By Corban Hu
The Mercedes-EQ series has evolved gracefully, becoming not just a sensible car brimming with cutting-edge technology, but it’s an intuitive companion. Despite this, it hasn’t lost touch with the spirit of a wonderful grand tourer. Its goal is to improve your life and ease the stress of driving, making it a genuine ally on the road.
Choosing an EQ vehicle isn’t just a practical decision, but also a lifestyle choice, and we wanted to see it in action. That’s why we travelled with it to Lisbon, anxious to experience this incredible all electric driving machine. One would doubt its viability in Portugal, a country famed for its treasured traditions ranging from fishing to port wine. Here, fresh sardines and shellfish are enjoyed, but where are the charging stations? Surprisingly, Portugal astounds with a plethora of carefully located charging stations in places where modernity meets Old-World charm — from Time Out market (a bustling centre that connects market vendors and demonstrates the healthy synergy of the past and the new) to the wine producers in the old city buildings.
When we arrived in Lisbon, we checked into the exquisite Hotel Bairro Alto, the city’s peak of grandeur. Its rooftop vista is unrivalled, flawlessly mixing Old and New World decor and furnishings. We were eager to continue our adventure down the fascinating coastline, going toward our next destination, the eco-friendly and sustainable Aethos Hotel — a perfect complement to our EQE. After a short briefing and a delicious lunch, we were surprised with an aesthetically stunning EQE500. Its airy interior and large dashboard screen made an everlasting impact. From the get-go, it felt as if we were piloting a super-intelligent computer that was always monitoring our surroundings and our safety. As an electric vehicle, its weight underlined its grounded and steady presence, while the aerodynamics elegantly slide through the air. We could tell the car was in its natural habitat as we cruised the Lisbon shoreline, ready for anything — we even did a little light off-roading. We travelled into rugged terrain seeking spectacular lookout points, and the EQE500 handled it effortlessly and brilliantly. With the wind and ocean waves slamming on the shoreline, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the remarkable technical feat that had led us to this point. The EQ series’ progress has been tremendous, leading us to where we are now.
“ITS GOAL IS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE AND EASE THE STRESS OF DRIVING, MAKING IT A GENUINE ALLY ON THE ROAD.”
On our final approach to the Aethos Hotel, we were surprised to find the battery still had more than half of its charge, a monument to the remarkable energy utilization. The handling of the EQE500 proved superb after driving for nearly three hours, including intense excursions on twisty roads. While navigating smaller towns and tight European streets, it defied its size, seeming agile and nimble. We were blown away by how smoothly it took on the curves at high speeds, pushed by its battery-powered brilliance. Finally, we arrived at the hotel — a spot to relax and take in the splendour of the surrounding landscapes and waters. It was a subtle reminder of our eternal connection to nature, undisturbed by the silence of our EV.
The EQE500 represents a way of life that emanates peace, relaxation and seamless elegance. Every technical element envelops you, providing cocoon-like protection and comfort. The EQE500 meets every requirement for a grand tourer, with a torque of 633 lb-ft, a range of more than 400 kilometres and quick charging capabilities. After all, owning an electric car should improve and bring joy to one’s life. We are pleased to see the EQ series evolve, certain that it will enrich our experiences, opening new dimensions of life and beyond.
