Mercedes’ performance division AMG reveals hot-performing electric saloon

INTRODUCTION

The new AMG EQE53 4Matic+ is the latest model from Mercedes’ performance division and will go on sale in the UK later this year. Similar in size to the E-Class saloon, this high-performance EV sits below the S-Class-sized EQS53 4Matic+ that went on sale in December 2021.

Mercedes-AMG is more commonly associated with thumping great V8 engines. However, as the need for less polluting cars becomes more important, the German company is turning its attention to electric drive systems for battery-powered cars.

AMG is using the experience it has gained competing in Formula 1 to create a battery and electric motor technology unlike anything ever seen in road cars. That’s great news for those who value driving enjoyment and zero emissions!

AMG EQE – THE NUMBERS

The EQE53 features striking AMG styling as standard, as well as AMG-spec air suspension, an AMG braking system, high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres and five driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. This new Mercedes electric car also boasts rear-axle steering as standard, which reduces the turning circle and improves agility.

It may be battery-powered, but the new AMG EQE53 4Matic+ is extremely fast. With electric motors driving the front and rear wheels, this model generates 626hp and 950Nm of torque, translating into a 3.5-second 0-62mph time and 137mph top speed.

Choose the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package (UK price TBC) and output is raised to 687hp with 1,000Nm of torque, helping this 2.5-tonne saloon see off 62mph in a blistering 3.3 seconds on the way to a 149mph top speed. Race Start launch control is also part of the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.

WHAT RANGE CAN I EXPECT FROM THE AMG EQE?

Despite all that performance on offer, the EQE53 can cover up to 322 miles (WLTP) on a single charge whilst producing zero CO2 emissions. Thanks to the advanced lithium-ion battery with its high 90.6kWh capacity for that sort of range.

Better still, using a fast charge point at motorway services, for example, can regain up to 112 miles of range in just 15 minutes. Drivers can also use five ‘recuperation’ modes to recharge the battery during braking or when simply slowing down, plus an Eco Charging mode for the most intelligent deployment of the battery’s charge. Of course, the AMG EQE53 can be recharged at home too.

INSIDE THE AMG EQE

As you’d expect, the EQE53 4Matic+ is brimming with AMG details in its five-seat cabin. Highlights include a performance steering wheel, sports pedals and figure-hugging seats finished in man-made leather or optional real leather. The boot, meanwhile, can swallow a maximum of 430 litres.

The driver is treated to a digital instrument cluster as standard, and the centre console’s touchscreen (linked to the MBUX infotainment system) can be upgraded to an astonishing-looking ‘Hyperscreen’ that turns the dashboard into one enormous display. And in case you’re wondering – the lever for the automatic transmission is located on the steering column.

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF THE AMG EQE?

UK pricing for the new Mercedes-AMG EQE53 4Matic+ is yet to be confirmed, although you should expect it to cost more than £100,000. For reference, the EQS53 4Matic+ model starts at £154,995.

WHERE CAN I BUY THE NEW AMG EQE?

The new AMG EQE53 will soon be available to order from Mercedes-Benz, which is the manufacturer of the vehicle. The model is expected to cost over £100,000.

EQE – WHAT’S IN A NAME?

All of Mercedes’ fully electric cars have an ‘EQ’ badge. The range’s entry point is the EQA and above that is the larger EQC and seven-seat EQB. These are battery-powered SUVs and they are based on GLA-Class, GLC-Class and GLB-Class platforms respectively.

The EQE saloon (and EQS) are even more special because they use platforms specifically designed for electric drive systems. This means more spacious interiors, better driving dynamics thanks to a lower centre of gravity, and even better efficiency from cutting-edge electric drive systems.

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

An AMG EQE43 4Matic model is also planned, although it won’t be available in the UK. It uses the same twin-motor and 90.6kWh battery set-up as the EQE53, but system output is capped at 476hp and 858Nm of torque. The EQE43 will sprint from zero to 62mph in 4.2 seconds and hit 130mph flat out. The range is quoted as up to 331 miles.

Big things are expected from the new Mercedes EQE range, and with the EQE53 4Matic+ AMG is certainly living up to its reputation for developing extremely fast cars. That you can travel over 300 miles on a single charge in this EV is surely a watershed moment and should convince many drivers that now is the time to go electric!

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