Electric vehicles are steadily gaining favor with U.S. consumers. However, many of the existing models on the market have yet to reach their potential, particularly in terms of their range on a full charge. This is especially true for mass-market electric cars with price tags exceeding $70,000. These vehicles are targeted at the luxury market but falter when it comes to long-distance travel without requiring a recharge.
The current worry with electric vehicles lies in their low projected range. The charging infrastructure across the U.S. remains underdeveloped, causing significant anxiety for drivers who must cover long distances daily. Though companies globally are investing heavily in improving EV technology, there are still hurdles to overcome. Here are five pricey mass-market electric vehicles that could benefit from an extended range.
Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4Matic SUV – 285 miles
The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4Matic SUV complements the EQS Sedan within the brand’s luxury electric SUV range. This implies it borrows quite a few components from its sedan sibling, including the all-wheel-drive dual-motor drivetrain powered by a 108.4-kWh battery pack.
Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4Matic SUV Specs
- Range – 285 miles
- 0-60 mph – 5.8 seconds
- Curb Weight – 5,467 pounds
- Horsepower – 355 hp
- Torque – 590 lb-ft
- Battery – 108.4 kWh
This luxury electric SUV produces 355 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The downside is its range, which stands at 285 miles. Interestingly, the top-tier 580 version boasts the same setup, only with a boosted 536 horsepower and an unchanged range.
Genesis Electrified G80 – 282 miles
The Genesis Electrified G80 aims to deliver both velocity and opulence at $80,920. The electric sedan sports a dual-motor all-wheel drive that churns out a combined 365 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It has an impressive 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds but falls short with a relatively modest claimed range of 282 miles on a single charge.
Genesis Electrified G80 Specs
- Range – 282 miles
- 0-60 mph – 6.4 seconds
- Curb Weight – 5,038 pounds
- Horsepower – 365 hp
- Torque – 516 lb-ft
- Battery – 87.2 kWh
To compensate for the shorter range, the Electrified G80 offers remarkable charging capabilities. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes using the standard DC fast-charging system. It also includes a Vehicle-to-Load Charging feature, allowing it to power smaller devices. Genesis claims that a solar sunroof option, which powers auxiliary features like air conditioning, can enhance annual range figures by 715 miles.
Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ – 277 miles
Mercedes-AMG’s debut all-electric sedan, the EQS 53 4Matic+, is making a splash by amplifying the standard car’s power output to a whopping 649 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. This allows it a stunning 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds when engaging the Race Start function, which some testers believe can be shaved to 3.0 seconds under optimal conditions.
Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ Specs
- Range – 277 miles–
- 0-60 mph – 3.4 seconds
- Curb Weight – 5,908 pounds
- Horsepower – 649 hp
- Torque – 700 lb-ft
- Battery – 107.8 kWh
While the performance is impressive, it comes at the expense of a disappointing claimed range of 277 miles. However, a swift direct charging function can restore almost 80 percent of the battery in 28 minutes. The steep starting price of $147,500 for the base Premium trim might also be a drawback for potential buyers.
Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4Matic SUV – 253 miles
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4Matic SUV, a top-tier option in the new electric SUV lineup from the renowned German brand, utilizes a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system generating 288 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque. Power comes from an 89-kWh battery, which disappointingly provides only 253 miles of range, considering the SUV’s hefty price tag of $79,050.
Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4Matic SUV Specs
Range – 253 miles
0-60 mph – 5.2 seconds
Curb Weight – 5,930 pounds
Horsepower – 288 hp
