We've already reviewed the EQS , Mercedes' flagship all-electric luxury sedan, and came away impressed with its supreme comfort, excellent range, and forward-looking tech.
Now the storied German marque is looking to replicate the experience in a slightly lighter, smaller, nimbler, and more affordable EV, the Mercedes EQE executive sedan.
We recently drove the EQE in Germany and here are our first impressions.
Mercedes EQE specs and features
Two EQE models will be available in the US and Europe later this year: the EQE 350+ (RWD) and the EQE 500 4Matic (AWD).
While we don't have any exact information on pricing and trim levels yet, we do have some specs. Like the EQS, the EQE is built on Mercedes' EVA all-electric platform. Both models feature a 90.6kWh (usable) battery pack with 10 modules (vs. 107.8kWh and 12 modules on the EQS).
For the EQE 350+, Mercedes is using a single motor between the rear wheels, good for 288hp (212kW), 391lb-ft (530 Nm) of torque, and a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) time of 6.2 seconds.
The EQE 500 4Matic adds a second motor between the front wheels for a total output of 402hp (300kW, torque unknown), resulting in a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) sprint in 5.2 seconds. Range is 660km / 410 miles (WLTP) and 350 miles (EPA estimate) for both models.
In addition, a dual-motor AMG EQE 4Matic+ will be available in 2023 with the same 90.6kWh battery pack and with upwards of 617hp (453kW) and 701lb-ft (950Nm) of torque. This version will be capable of accelerating to 60mph (96km/h) in less than 3.5 seconds.
When it comes to charging, the EQE supports DC fast charging at up to 170kW (10-80% in 32 minutes), plus Level 2 AC charging at up to 11kW (tri-phase).
The EQE is packed with standard features, including a 12.8-inch center OLED touchscreen, heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Burmester audio system.
Rear-wheel steering (up to 10 degrees), air suspension, Mercedes' 56-inch Hyperscreen, a heads-up display, a 360-degree view, matrix headlights, Level 2 driver assistance, massaging seats, 4-zone climate control, and aromatherapy are all optional.
Mercedes EQE tech
As you'd expect, the EQE inherits most of the EQS' technology. This includes self-parking, a 360-degree view, LTE connectivity, WiFi hotspot support, OTA (over-the-air) software updates, phone-as-a-key functionality, phone remote control via the "me Connect" app, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi wireless phone charging, internet audio streaming, and the "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant.
The EQE comes standard with a 12.8-inch OLED infotainment touchscreen plus a 12.3-inch LCD instrument display. Mercedes' dashboard spanning 56-inch Hyperscreen is optional, just like on the EQS.
It consists of three separate displays bonded to a massive curved glass panel - a 12.3-inch instrument display for the driver, a 17.7-inch center touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the passenger.
While extremely impressive, the Hyperscreen is also somewhat imposing. In fact, we prefer the standard configuration with the 12.8-inch OLED infotainment touchscreen, because it doesn't give up any functionality other than the additional passenger display, reduces visual clutter, and makes for a more pleasing interior.
Regardless of which screen option you choose, you get haptic feedback, and Mercedes' AR (augmented reality) navigation.
Like the EQS, the EQE includes a comprehensive set of driver assistance and safety features as standard, plus an optional Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) that almost rivals Tesla's Autopilot.
The Burmester audio system sounds delightful, and the sensory experience is further augmented by hundreds of LEDs that provide customizable and interactive interior ambient lighting.
Mercedes EQE design
At first glance, it's hard to tell the EQE and the EQS apart. Both share the same awkward egg-like exterior and front proportions – or what Mercedes calls its "one-bow" design.
Yet somehow, the EQE looks better than its larger sibling. The hood (bonnet) is less sloped, the greenhouse is more compact, and the rear end is shorter. Overall, the EQE is 10.4 inches (26.4cm) smaller, but its wheelbase is only 3.6 inches (9.1cm) less.
Compared to its ICE (internal combustion engine) cousin – the E Class – the EQE is 3 inches longer inside with 1 inch more shoulder room. Instead of using a hatch (tailgate) like the EQS, the EQE's trunk (boot) comes with a standard trunk lid below a fixed rear window.
