Mercedes has started selling the EQE, but has decided to wait for the hotter AMG variants of the car before doing a big bang premiere. For now, we got a preview of the EQE 350+ which kicks off the range at $396,888 at press time, and its closest priced ICE equivalent is the E200 AMG Line at $381,888.

As standard the EQE 350+ comes with rear-axle steering, a 215 kW electric motor powering the rear wheels allowing a 0-100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds, and a 90.56 kWh battery giving some 669 km of range.

The EQE is essentially a shrunken EQS, and one would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two unless a closer examination is carried out. They sit on the same chassis, feature the same hoods that aren’t meant to be opened by customers (therefore washer fluid is topped up just below the A-pillar in a pop-out slot), flushed door handles, active ambient lighting and are rear-wheel drive.

Well, here’s what else that’s different, and more:

There is only a 100 mm difference in wheelbase between the EQE (3.1 m) and EQS (3.2 m). Somehow, the rear seats on the EQE feel better positioned to support the body.

There isn’t a continuous LED light band at the front of the EQE, unlike the EQS.

The EQE has a conventional boot rather than a liftback, but has folding rear seats. Points to the EQS here for practicality.

All EQE 350+s in Singapore will be equipped with the AMG Line exterior package, including these funky aerodynamic AMG rims.

There is no hyperscreen option available for the EQE 350+. Looks like they really want you to go for the higher variants.

There will be two AMG variants coming - as yet unannounced.