News
Mercedes-Benz EQE pricing revealed for U.S.
Update 6:05 PM EST: Mercedes-Benz contacted Teslarati to correct pricing for the Pinnacle trim of all 3 EQE configurations. An earlier release from MB listed incorrect pricing.
Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for the upcoming Alabama-built EQE SUV, the automaker’s second fully-electric sport utility vehicle following the EQS. Starting at $77,900, the EQE is expected to arrive at Mercedes dealers in the Spring.
The EQE lineup will feature three configurations: the EQE 350+ SUV, EQE 350 4MATIC SUV, and EQE 500 4MATIC SUV. All models will be offered in Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trim levels in the United States, and for the first time, the fully variable 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system with torque shift will be offered at the same starting price as the base level EQE 350+ SUV, giving more value for customers in Mercedes’ highest volume model.
Specifications and Features
Mercedes-Benz wanted to keep the sporty yet luxurious feel of its vehicles, and that continues with the EQE SUV, which started production in August 2022. Wheels will vary in size from 19 to 21 inches and are positioned flush with the outer edge of the body, the company said. This is in an effort to improve aerodynamics within its model family.
Aerodynamics didn’t stop there, either. Mercedes-Benz crafted an underbody with numerous aerodynamic details that help complement the drag coefficient to support better range ratings and try to eliminate overall range loss as much as possible.
More range support features were added to the EQE, including the addition of a heat pump, which has become an obvious option for many EV makers after Tesla included one in the Model Y several years ago, and an intelligent powertrain management system.
Tesla highlights Model Y’s heat pump innovations in new promotional video
The heat pump works in parallel to Tesla’s by utilizing heat from the inverter and electric motor and the high-voltage battery system to heat the vehicle interior. Along with that, the intelligent powertrain management system:
“The second innovation is an all-new intelligent powertrain management system that monitors at 160 times per second, if the front electric motor is necessary. If not, a clutch disconnects or re-engages the front motor in 100 milliseconds. The decoupling of the front drive unit reduces drag and improves range.”
Along with improvements internally to support range and aerodynamics, Mercedes-Benz has included a new Automatic Lane Change Feature, making the EQE the first model in the EVA2 family to have this feature with the optional Driver Assistance Package. It is available in the top two trim levels and can automatically initiate lane changes or pass slower vehicles without driver intervention.
The interior features the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.8″ OLED multimedia touchscreen portrait display and a 12.3″ driver display.
While each trim has its own strengths, all three have EQ-specific innovative technologies but will have plenty of leeway with an array of additional options that will allow for further personalization and customization.
The vehicle will be built at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and a battery factory in nearby Bibb County will supply batteries for both the EQE and EQS.
Premium Trim:
- EQE 350+ SUV – $77,900
- EQE 350 4MATIC SUV – $77,900
- EQE 500 4MATIC SUV – $89,500
Highlights for Premium Trim include:
- MBUX EQ Navigation Services, including Navigation with Electric Intelligence
- Parking Package with Surround View System and PARKTRONIC
- Heated Front Seats
- MB-Tex Upholstery
- Power Tilt and Sliding Panorama Roof
- Burmester® Sound System
- Keyless-Go Comfort Package
- 64-Color Ambient Lighting EQE
500 4MATIC Additional Standard Equipment:
- AMG Line Exterior
- 20″ Wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- 10-Degree Rear Axle Steering
Exclusive Trim:
- EQE 350+ SUV – $80,000
- EQE 350 4MATIC SUV – $80,000
- EQE 500 4MATIC SUV – $91,600
Highlights for Exclusive Trim Include:
- All features of Premium Trim
- MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation
- Active Ambient Light
- Driver Assistance Package including all-new Automatic Lane Change function
Pinnacle Trim:
- EQE 350+ SUV – $83,850
- EQE 350 4MATIC SUV – $83,850
- EQE 500 4MATIC SUV – $95,450
Highlights for Pinnacle Trim Include:
- All features of Premium and Exclusive Trims
- Four-Zone Climate Control
- Air Balance Package
- Energizing Comfort
- Head-Up Display
- 100W USB-C Package
- DIGITAL LIGHT Package
- Mercedes Star Pattern Logo Projectors (Front Doors)
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Cybertruck
Tesla Cybertruck’s newest trim will undergo massive change in ten days, Musk says
It appears as if the new All-Wheel-Drive trim of Cybertruck won’t be around for too long, however. Elon Musk revealed this morning that it will be around “only for the next 10 days.”
Tesla’s new Cybertruck trim has already gotten the axe from CEO Elon Musk, who said the All-Wheel-Drive configuration of the all-electric pickup will only be available “for the next ten days.”
Musk could mean the price, which is $59,990, or the availability of the trim altogether.
Last night, Tesla launched the All-Wheel-Drive configuration of the Cybertruck, a pickup that comes in at less than $60,000 and features a competitive range and features that are not far off from the offerings of the premium trim.
Tesla launches new Cybertruck trim with more features than ever for a low price
It was a nice surprise from Tesla, considering that last year, it offered a Rear-Wheel-Drive trim of the Cybertruck that only lasted a few months. It had extremely underwhelming demand because it was only $10,000 cheaper than the next trim level up, and it was missing a significant number of premium features.
