IC Star Automotive, Inc., official distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the Philippines, is steadily growing its portfolio of pure-electric vehicles. The latest reveal is the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV – unveiled recently at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Aside from “further solidifying (the) Mercedes-Benz commitment to electrification, innovation and sustainability,” the release of the EQE SUV is perhaps not so much a litmus test for the market’s readiness for electric vehicles (EVs) as it is already a testament to getting to that state of increased openness to the format. The appetite is there, no doubt about it.
The SUV version of the EQE is the latest electric import from IC Star Automotive, which is under the aegis of Inchcape Philippines. The newest model joins the EQA, EQB, EQS, and EQE’s sedan version, and carries the signature look of its electric siblings, while purveying a “perfect blend of style, comfort, and sustainability,” insisted the distributor.
Perhaps the most relevant for our burgeoning EV market is, of course, the offered range. Based on WLTP-standardized testing, Mercedes-Benz reported a single-charge range of 536km to 628km – which could, insisted the distributor, promise a drive from Manila to Baguio and back on a single charge. Output numbers are 292hp and 565Nm, by the way, made possible through the EQE SUV’s lithium-ion battery with a 96kWh capacity, and which accepts a charge of up to 170kW.
Coming in a sole 350+ AMG Line variant with an introductory price of P7.19 million, the all-new EQE SUV’s sleek, aerodynamic lines are not merely for aesthetics; they play a crucial role in enhancing the vehicle’s efficiency and performance, reported Mercedes-Benz.
Fitted onto the EQE SUV are 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, and the vehicle gets seamless door handles and black panel grille with three-dimensional star patterns. Fringing the grille are advanced headlamps – so-called Digital Light with Ultra Range high beam, featuring the “lighting strike band” of the EQ series. The LED taillights, on the other hand, are designed in the shape of a curved illuminated 3D helix. These are supplemented with a light strip.
Inside, the EQE SUV is said to offer ample legroom and headroom for both driver and passengers.
“The all-new EQE SUV boasts an elegant design complemented by cutting-edge technology seamlessly integrated to elevate (the) driving experience,” IC Star Automotive said in a release. The vehicle gets a 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system dishing out up to 710W of sound, and Active Ambient Lighting allows for the customization of the light strips within.
As for cargo capacity, with the rear seatbacks up, the EQE serves up 580 liters of space – growing to 1,675 liters with the seatbacks folded.
Replying to a question from this writer, IC Star Automotive Assistant Vice President for Product and Training Benjie Bautista said, “For the past three or four years, I’ve seen the EV awareness right now the market is growing, and with that awareness also comes the (sales growth) in electric vehicles.” EVs comprise some 15 percent of Mercedes-Benz Philippines sales, he revealed, and that share is projected to go up to 20 percent this year.
He added that the “vital thing” is the continued support of government, along with the expansion of charging infrastructure. “It can’t be just not just situated in Metro Manila, but also to the north and south of it. And that’s why we are partnering with Shell e-Mobility to speed up the infrastructure rollout. Of course, this is all for our customers to enjoy a better driving experience, with our EVs – without range anxiety.”