Now that the Mercedes-Benz EQ series is available in the Philippine market, it is clear that the German luxury car brand has charged its way into the country’s EV revolution and sustainable mobility initiative. The EQ model range includes EQA, EQB, EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV. These EQ models lead the brand’s e-mobility charge in the country, offering a zero-emission and luxury-combined driving experience.
So, it was worth considering when Inchcape Philippines, the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the country, pitched the idea of experiencing two of its EQ models for a quick out-of-town drive. It was not the usual media drive with planned stops and activities, but a relaxing drive down south for a coffee run. Yes, to swing by Forresta Café in Villar City, Dasmarinas, Cavite. EQ stands for “electric intelligence”
Two EQ models were commissioned, the EQB 250+ “Electric Art” all-electric subcompact crossover and the EQE 350+ “AMG Line” all-electric sedan. The name EQ stands for “Electric Intelligence,” we are up for what the luxury brand claims to encompass: all key aspects of customer-focused electric mobility that extend beyond the vehicle itself. Moreover, offering a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem of products, services, technologies, and innovations.
The EQB 250+ Electric Art variant dishes 188 hp and 385 N-m of torque. Thanks to these figures, 0-100 km/h is achieved in 8.9 seconds. It has a 4×2 (FWD) drivetrain using eATS (Asynchronous) transmission. HV Battery capacity is at 70.1 kWh with a maximum output of 260 kW. The AC Charging capacity is 11 kW, while the DC Charging capacity is 100 kW (CCS / Type 2 charging cable). The total electric range is between 422 – 473 km (WLPT).
On the other hand, the EQE 350+ AMG Line variant dishes out 288 hp and 565 N-m of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. It has a 4×2 (RWD) drivetrain using eATS (Asynchronous) transmission. Its HV Battery capacity is at 90.5 kWh with a maximum output of 375 kW. The AC Charging capacity is 22 kW, while the DC Charging capacity is 170 kW (CCS / Type 2 charging cable). The total electric range is between 644 – 682 km (WLPT).
Behind the wheel of the “Electric Art”
In this drive event, our group was assigned to the EQB 250+. Dubbed “Electric Art,” we could see where it originated when we boarded. Inside, the rose gold-colored elements and the backlit trim characterize the modern, high-tech ambiance. Design accents like tubular elements in an aluminum-look reinforce the solid, robust, high-quality overall impression.
Of course, highlighted are the two merged 10.25 bright screens forming a widescreen cockpit and displaying all drive information, including the power meter and other EV driving data. It even shows a 360-degree bird’ s-eye view in parking mode. Of course, there is the MBUX Multimedia System functioning by simply saying “Hey Mercedes.” Thanks to the brand’s unique electric seat adjustment on the side door panel, finding the perfect seating position and vantage point was easier.
The convoy left the dealership along Greenhills EDSA during the morning rush hour. Despite the messy traffic situation, everything inside was impressively tranquil. The thermotronic A/C system was cold enough to relax all four of us while slicing through the crowded lanes. You know you are inside a Mercedes-Benz vehicle when everything inside is the opposite of the traffic mess on the road.
When we reached the expressway, that was when everything became bliss. With fewer cars, we were able to push the throttle. Here was when the vehicle’s pure electric power took over. Dishing out 385 N-m of torque, we felt that Mercedes-Benz was modest with the declared figure. Because the instantaneous acceleration, whenever we step on it, felt otherwise. The power output made the four adult occupants irrelevant. Even so, the regenerative braking was forceful enough that we almost did a “one-pedal” operation the entire time. That was not even touching the recuperation paddles to adjust the intensity.
Throughout the freeway run, the vehicle was well-planted and in control. We like the steering feedback, which delivers precise reactions even on sudden turns at high-speed limits, maintaining the vehicle’s form. As a result, passing slower vehicles became a walk in the park. Then we reached the exit going to the venue, and still, everything was blissful until we finally reached the coffee shop, wanting more from the exciting freeway drive.
Undoubtedly EQ-looking
At the coffee shop, we were able to appreciate the design more during the photo shoot. At first glance, one thing was evident and oozing: the characteristic black panel grille representing the EQ line with seemingly united high-performance LED headlamps. Also, the continuous light strip at the front and rear clearly shows the EQB as a member of the Mercedes-Benz EQ family. Those multi-spoke rims added to the sporty look of the crossover.
Meanwhile, the EQE is one sleek-looking electric luxury sedan. Arranged beside the EQB during the photo shoot, its main characteristic feature is the striking one-bow design – a coupé-like shoulder line that flows sweepingly from the rear to the front. It emphasizes typical EQ features, such as the three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz star pattern on the front. Seemingly united to the black grille are the digital light headlamps. The AMG Line touch even added a character to the electric business class look, complementing other design elements such as the seamless door handles and multi-spoke rims.
After the photoshoot, we returned to our assigned vehicles and took the same route to Manila. As passengers, we found the rear area spacious enough for tall guys. The seat has contours that are comfy enough to doze us off. Again, we encountered heavy traffic on EDSA, and as usual, it was negligible inside the EQB 250+. No wonder when we made it back to the Greenhills dealership, it was as if we had never driven at all.
Story and photos by Randy S. Peregrino
