[Mkultra40]

Me: "Goodday. Can EQE be ordered now with optional 22kw AC charging in UK?"

A splendid chap David sent reply:

"Good Day. Until the EQE has its sales release in April this year we do not yet have that information to be able to confirm.
Apologies.
Can i assist you any further today?
.....
We can see that you have been inactive for a while now, so the chat session will close. If you would like to start another chat, please feel free to come back to our LiveChat service.
Alternatively, you can continue the conversation by replying to this email."

Sounds as productive as my session Dar.

And indeed before I had chance to say thanks and goodbye, the plug was pulled on my chat session. Zero interest whatsoever. I didn't expect a full chapter and verse but something that indicated that Mercedes were here for me in some limited level of interest.

 

[Dar]

As you say zero information seems to be available right now about 22kw timeline for EQS or EQE. In my email transcript smallprint it says I can continue conversation by clicking reply even months later presumably so I will check in with them again in about 8 weeks or longer if need be and report back if more information.

 

[Mkultra40]

I had another email from Mercedes advising me to cancel/hold the order until the 22kw option is made available. But (classic) ... they could not say when that would be.

Nor could they say when the new version MB Home Wall box in 22kw format would be available.

Why on earth do manufacturers fill pages on the web, PDF's and articles fed to the car press with product not available or with zero schedule as to 'when' it will be.

I wasted 7 months with Audi having that ridiculous conversation and seems I'm doing it again with Mercedes.

 

[Dar]

I found the Niisan Ariya and related Renault Megane will have onboard converters for changing AC to DC 22kw.

You could also considered getting a DC charger instead of AC. Then you could still charge around 22kw as no onboard converter is needed, assuming your electricity supply supports it. For example the Atle DC Fast Charger - 24kW - is popular in car dealerships, vehicle rental locations, car repair shops etc. DC home charging is becoming more popular and some DC chargers even support bidirectional charging (if car supports it). Here is a spec sheet. Possibly around 10k to install I would guess.

Search Results - Detail

garo.co.uk

It will be interesting if EQE will support 22ac or if it will be a repeat of the "press team not mention exceptions for individual markets to magazines and web develeopers" problem

 

[Mkultra40]

I found the Niisan Ariya and related Renault Megane will have onboard converters for changing AC to DC 22kw.

You could also considered getting a DC charger instead of AC. Then you could still charge around 22kw as no onboard converter is needed, assuming your electricity supply supports it. For example the Atle DC Fast Charger - 24kW - is popular in car dealerships, vehicle rental locations, car repair shops etc. DC home charging is becoming more popular and some DC chargers even support bidirectional charging (if car supports it). Here is a spec sheet. Possibly around 10k to install I would guess.

Search Results - Detail

garo.co.uk

It will be interesting if EQE will support 22ac or if it will be a repeat of the "press team not mention exceptions for individual markets to magazines and web develeopers" problem

This is interesting. I'm getting nowhere with MB (dealer or HQ support) with availability of this 22kw option.

I tried to search on that model you mention Dar but nothing coming back. Possible to get a link from you please?

Ahh sorry, you did already. Apologies I missed the link.

I'm going to have a read of that. Expensive but for a one time install, might be worth it if it eliminates this insane availability issue with MB.

Thanks

 

[Dar]

Sometimes risk-free revenue from such chargers is also possible in more public areas. Here is another company that could give you a second opinion, for example if the charger will make too much noise like some 150kw ones can do in particular..

DC Rapid Charging

Charge your electric vehicle in 15 minutes with our rapid charging solutions We help councils, local authorities and large corporations deliver national init

electriccarchargersuk.co.uk

 

[FI EQS AMG 53]

The 22 kW chargers seem not be available in most EU markets, they claim due to chip shortage. I am looking for to add in my next vehicle, but so far have been satisfied with 11 kW (actually nearly 12 kW) 3-phase charger at home. Always full battery (but only restricted to 90%) in the morning...

