A Wild Ride Through Grossglockner Reveals the Varying E-Range of the Mercedes-EQE Limousine
Sprawled over the Hochglockner in the Mercedes-EQE luxury car.
By Patrik B. and Maria A., Mountain Chatter
If you've got reservations about electric cars, it's not just the eerie silence that might spook you. Long charging times and inconsistent stated ranges add to the unease. But why? Here's a whistle-stop tour around Grossglockner on an efficient Mercedes EQE limo to shed some light on the matter.
Navigating the slippery slope of electric vehicle ranges is a challenge that's giving many potential drivers whiplash. After all, who can trust a figure that doesn't always provide accurate results? This ntv.de piece unravels the mystery through a scenic journey aboard a Mercedes business car—the EQE series' V295 model, no less—on the Grossglockner.
This luxury sedan boasts a 350 trim, promising a whopping 630 kilometers on a full charge, per the range display when it's nearly fully charged. But what happens when you put that plentiful fuel to the test?
On our expedition, we climbed over 2400 meters on the Grossglockner at a leisurely pace, managing to keep speeds under control to avoid fines on the narrow country roads. The 4.95-meter-long Benz showed remarkable resilience, handling the incline effortlessly with impressive 765 Newtonmeters of torque under its belt.
But the revelation came on the descent. With little need for pressing the brakes, the EQE 350 recovered most of its energy through regenerative braking—a scenario that's practically made for such steep downhill stretches. The result: an astonishing 15.7 kWh consumption rate per 100 kilometers, even lower than the WLTP overall figure of 16.1 kWh. That's enough juice for over 600 kilometers' worth of driving on this route alone—a statistic that internal combustion engines wouldn't be able to match, even with a tailwind!
Energy Recovery: A Downhill Delight
After conquering the peak, the real fun began. Nearly 70% of the EQE 350's energy needs were alleviated during the downhill stretch, thanks to regenerative braking. This efficient energy recovery process is a game-changer, especially over extended mountain ranges.
On the other hand, internal combustion engines would have a hard time keeping up. The extra energy they'd consume while making their way up would be hard to recoup on the way down, and it's fair to say they'd struggle to keep up with the EQE's impressive economy on a long, steady highway drive. It's important to remember, though, that EVs may not fare as well in highway conditions compared to internal combustion engines due to differences in usage patterns and thermal efficiency.
Comfort is King in the EQE 350, but it Comes at a Price
The EQE 350 is a comfortable ride, with all-wheel steering, smooth air suspension, and ultra-comfy seats. For around €1,820, you can indulge in personalized massage options to ease road weary muscles as well. But the luxury comes at a range cost: Mercedes doesn't shy away from admitting that 32 minutes—on par with a coffee break—is required for the EQE 350 to recharge from 10% to 80% at a 170kW charging station.
To add fuel to the fire, highway driving tends to consume around 19 kWh per 100 kilometers, and that's when conditions are mild. But don't freak out—the EQE 350 is one of the most range-worthy luxury limousines out there, despite its powerhouse comfort. The 800V tech—albeit not yet part of the standard €71,411 price tag—is likely to appear on a higher-priced model in the future.
Are you pumped up to hop behind the wheel of an electric marvel that glides you smoothly from A to B? Remember, the EQE 350's range may not always meet the standard WLTP figure during highway driving due to its unique operating patterns, so plan for breaks accordingly and charge up before hitting the open road. Happy cruising!
- The inconsistent stated ranges of electric vehicles cancreate uncertainty for potential drivers, raising questions about the reliability of stated energy reserves.
- During the descent on the Grossglockner, the Mercedes EQE 350 harvested a significant amount of energy through regenerative braking, which is particularly beneficial on steep downhill stretches.
- While the EQE 350 delivers exceptional comfort with features such as all-wheel steering, smooth air suspension, and personalized massage options, this comes at an added cost, specifically a longer charging time when compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
- Drivers interested in electric vehicles might find it advantageous to invest in a charger or frequent charging stations along their route, considering the potential deviations in actual range during highway driving compared to the predicted WLTP figure.
