Mercedes Is Killing the EQE Globally — But China Is Getting a New 2026 Model

Finding New Life in China

The Mercedes EQE has been hovering over the chopping block for months. Reports out of Europe describe it as one of the casualties of Mercedes’ reevaluation of its electric strategy. Demand for EVs has cooled, and the EQ family, with its rounded, futuristic styling, never quite clicked with traditional Mercedes buyers. Sales of the EQE reflect that disconnect.

Even so, the nameplate isn’t fading out everywhere. In China – by far the world’s biggest auto market – Mercedes has launched a slightly updated 2026 EQE, keeping the model alive in a region where electric luxury cars still have room to grow.

What’s New in the 2026 EQE for PRC

China’s 2026 EQE isn’t a full redesign. The exterior, interior, and powertrain carry over, making this more of a configuration and tech refresh. Multi-zone intelligent climate control is now available across the lineup, and Mercedes has opened rear-wheel steering to lower and mid-range trims. The familiar “Night Array” closed grille, digital headlights, retractable handles, and 3D spiral taillights remain, paired with a sleek body that maintains a 0.22 drag coefficient.

Inside, the EQE continues its lounge-like theme with wood trim, ambient lighting, and a 12.8-inch MBUX touchscreen featuring a zero-layer interface and built-in 5G connectivity. Navigation runs on Gaode Maps with AR enhancements, and the Burmester audio system and HEPA filtration return unchanged. Power also stays the same: dual 300 kW motors, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, a 0-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds, and 10–80% charging in 37 minutes. The rear-wheel steering system allows a tight 10.7-meter turning diameter, which suits crowded Chinese cities.

Why the EQE Is Being Phased Out Elsewhere

The global story is far less optimistic. The EQE sedan and SUV are heading toward discontinuation as Mercedes trims overlap in its lineup and transitions to the new 800V MB.EA platforms. The EQE’s planned facelift has been shelved, and sales have dropped sharply, especially compared with the more conventional-looking E-Class and its successful BMW rival, the i5. Mercedes is also preparing to unify its naming strategy, eventually aligning ICE and EV models under a single badge.

For now, Mercedes still lists the 2026 EQE sedan in the US, starting at around $65,000. Whether it will stay on for the 2027 model year remains a question, though Mercedes has something planned for it in the next few years based on its plan to beat BMW in America and road sightings of the next-generation E-Class.