 

[Mkultra40]

The 22 kW chargers seem not be available in most EU markets, they claim due to chip shortage. I am looking for to add in my next vehicle, but so far have been satisfied with 11 kW (actually nearly 12 kW) 3-phase charger at home. Always full battery (but only restricted to 90%) in the morning...

At least you got some clear answer F1. I got nothing here. Dealer support is weak. I fear I have to compromise on 11kw as well.

 

[Electric_Dream]

At least you got some clear answer F1. I got nothing here. Dealer support is weak. I fear I have to compromise on 11kw as well.

I had the same experience with my 22kW AC onboard request for my EQS.
The dealer tried to build the car (on mercedes configurator) with listed optional 22kW AC but no way to make it (he told me it was because chip shortcage).
My car was delivered to me one month ago with 11kW AC charger and on car specifications it was listed capable of 32A single phase (merging two phases of the onboard charger as almost every modern EV does (including the EQA).
Well….this is not possible on the EQS.
Just 16A.
3.6kW is the charger is single phase, 11kW if the charger is 3 phases.
I still can‘t believe it.
The Mercedes Flagship EV with this kind of limitation.
From what I know, in the UK, single phase 50A installation is quite common and charging at 7.2kW single phase can be important.
Wonder is it’s a software bug…or an hardware issue of my car onboard charger.

 

[Dar]

At least you got some clear answer F1. I got nothing here. Dealer support is weak. I fear I have to compromise on 11kw as well.

As promised for April, I am getting back to you about the EQE in UK. Brochure promises 22kw as standard in UK! Some markets it may not be standard. You can download brochure here at the moment-

EQE from Mercedes-EQ

Learn more about the EQE from Mercedes-EQ.

www.mercedes-benz.co.uk

Looking at EQS brochure on same official website, by comparison, it only lists 11kw for UK, which I don't recall seeing before so maybe brochure specs were clarified.

 

[Mkultra40]

As promised for April, I am getting back to you about the EQE in UK. Brochure promises 22kw as standard in UK! Some markets it may not be standard. You can download brochure here at the moment-

EQE from Mercedes-EQ

Learn more about the EQE from Mercedes-EQ.

www.mercedes-benz.co.uk

Looking at EQS brochure on same official website, by comparison, it only lists 11kw for UK, which I don't recall seeing before so maybe brochure specs were clarified.

That is very interesting Dar. Thanks for sharing. I will chase our dealer and see what they have to say. Surprising data.

I will also ask Mercedes Assist as they seem more consistent and accurate than the dealer.

Thanks again. Will come back to you with responses.

 

[Dar]

That is very interesting Dar. Thanks for sharing. I will chase our dealer and see what they have to say. Surprising data.

I will also ask Mercedes Assist as they seem more consistent and accurate than the dealer.

Thanks again. Will come back to you with responses.

If 22kw ac is essential and can accept smaller boot opening and smaller interior and whatever other differences I haven't combed through brochures to find, personally I would switch to EQE, before your EQS is started to be built, as you can likely buy better spec for same price, it's size I imagine is easier on more UK roads and parking, it looks and is generally more dynamic chassis-wise, ac high speed is standard unlike the slightly older EQS which might need wait for model mid-life upgrade to get faster ac. If you are concerned you are missing out something else in what reviewers call the mini s class I can check for you. You might get a comparatively earlier build date too if you order before most

 

[Mkultra40]

If 22kw ac is essential and can accept smaller boot opening and smaller interior and whatever other differences I haven't combed through brochures to find, personally I would switch to EQE, before your EQS is started to be built, as you can likely buy better spec for same price, it's size I imagine is easier on more UK roads and parking, it looks and is generally more dynamic chassis-wise, ac high speed is standard unlike the slightly older EQS which might need wait for model mid-life upgrade to get faster ac. If you are concerned you are missing out something else in what reviewers call the mini s class I can check for you. You might get a comparatively earlier build date too if you order before most

Yes it is a thought Dar. In reality I would prefer the space the EQS affords but for sure if no news this week then that may be a way to go.