According to Mercedes, this improves rear headroom since there are no tailgate hinges taking up space above the rear passengers.
While some EQE trim levels include the same flush, motorized, slide-out door handles as the EQS, others trim levels have traditional door handles instead.
Like most EVs, the EQE is extremely spacious inside, with lots of storage cubbies and 15.1 cu-ft (430 liters) of cargo space with the rear seats folded up. Like its larger sibling, the EQE doesn't have a frunk (front trunk) – in fact, the hood doesn't even open.
The EQE's interior carries over almost unchanged from the EQS. It's just as opulent and sophisticated, and we're particularly fond of the white and blue interior (with copper accents) inside the gray EQE 350+ Edition One we drove.
It's 'chef's kiss' good! On the other hand, we're less enamored with the EQE's high cowl, which carries over from the EQS. It limits front visibility and feels claustrophobic.
Mercedes EQE driving impressions
We drove a gray EQE 350+ Edition One with 21-inch wheels, the 12.8-inch center OLED touchscreen, and an AMG Line steering wheel, plus a blue EQE 500 4Matic with 20-inch wheels and the Hyperscreen.
Both cars were equipped with rear-wheel steering and the air suspension. Our route took us on damp mountain roads, on the unrestricted Autobahn, and in city traffic, so we experienced a broad range of road conditions.
At 5,200lbs (2,358kg) the EQE is about 400lbs (181kg) lighter than the EQS, and the difference is noticeable. The EQE is definitely more athletic and more playful in the twisties.
Like the EQS, the EQE offers four levels of regen – low, medium, high, and automatic – adjustable with steering wheel paddles. We mostly kept the regen set to high, and the drive mode set to Sport (mountains, Autobahn) or Comfort (city, Autobahn).
Surprisingly, the EQE does a better job than the EQS at blending regen and hydraulic braking. While the EQE 500 4Matic is certainly punchier off the line, the EQE 350+ doesn't feel like it takes one second longer to reach 60mph.
In other words, acceleration is brisk and satisfying. As with most cars these day, the EQE's steering isn't the most communicative, but Sport mode firms things up (along the dampers).
In typical Mercedes fashion, the EQE's ride is superb. Comfort mode is extremely well tuned and, together with the whisper quiet cabin, makes the EQE ideal for long-distance cruising.
Overall, we enjoyed driving the EQE more than the EQS, especially when it comes to handling and braking. The EQE simply provides a more engaging experience and proves once again that lighter and smaller is always better.
Considering how well sorted the EQE already is, we can't wait to drive the AMG version. For now though, it's clear that the EQE is Mercedes' best EV to date, and one of the best all-electric cars launching this year.
Black Panther 2 director is working on an exciting MCU Disney Plus show
Black Panther 2 director Ryan Coogler is reportedly helping to develop Marvel Studios' Ironheart TV show.
That's according to Anthony Ramos, who recently joined the Ironheart cast in an undisclosed role. The In The Heights star revealed the news during a chat with Extra TV at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscars party, although Marvel hasn't officially confirmed Coogler's involvement in the project.
Currently, there's very little we know about Ironheart. Dominique Thorne ( Judas and the Black Messiah , If Beale Street Could Talk) has been cast as the titular character, aka Riri Williams/Ironheart. Meanwhile, Chinaka Hodge ( Snowpiercer ) is showrunner on the project.
However, given that the Marvel Phase 4 project will tie into the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Thorne's Williams will play a supporting role – it isn't a huge surprise to learn of Coogler's likely involvement.
Asked how excited he was to board a Marvel production, Ramos said: "Yeah that’s what we [as actors] hope for. I feel blessed. It’s an amazing project. Incredible people, Chinaka Hodge and Ryan Coogler, and just like a dope squad, Dominique Thorne and I feel blessed and grateful."
Ramos' comments don't specify what role Coogler may play in Ironheart's production. Right now, there's no director in place for the six-episode superhero series, so it's possible that Coogler could lead filming on the MCU TV show. But, with Coogler busy producing a number of other projects, including Creed III, we suspect that he'll be attached to Ironheart in an executive producing capacity instead.
