The CarBuzz spy photographers have just captured the second-generation Mercedes-Benz EQE for the first time, and the prototypes are showing off some massive changes. The EQE sedan, which will be called the E-Class EQ this time around, is ditching its blob-like electric styling for a more traditional sedan look. It shouldl bring its bodywork in-line with the gas-powered E-Class, and hopefully for Benz, boost the EV’s sales.
Base Trim Engine
EV
Base Trim Transmission
Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
315 HP
Base Trim Torque
417 lb.-ft.
Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
87/85/86 mpge
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Electric Benzes Will Look Like Cars Again
Mercedes-Benz E-Class EV PrototypeCarBuzz/Valnet
Mercedes-Benz moving to more conventional styling for its EQE and EQS models isn’t a surprise. The company hinted at it earlier this year, with design boss Gorden Wagener saying that “I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early.” Like Marty McFly in 1955, he thinks you’re just not ready for it yet. CEO Ola Källenius said the next S-Class EV would have gas car styling, and now it appears the new E-Class EV will too.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class EV PrototypeCarBuzz/Valnet
In the images, you can see that the front of the two electric prototypes is much more upright than the older EQE. It’s more like the gas E-Class that’s bringing up the rear of the convoy, though it isn’t a match for that model.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class EV PrototypeCarBuzz/Valnet
Details like the headlights are different, and the shape of the grille appears different too. We’re fairly certain those lights are prototype parts though, so while the overall shape is likely accurate, details could differ on the production version. Specifically, details like the star-shaped accent lamps of every new Benz model, which aren’t seen here. Another giveaway is the large holes for what appear to be aiming adjustments.
Padding the front of the hood and then adding a flap to the top of the grille is a very effective way of disguising the new front end. Still, follow the hood panel edge to the headlights, and you can get a better idea of what the final car will look like.
More Traditional Styling Should Appeal To Benz Buyers
Mercedes-Benz E-Class EV PrototypeCarBuzz/Valnet
Benz is hiding the rear quarter glass treatment, but it can’t hide a roofline that’s much more upright. That gives the E-Class EV a more traditional sedan look. It should also give it more rear headroom, an area that was compromised by the EQE’s shape. Finishing up the car, the taillights, too, are prototype units.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class EV PrototypeCarBuzz/Valnet
The new shape will probably increase the drag and frontal area of the car, which could hurt total range. Mercedes-Benz will likely be using its advanced axial flux motors from Yasa, which should be able to more than make up for extra drag through efficiency, so don’t expect a shorter range on the road.
Mercedes-Benz is reportedly planning to end production of the EQE sedan as well as the EQE SUV next year. They were set to get a facelift and a new 800V architecture with more efficient inverters before the cancellation. This new model, then, will likely be revealed in late 2026 or early 2027, with Mercedes-Benz trying to minimize its time without an entrant in the segment.
The new electric E-Class is expected to use a version of the MB.EA-M platform. That’s the same platform used for the new C-Class EV and the just-revealed GLC EV. For a better idea of the shape of the new E-Class, look no further than that new GLC.