In reality there is zero rush or urgency. We are mad busy with a million other projects and indeed we are taking in a Ukrainian family so a huge amount of prep with that as well. I just cannot understand a company that spends millions in product marketing and promotion and then defies you to actually spend any money with them. And indeed to promote options that are not even orderable. It's a curious strategy that just creates frustration on every level.

 

[Dar]

Yes it is a thought Dar. In reality I would prefer the space the EQS affords but for sure if no news this week then that may be a way to go.

In reality there is zero rush or urgency. We are mad busy with a million other projects and indeed we are taking in a Ukrainian family so a huge amount of prep with that as well. I just cannot understand a company that spends millions in product marketing and promotion and then defies you to actually spend any money with them. And indeed to promote options that are not even orderable. It's a curious strategy that just creates frustration on every level.

EQS SUV version has even more space and, discussing globally, will have "up to" 22kw ac charging however have to wait on specs to be decided for UK version, because they haven't mentioned anything on UK website yet.

The new EQS SUV: the charging functions | marsMediaSite

How electricity gets into the car

group-media.mercedes-benz.com

 

[Mkultra40]

EQS SUV version has even more space and, discussing globally, will have "up to" 22kw ac charging however have to wait on specs to be decided for UK version, because they haven't mentioned anything on UK website yet.

The new EQS SUV: the charging functions | marsMediaSite

How electricity gets into the car

group-media.mercedes-benz.com

Good link Dar and again clearing mentioning 22kw AC but I suspect you try option it and it will be a big fat Nein!

Still no word from dealer or Mercedes Assist. Or rather there is and that it's still not orderable on EQS.

Not greatly fussed with the SUV option though I seem to be a bit on my own with not having any great interest in SUV's

 

[Dar]

From a quick comparison EQS to EQE, with Premium Plus spec as example, EQE price is about 88k sterling compared EQS 124k. EQE is 573km WLTP range vs 707km EQS. EQE has smaller boot opening. EQE total width and height are similar to EQS but length is smaller by 27cm, though most of this is boot length which helps EQS achieve 1770 litre space with seats down compared EQE 895 litre, though payload seems a similar ~500kg or may even be better in EQE for some specs due to lighter battery. EQE rear headroom is 16mm less, but EQE "vertical-calf-room" is 14mm taller. Fancy features not in UK EQE first cars but available in EQS seem to be rear-axle steering, cooled rear seats and fully motorised door close.

I thought you might find of some interest this video channel from a new Mercedes owner; lots of videos.

 

[Mkultra40]

From a quick comparison EQS to EQE, with Premium Plus spec as example, EQE price is about 88k sterling compared EQS 124k. EQE is 573km WLTP range vs 707km EQS. EQE has smaller boot opening. EQE total width and height are similar to EQS but length is smaller by 27cm, though most of this is boot length which helps EQS achieve 1770 litre space with seats down compared EQE 895 litre, though payload seems a similar ~500kg or may even be better in EQE for some specs due to lighter battery. EQE rear headroom is 16mm less, but EQE "vertical-calf-room" is 14mm taller. Fancy features not in UK EQE first cars but available in EQS seem to be rear-axle steering, cooled rear seats and fully motorised door close.

I thought you might find of some interest this video channel from a new Mercedes owner; lots of videos.

Very interesting watch Dar. I had been very much put off by the dealer. It surprised me the strength of opinion they had about it. It was less a 'hmmm, have a think about that' but a sombre school teacher face and a 'Noooooo, abolsutely not'

The video you kindly linked shows rather well that if you do it with the right tools, methods and products that it can be managed. And I guess to specialist valet companies that would also be fine. I imagine were there could be troubles is were the more mainstream car cleaning organisations whack a standard process across a less than standard car. Maybe that's were the perceived issues emerge from.

But then if you are going to pay £3.5k for the colour option, you will likely be a perfect who does their homework and will use the right methods. Certainly the photos of yours and Borscherlh's QS's make me wonder again about my order and if to amend it.