Mercedes is going electric. This much we already know. But the rate at which the brand is rolling out its electrification strategy is accelerating alarmingly fast. Mercedes-EQ - the automaker's dedicated electric sub-brand - started strong with the EQS sedan, an electric equivalent to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But the sequel is always more important than the breakout album, which is why all eyes are on Mercedes at the Munich Auto Show, where the world has been introduced to the new 2023 Mercedes EQE Sedan.

The EQE, as its name suggests, takes up a spot on the roster just below the EQS Sedan in size as an electric equivalent to the E-Class, which will continue to be sold alongside the newcomer. Retaining familiar styling to the polarizing EQS, the EQE has debuted in 350 guise, sporting impressive numbers. The headline figures are 288 horsepower, 391 lb-ft, a WLTP range of 410 miles, and the ability to recoup 155 miles range in just 15 minutes.

Built on the same premium-class electric architecture as the EQS, the EQE shares its older sibling's 'one-bow', cab-forward design and Progressive Luxury design language. However, it's smaller than the EQS with a 3.5-inch shorter wheelbase at 122.9 inches. As standard, it rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and boasts a panoramic sunroof, but can be optionally upgraded with AMG styling (grey car pictured) and larger wheels. LED headlights are standard, but a new Digital Light system utilizes 1.3-million micromirrors and three LED modules to create more than 2.6 million pixels of light. It measures 196.6 inches long, 77.2 inches wide, and 59.5 inches tall, making it similar in size to the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. But thanks to the flat platform of its electric architecture, interior volume exceeds that of the E-Class substantially with an inch more front shoulder room and an extra three inches of legroom across both rows of seating.

Much of the EQS's tech has been employed in here, with an available 56-inch Hyperscreen digital dashboard and automatically-opening comfort front doors both being available options.

Mechanically, rear-wheel steering is also inherited from the EQS, available in both 4.5- and 10-degree variants. In regards to powertrain options, the EQE 350 is the first of multiple EQE derivatives that will be available, including a potential AMG version. It makes use of a 90-kWh battery pack granting a 410-mile range on the WLTP cycles - which are traditionally far more generous than US EPA standards. The EQE 350 is a RWD derivative with a single electric motor acting on the rear axle. It produces 288 hp and 391 lb-ft, prompting a 5.6-second 0-60 mph sprint and a top speed of 130 mph. Mercedes hasn't detailed what variants will follow, only that there will be another model revealed soon and that later versions will be equipped with 4Matic AWD.

DC charging capability is standard at up to 170 kW. This DC fast charging enables the EQE 350 to recharge from 10-80% in 31 mins, while a full charge on a Level 2 (240-volt) system takes 9.5 hours.

Comfort suspension is equipped as standard, making use of four-link front and multilink rear components similar in makeup to the new S-Class. Air suspension is available with ADS+ adaptive damping.

The interior is particularly luxurious with a massive focus on technology. The MBUX Hyperscreen has 2.6 square feet of visible area and touch prompts are met with haptic feedback from 12 actuators beneath the touchscreen surfaces. The processing unit comprises eight CPU cores, and 24 GB of RAM with speeds of up to 46.4 GB per second. This massive system can be supplemented by an optional head-up display measuring 77 inches diagonally.

standard, the EQE features twin MBUX screens measuring 12.8 inches for infotainment and 12.3 inches ahead of the driver. Over-the-air updates are included, allowing drivers to update on the fly and purchase new functionality throughout the course of ownership. Ambient lighting, four-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and the usual array of amenities are all available.

These systems are supplemented by a strong suite of safety and assistance programs including standard Pre-Safe, brake assists, parking sensors, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring with active lane-keep function, and even HEPA standard air filters. Optionally, surround-view camera, augmented reality navigation, adaptive cruise control, and various semi-autonomous functionality can be specified.

Mercedes has a long history of electric vehicles, dating back to 1906 when the "Mercedes Electrique" vehicles were added to the model lineup comprising passenger cars, trucks, buses, ambulances, and more. To honor this, a new fragrance for the Air-Balance package called No.6 Mood pays homage to the year 1906. This fragrance is inspired by the aroma of dark chocolate. The EQE adds to the history of Mercedes EVs, with the brand pursuing full carbon neutrality. Even the steel used in the EQE's construction is recycled, and all Mercedes-Benz-owned passenger vehicle plants from 2022 will be fully CO2 neutral.

The Mercedes EQE will be built at the marque's Bremen plant in Germany and will arrive at US dealerships in 2022. Pricing has not yet been determined, but core rivals have. With the EQE Sedan, Mercedes is targeting the Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S, Audi e-tron GT, Lucid Air, and BMW i4.