Simply put, it was not worth the money. Tesla killed the RWD Cybertruck just a few months after offering it.
With the news that Tesla was offering this All-Wheel-Drive configuration of the Cybertruck, many fans and consumers were encouraged. The Cybertruck has been an underwhelming seller, and this seemed to be a lot of truck for the price when looking at its features:
- Dual Motor AWD w/ est. 325 mi of range
- Powered tonneau cover
- Bed outlets (2x 120V + 1x 240V) & Powershare capability
- Coil springs w/ adaptive damping
- Heated first-row seats w/ textile material that is easy to clean
- Steer-by-wire & Four Wheel Steering
- 6’ x 4’ composite bed
- Towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs
- Powered frunk
It appears as if this trim of Cybertruck won’t be around for too long, however. Musk revealed this morning that it will be around “only for the next 10 days.”
Only for the next 10 days https://t.co/82JnvZQGh2
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 20, 2026
Musk could mean the price of the truck and not necessarily the ability to order it. However, most are taking it as a cancellation.
If it is, in fact, a short-term availability decision, it is baffling, especially as Tesla fans and analysts claim that metrics like quarterly deliveries are no longer important. This seems like a way to boost sales short-term, and if so many people are encouraged about this offering, why would it be kept around for such a short period of time?
Some are even considering the potential that Tesla axes the Cybertruck program as a whole. Although Musk said during the recent Q4 Earnings Call that Cybertruck would still be produced, the end of the Model S and Model X programs indicates Tesla might be prepared to do away with any low-volume vehicles that do not contribute to the company’s future visions of autonomy.
The decision to axe the car just ten days after making it available seems like a true head-scratcher.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s Neuralink sparks BCI race in China
One of the most prominent is NeuroXess, which launched in 2021 and is already testing implants in patients.
Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, is helping spark a surge of brain-computer interface (BCI) development in China, where startups are moving quickly into human trials with strong state backing.
One of the most prominent is NeuroXess, which launched in 2021 and is already testing implants in patients.
Neuralink’s clinical work and public demonstrations have drawn worldwide attention to invasive brain implants that allow patients to control digital devices using their minds. The company is currently running a global clinical trial and is also busy preparing for its next product, Blindsight, which would restore vision to people with visual impairments.
Neuralink’s visibility has helped accelerate similar efforts in China. Beijing last year classified brain-computer interfaces as a strategic sector and issued a roadmap calling for two or three globally competitive companies by 2030, as per the Financial Times. Since February last year, at least 10 clinical trials for invasive brain chips have launched in the country.
NeuroXess recently reported that a paralyzed patient was able to control a computer cursor within five days of implantation. Founder Tiger Tao credited government support for helping shorten the path from research to trials.
Investment activity has followed the policy push. Industry data show dozens of financing rounds for Chinese BCI startups over the past year, reflecting rising capital interest in the field. Ultimately, while Neuralink remains one of the most closely watched players globally, its momentum has clearly energized competitors abroad.
News
Tesla Supercharger vandalized with frozen cables and anti-Musk imagery amid Sweden union dispute
The incident comes amid Tesla’s ongoing labor dispute with IF Metall.
Tesla’s Supercharger site in Vansbro, Sweden, was vandalized during peak winter travel weeks. Images shared to local media showed frozen charging cables and a banner reading “Go home Elon,” which was complete with a graphic of Musk’s controversial gesture.
The incident comes amid Tesla’s ongoing labor dispute with IF Metall, which has been striking against the company for more than two years over collective bargaining agreements, as noted in a report from Expressen.
Local resident Stefan Jakobsson said he arrived at the Vansbro charging station to find a board criticizing Elon Musk and accusing Tesla of strikebreaking. He also found the charging cables frozen after someone seemingly poured water over them.
“I laughed a little and it was pretty nicely drawn. But it was a bit unnecessary,” Jakobsson said. “They don’t have to do vandalism because they’re angry at Elon Musk.”
The site has seen heavy traffic during Sweden’s winter sports holidays, with travelers heading toward Sälen and other mountain destinations. Jakobsson said long lines formed last weekend, with roughly 50 Teslas and other EVs waiting to charge.
Tesla Superchargers in Sweden are typically open to other electric vehicle brands, making them a reliable option for all EV owners.
Tesla installed a generator at the location after sympathy strikes from other unions disrupted power supply to some stations. The generator itself was reportedly not working on the morning of the incident, though it is unclear whether that was connected to the protest.
The dispute between Tesla and IF Metall centers on the company’s refusal to sign a collective agreement covering Swedish workers. The strike has drawn support from other unions, including Seko, which has taken steps affecting electricity supply to certain Tesla facilities. Tesla Sweden, for its part, has insisted that its workers are already fairly compensated and it does not need a collective agreement,
Jesper Pettersson, press spokesperson for IF Metall, criticized Tesla’s use of generators to keep charging stations running. Still, IF Metall emphasized that it strongly distances itself from the vandalism incident at the Vansbro Supercharger.
“We think it is remarkable that instead of taking the easy route and signing a collective agreement for our members, they are choosing to use every possible means to get around the strike,” Pettersson said.
Tesla Cybertruck’s newest trim will undergo massive change in ten days, Musk says
Elon Musk’s Neuralink sparks BCI race in China
