Mercedes-Benz hadn't introduced a single electric car a little over a year ago. As of Monday it now has five including a medium and large electric sedan in the EQE and EQS, a medium and large SUVs in the EQE SUV and EQS SUV and a compact SUV in the EQB SUV. It seems like a fast turnaround, but with the company promising to build only new electric platforms by 2025 and only sell electric vehicles by 2030, it just a necessary step in the right direction.

"The EV shift is picking up speed - especially in the luxury segment, where Mercedes-Benz belongs. The tipping point is getting closer and we will be ready as markets switch to electric-only by the end of this decade," said Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG in a press release. "This step marks a profound reallocation of capital. I am convinced that we will be successful in this exciting new era."

One might be confused about why Mercedes started with a six-figure sedan instead of in the popular crossover/SUV bodystyle. The company explained that it wanted its first electric vehicle to be on a dedicated platform (as opposed to the EQBs modified platform) and noted that for many Mercedes drivers, the EQS is probably their first EV. It wants to blow them away. And now its best-selling vehicle, the GLE SUV, has an electrified counterpart.

Mercedes put on a press event to sample all its new electric vehicles at an event in Colorado in September.

2023 Mercedes EQE SUV

The newest member of the EQ family (all of Mercedes' EVs will wear the EQ moniker) is the EQE SUV. The new EQE is about the same length and width as the gasoline-powered Mercedes GLE but it a little shorter in height. It has just a little less cargo space both with the seats up and folded.

The 2023 EQE SUV, on sale in March of next year, is available with all-wheel drive and an estimated electric driving range of 342 miles. It can charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 32 minutes on a fast charger. Buyers are looking at 9.5 hours on a home wallbox.

The electric front motor, one of two, can be disconnected for more efficient travel in mild road conditions. It features three level of coasting and regeneration, including a full one-pedal drive mode, when the car comes to a stop if the accelerator is lifted. The EQE SUV also has drive modes for Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual.

The standard EQE 350+ SUV delivers 288 horsepower (hp) and 417 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque to the rear wheels. The 350 4Matic adds all-wheel drive and increases torque to 564 pound-feet. The EQE 500 4Matic SUV makes 536 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque. An AMG version will come later with 677 total horsepower.

The cabin is quiet and the heated, ventilated and leather-wrapped seats are comfortable and adjustable for any body type. The optional 56-inch Hyperscreen spans the dashboard and customizable ambient lights illuminate the passenger space. Volume and mode controls are on the armrest and there are more on the steering wheel. Most of the controls are through the touchscreen, which is bright and high definition.

On the road the Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic SUV is immediately quick from a standing start with all the torque available from a stop. Passing maneuvers are just as easy at expressway speeds and beyond. The one-pedal driving both saves the brakes and recuperates energy. It recuperates less when the car coasts.

The EQE handles better than an average SUV due to the weight distribution with the batteries in the floor and the steering wheel has a medium effort while driving. Rear-axle steering is optional, making it easy to scoot around crowded parking lots.

Standard driving assistance systems include Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Parking Assist Package with surround view system. The status and activity of the driving assistance systems are shown in the driver's display.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but the 2023 EQE SUV will compete against the BMW iX, Audi e-tron and new Polestar 3, which range from $70,000 to $85,000.

2023 Mercedes EQE Sedan

The midsize EQE Sedan only comes in one trim called EQE 350 and it features rear-wheel drive, 288 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. It has a range of 660 kilometers on the European test cycle. That converts to 410 miles on a charge. However, that WLTP test is less harsh than the EPAs, so expect a range in the mid-300s. It can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 32 minutes, but will take over 9 hours at home.

The EQE 350 Sedan is arriving at dealers now and the all-wheel drive EQE 500 4Matic will go on sale later. Rear-wheel steering is optional, as are automatic closing doors and the Hyperscreen infotainment system.

The EQS Sedan is about the size of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, or a Toyota Avalon, but a little bit narrower. The styling is plainer than most of its competitors with just one character line on the lower portion of the sides and one crimp on the doors and fenders above. Like the larger EQS sedan, its design was shaped to cheat the wind.

On the highway, the brakes do exhibit the spongier regeneration feel that plagues some hybrids and electric vehicles. However, using the one-pedal driving function, owners won't have to use that pedal very often. The EQE is stunningly quiet, which is more impressive considering the manufacturer doesn't have engine noise to hide behind.

The cabin feels spartan thought its loaded with tech. The tester didn't have the Hyperscreen, but it did have the augmented navigation that shows floating arrows for turn on the head-up display, which takes some getting used to. There are no knobs or dials, so drivers will have to use the wheel controls or touchscreen.

