New production Mercedes models at the Munich Motor Show
Unlike concept cars, the main production models introduced at the show will be the first to hit the road. Mercedes-Benz has surely made a memorable impression in Munich! It will just suffice to mention one concept, futuristic, all-electric Gelandewagen, which we have already reviewed. And yet, the production models became the main ones. And not all of them are electric, which is good. We'll tell you what awaits us in the very near future.
Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ Liftback
This is the first electric member of the AMG family. It has even topped the EQS 580 4Matic all-wheel drive liftback with two motors with a total capacity of 524 hp. The new model by AMG has much more potential, featuring a pair of engines, developing 658 hp or 761 hp with the AMG Dynamic Plus sports package. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h with the ‘dynamic package’ occurs in 3.4 seconds. At the moment of acceleration, the electronics constantly analyze the work of the all-wheel drive, adjusting the torque, and the speakers reproduce the synthesized sound of a powerful internal combustion engine in two ‘boost’ options. Sales of the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 will begin in 2022. The price is not yet known.
Mercedes EQE Sedan
The new model follows the style of the older EQS model in many ways and is an excellent alternative at a more reasonable price. In Munich, the company presented the entry-level EQE 350 with one synchronous electric motor on the rear axle with an output of 292 hp. Thanks to the EVA2 platform, the new EQE is noticeably roomier than the regular E-Class, with a wheelbase of 3,120 mm, even longer than the short-wheelbase S-Class sedan (non-electric). The 90 kWh battery promises a driving range from 545 to 660 km (WLTP cycle). The car features a cool MBUX Hyperscreen media system with several displays connected into a single panel, as well as a special camera that follows the driver’s gaze and “commands the backlight”. But it is already known that this is an option. Options also include digital headlights that draw prompts on the road, air suspension, and a fully steerable chassis like that of the older EQS.
Mercedes EQB SUV
The EQB electric SUV premiered at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show. In Munich, Mercedes has confirmed that the new EQB will arrive in the US in 2022, where it will be offered as the EQB 300 4Matic and EQB 350 4Matic versions, with twin-engine, all-wheel drive configurations. The Mercedes EQB 300 will produce 225 hp, while the EQB 350 provides 288 hp. All versions will have a 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. DC fast charging in CCS format charges the battery from 10 to 80% in half an hour. With a length of 4,864 mm and a wheelbase of 2,829mm, the new EQB is slightly longer than the Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi Q4, but slightly shorter than the Tesla Model Y. Mercedes-Benz says the EQB will have an additional third row of seats, while the 5-seater or 7-seater versions, the second row is movable. The EQB’s range, prices and full specifications for the US market will be revealed closer to 2022. The first cars for the Chinese market will be produced in Beijing, whereas cars for Europe and the United States will be produced in Kecskemet, Hungary.
Mercedes C-Class All-Terrain Estate
The all-wheel drive All-Terrain C-Class Estate with a traditional internal combustion engine is another new product presented at the Munich Motor Show. The small off-road estate (following the example of the older E-Class All-Terrain model) has received a protective plastic body kit, several off-road driving modes and 40 mm increased ground clearance. It is equipped with several engine options: a petrol engine with 204 hp and a 2-liter diesel engine with 200 hp. All engines work in conjunction with a 48-volt hybrid EQ Boost system that adds 20 ‘electric’ forces and 200 Nm of torque. The all-wheel drive transmission with center differential distributes the torque between the axles in a 45:55 ratio in favor of the rear wheels. In order to handle the mild off-road, the car is equipped with a convenient system with a visual display of parameters and several driving modes. ‘Smart’ matrix headlights on difficult terrain are trained to illuminate significantly more space, excluding dark corners (operate at speeds up to 50 km/h).
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance Liftback
This vehicle has a very long name, a lot of power and three motors. After all, Mercedes does not completely abandon the internal combustion engine, delighting its fans with the possibilities of Formula 1. It is currently the most powerful model in the range of the German manufacturer. By the way, it is hybrid. The new GT 63 S E Performance is a truly ‘crazy’ 4-door vehicle, offering 843 hp and 1,470 Nm of torque. It has an aerodynamic body with a predatory radiator grille. The 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine produces 639 hp and 900 Nm, and the remaining ‘forces’ are provided by the magic of electricity. The engine comes with a starter generator that adds 14 hp and makes it easier to accelerate from standstill. Assistants on the rear axle are a 204-horsepower electric unit and a traction battery. The super hybrid supercar is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, developing a top speed of 316 km/h. The liftback offers a driving range of only 12 kilometers, but at the same time it is capable of accelerating up to 130 km/h. And that’s just a little more than the McLaren P1 hypercar.
