Mercedes-Benz EQE electric lease deals

Leasing a Mercedes EQE in the UK

Are there enough luxury electric cars to lease?

From 2022, our UK personal and business customers are going to be spoiled for choice with the launch of some incredible new products in the electric  battery sector. And Mercedes have been one of the most fervent manufacturers, with an option to select in almost every segment. Many were left asking the question – can anyone compete with Tesla? And until 2021 / 2022, it was difficult to see which manufacturer could keep up with a brand synonymous with EVs. Mercedes really are a true example of what can be achieved within a short space of time.

So, what is the Mercedes EQE?

The latest innovation is very much a like-for-like alternative to the combustion E-Class i.e. the EQE is smaller than the EQS (which is based on the S-Class). While lease customers looking at a Tesla Model S or Porsche Taycan Saloon might not immediately consider the EQE, some of the upcoming models and specifications will be £90,000+, so should not easily be discounted. However, as at today (March 2022) Mercedes have only confirmed the following models for the UK (an AMG 43 and 53 4Matic+ is due to follow):

• EQE 350+ 215kW AMG Line 90kWh 4dr Auto;

• EQE 350+ 215kW AMG Line Premium 90kWh 4dr Auto – adds 20” alloys, driving assistant package, ambient lighting, automatic climate control and Keyless Go (circa £5000 more than the AMG); 
• EQE 350+ 215kW AMG Line Premium+ 90kWh 4dr Auto – adds 21” alloy wheels, air suspension, MBUX interior assistant, head-up display, heated front windscreen and parking package (circa £7000 more than the AMG Premium); and               
• EQE 350+ 215kW Exclusive Luxury 90kWh 4dr Auto – this car features 20” alloys, Electric Art exterior and interior, comfort seats, heated rear windscreen, heated rear sets and heated steering wheel (same price as the AMG Line Premium+).

Update - as at July 2022 Mercedes formally launched two new battery options. The new, and cheaper, EQE 300 180kW AMG Line 89kWh 4dr Auto, have been made available to UK leasing customers and can include a Premium or Premium Plus Pack. While an 89 kWh battery, this will offer a slightly reduced range with a combined cold weather performance of 265 miles and a better 365 miles in warmer temps. With 180 kW (or 241hp) this option offers 0 – 62 in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.

Charging times on the 300 EQE are just under 10 hours on the 11 kW AC max with 33 minutes for rapid charging on the 170 kW DC max. this still has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 145mpg. Towing with the EQE 300? This car offers a tow capacity 750kg braked or unbraked.

The other addition is the E53 4Matic+ 460kW Night Edition 91kWh 4dr Auto and the Touring edition.  With a 90.6 kWh battery, expect a combined cold weather range of 250 miles and a robust 340 miles in warmer temps. With 460kW (or 617hp) this option offers 0 – 62 in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 137 mph.

Charging times on the AMG EQE are just under 10 hours on the 11 kW AC max with 33 minutes for rapid charging on the 170 kW DC max. Considering this is the AMG option, this still has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 132mpg. Towing with the EQE AMG? This car offers a tow capacity 750kg braked or unbraked.

Will the Mercedes EQE deliver a positive electric experience?

With this car following several electric Merc models, battery technology within the group is ever improving and this is providing a better experience for our customers. Yes, we understand that leasing customers are focused on the best EQE deals but as an EV there are key facets which much be considered in order to guarantee this meets your needs and requirements.

In terms of range, the EQE will offer around 280 miles (real world combined) in colder / winter climates and 390 miles (real world combined) in warmer / summer climates. The weather / temperature is influential on the way in which an EQE will perform. However, the EQE will feature high up on the lists of the best EV ranges to consider. And it isn’t just about the range of the EQE which makes this car so unique. The car’s ability to charge is also formidable – the 11 kW AC max providing 0 - 100% charging times of just under 10 hours and the 170 kW DC rapid charging max allowing 30 minute 10 – 80 % times. Remember, with an EV it isn’t just about how far the car can travel but how quickly it can charge on the UK’s public network.

But will the Mercedes EQE be popular?

The issue isn’t so much about the popularity of the car, with striking design, amazing specification and some stunning features, the EQE will undoubtedly win awards for just how special it is. Much of the barriers to entry will centre around cost, namely the starting prices of £75,000+. As such, this precludes this EV from being considered by the same company car drivers who would equally consider an e-class in the combustion format.

With rentals likely to be anywhere between £750 - £1250 per month on our best leasing deals, this is likely to eliminate the vast proportion of the UK’s PCH and BCH market. However, for potential EQE customers who are ready to order their car today, there are other factors to consider as part of assessing the value this saloon offers. For example, in leasing the EQE on a company car or salary sacrifice scheme, the drivers benefit from 2% BiK (for tax year 2022/23) which translates to some cheap company car tax exposure.

This can save literally hundreds of pounds compared to an equivalent combustion alternative, so this may bridge part of the gap. Also consider that the EQE will offer some enhanced Whole of Life cost savings for both the company and the driver. EVs are generally cheaper to fuel (so long as you have a good home or workplace charging tariff), are cheaper to service and maintain plus they are often exempt from any Clean Air Zone or Congestion Zone charges. When you carefully analyse the running costs of the EQE, you soon appreciate there is more to consider beyond a headline monthly price.

Whether you are a personal or business leasing customer looking to lease the all-electric EQE, just head across to the UK’s best car leasing brokers e-car lease. Our amazing website contains the only information you need to absorb as part of your assessment including seasonal range statistics, charging speeds, charging times and charge point locations. Our on-page company car tax and fuel cost calculation will also help company car drivers, salary sacrifice customers and fleet managers / FDs understand just how much money the EQE can save you or the business.

Simply build your perfect car, including any specification you need, and get an instant price based on your annual mileage, term, initial rental (deposit) and maintenance requirements. Also let us know if you need a home or workplace charge point solution for your new EQE and our experts will assist you. Need to know more – head to our Trustpilot to see what our existing electric car customers really think!