2023 Mercedes EQS SUV

The EQS SUV is 4 inches shorter nose to tail and 3 inches narrow than the full-size and gasoline-powered Mercedes GLS SUV, but like the sedan it feels massive inside. The seats and electronics are similar, including the Hyperscreen. Base models come with a 12.8-inch central touchscreen display that sweeps out in a portrait layout from the armrest and center console. A 12.3-inch digital information screen is standard.

The EQS SUV has 7 cubic feet of cargo space with all three rows in place. The Mercedes GLS, for reference, comes with 17.4 cubic feet. In the five-passenger two-row EQS SUV, cargo space is rated at 31 cubic feet. Both rows split and fold flat for longer cargo.

Rear seat entertainment is available with touchscreens in the back of the front seats. The center portion of the second row also folds down and features a standard touchscreen for back passengers to adjust the radio, climate and navigation.

The Mercedes EQS 580 4Matic delivers 536 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque with all-wheel drive. The EQS 450+ is rear-wheel drive and makes 355 hp from a single motor. The EQS 450 has a range of 305 miles, the EQS 580 4Matic goes 285 miles on a charge. It takes 12.5 hours to recharge at home and 31 minutes to get to 80 percent on a DC fast charger.

The EQS 580 comes standard with adjustable air suspension and an Off-Road driving mode. Between the rear-wheel steering and multitude of cameras this large SUV is nimble over dirt and rocks. It can climb slick rocks and the cameras adjust with speed. When going slow drivers get the "invisible hood" view, which shows where the tires are placed. At higher speeds it shows a front-view camera.

The 2023 Mercedes EQS 450 SUV starts at $104,000. All-wheel drive adds $3,000 to the price. The EQS 580 SUV starts at $125,950. The brand calls out the electric Tesla Model X and BMW iX as competitors, which start at $120,000 and about $85,000 respectively.

2023 Mercedes EQS Sedan

Moving from the Mercedes' latest EV to its first, the EQS Sedan uses the same new platform as the EQE and EQE SUV. It can charge 10 to 80 percent in just 31 minutes at a DC fast charger and range is rated at 350 miles for the base model. It comes in two trims: EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4Matic, with rear- and all-wheel drive and an AMG version is also available.

The EQS 450 delivers 328 hp and 417 lb-ft while the EQS 580 has 516 hp and 631 lb-ft. As with the EQE SUV, the AMG version will land with either 649 hp or 751 hp with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.

Also like the EQE SUV, the EQS Sedan is available with the company's 56-inch Hyperscreen that includes a viewing area and controls for both driver and passenger. It surrounded by ambient light and works through the same steering wheel, armrest and touch controls as the SUV. The wood and leather trim are immaculate, and both the front and back seats feel cavernous.

That giant screen does reflect the sun at different times of the day, but it's bright enough to easily find and poke at important icons. It also reacts fast without much loading and important features are no more than two presses away.

The EQS Sedan feels heavy on the road, but planted, even on slick pavement. The brakes are stiffer than the EQE but with one-pedal driving an owner won't use them much. Acceleration is brutally fast in both the 580 and the AMG version. It's quiet like a traditional Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the ride is supremely smooth with adaptive air suspension and easy steering. It too has rear-wheel steering, so it can be turned around on a narrow road without a problem.

The EQS Sedan, and especially the EQS AMG, have the Tesla Model S Plaid firmly in their sights. They're both on sale now with a base price of $102,310.

2022 Mercedes EQB SUV

The Mercedes EQB SUV is the only one of the five Mercedes EVs that uses a modified platform from a traditionally powered vehicle in the GLB. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and in two configurations, EQB 300 4Matic and EQB 350 4Matic. The EQB 300 makes 225 horsepower while the EQB 350 lands with 288 hp.

EQB SUVs have a range of 260 miles on the European test cycle, which would convert to around 220 miles for the EPA test. It can recharge at a home wall box in 11 hours and 15 minutes. On a DC fast charger it takes just 32 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent. The EQB can be had in either five- or seven-passenger configurations.

The EQB SUV does not offer the 56-inch Hyperscreen, because it's on the old architecture, but does have a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 EQB SUV does find itself in the small-to-medium crossover category that's very popular. With the smaller motors it is slower than the bigger SUVs and sedans, but not annoyingly so. The brakes are spongy and the EQB does not have one-pedal driving so drivers will have to use them. The first part of the brake stroke regains energy, when pushed harder the mechanical brakes add stopping power.

The EQB SUV is on sale now starting at $55,000 and counts the Tesla Model Y ($65,990), Audi Q4 e-tron ($48,800) and Volkswagen ID.4 ($37,495) as competitors.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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