There's no release date for Ironheart on Disney Plus yet – the Marvel show hasn't begun filming, but is expected to start in Atlanta this June. In the meantime, there's plenty of MCU content on the way to keep fans occupied. Moon Knight will exclusively launch on Disney's streaming platform on March 30, while She-Hulk and Ms Marvel are also set to land on Disney Plus before the year is out.
Two more Marvel Disney Plus shows – Secret Invasion and What If... season 2 – may also launch on Disney Plus before the end of 2022. Their releases, though, are still up in the air as production is ongoing.
Analysis: will Ironheart tie into another Black Panther 2 TV spin-off?
Ironheart isn't the only Marvel Disney Plus show that Black Panther 2 will set up. An untitled Wakanda TV series is also in development at Marvel Studios, with Danai Gurira rumored to reprise her role as Dora Milaje general Okoye from both Black Panther films.
Coogler is also reportedly set to executively produce the unnamed Wakanda limited series. Like his potential involvement in Ironheart, this wouldn't be a huge surprise if it's true. Coogler did a terrific job of leading production on 2018's Black Panther movie, while his work on its sequel has been handled sensitively in the wake of Chadwick Boseman's death in August 2020.
With Ironheart and the untitled Wakanda TV project launching post-Black Panther 2, we'd be shocked if Wakanda Forever doesn't set up events to come in both TV series. Providing it does, Coogler's input will be vital in maintaining continuity between the upcoming Marvel movie , which is due to arrive in theaters in November, and its TV spin-offs.
For more Marvel-based content, check out everything we know about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness , as well as Thor: Love and Thunder .
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G could land soon as a super affordable smartphone
We’re expecting the OnePlus Nord CE 2 will land imminently, but it might not be alone, as we’re now hearing that there’s also a OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G.
That mouthful of a name has been put forward by leaker @OnLeaks , who shared the supposed specs of the device with Smartprix .
Apparently this phone will have a 6.59-inch Full HD screen, a mid-range Snapdragon 695 chipset, a choice of 6GB or 8GB of RAM along with 128GB or 256GB of storage, 5G, a 5,000mAh battery, and 33W charging.
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G will also apparently have a triple-lens rear camera, with a 64MP main lens and two 2MP lenses (which we’d guess serve macro and depth-sensing purposes). Finally, it apparently has a 16MP camera on the front.
There’s no news on the price, but we’d expect it will be cheaper than the OnePlus Nord CE , which started at £299 / Rs 24,999 (around $420, AU$550), so this could be a very affordable phone.
We’re also not sure when or where it will be available. The source claims it’s getting an India-first launch, but that suggests other regions will get it eventually. We’d think the UK is a prime candidate, since it got the original Nord CE, while the US is less likely, and Australia is out, as OnePlus doesn’t have a presence there.
As for the when, a leak suggests the OnePlus Nord CE 2 will be unveiled on February 11 , so it’s possible the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G will land at the same time, but we’re not sure. OnLeaks claims it’s coming “later this year,” which makes it sound further out.
Opinion: OnePlus is making too many phones
There was a time not so long ago when OnePlus would only launch one or two phones a year. Those phones would be an event, and stand out from the mobile crowd, and from each other. Now though, the company is launching so many handsets that even as a tech journalist it’s hard to keep up with them all.
This year we’ve already seen the OnePlus 10 Pro , and are expecting the OnePlus 10 , OnePlus 10 Ultra , OnePlus 10R , OnePlus Nord 2T , OnePlus Nord CE 2, a gaming phone , possibly the OnePlus Nord 3 , and now the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. There’s a high chance there will also be a OnePlus 10T later in the year, and there may be others that I’ve forgotten about.
That’s up to ten phones, or maybe even more if the OnePlus 10T gets Pro or Ultra variants, and I wouldn’t be surprised if other models pop up as well, such as new N-range handsets.
Based on leaks, some of these will be very similar to each other too, or to previous phones from OnePlus or other brands, so it can be hard to keep track of how they all compare.
It’s left the OnePlus range feeling diluted and confused, and where once news of a new OnePlus phone was exciting, now I often find it more exhausting.