electric GLC. This is an 800 V architecture, enabling faster charging and improved energy efficiency.

For the SUV, only the specifications of the 400 4MATIC version are known so far. It pairs a 94 kWh usable battery with two electric motors - one on each axle - for a combined output of 360 kW (489 hp) and an official WLTP range of between 571 and 713 km.

In terms of charging, the new electric GLC supports direct-current (DC) charging at up to 330 kW, allowing it to recover around 300 km of range in just 10 minutes.

As a saloon that will be lower and, undoubtedly, more aerodynamic than the SUV, the electric E-Class should offer a slightly greater range, potentially approaching the 800 km mark. Those figures have not yet been officially confirmed.

Electric E-Class only months away

The official reveal of the new Mercedes-Benz electric E-Class has not yet been given a confirmed date. Nevertheless, everything points to a presentation late this year or early in 2027, with sales expected to begin shortly afterwards.