AMG, Mercedes's performance tuning division, has announced its first all-electric model, based on the Mercedes EQS luxury saloon.
The EQS, due to go on sale in the coming weeks, has had its powertrain, battery, brakes and other details fettled by AMG to create a luxurious BEV, the EQS 53 4MATIC+, now capable of delivering up 751hp.
Mercedes-AMG made the announcement at the IAA Mobility 2021 event in Munich.
Spot the difference
On the outside, AMG hasn't changed much of the EQS's distinctive cab-forward looks. Changes include a black, AMG-specific grille, though less-visible aerodynamic fine-tuning is a little more extensive.
New is the front splitter in chrome-trimmed gloss black as well as minor changes to the air intakes. The six longitudinal fins of a rear diffuser sit below the rear bumper, while a larger rear spoiler sits atop the boot lid. 21- and 22-inch wheels, especially for the AMG EQS, have also, according to Mercedes, been aerodynamically optimised.
Buyers will also have the option of blackened chrome, additional carbon trim elements and red brake calipers.
Sporty interior
The interior is still dominated by the huge curved MBUX Hyperscreen infotainment screen (actually three screens) which stretches the length of the dashboard.
Beyond some minor visual elements like differently coloured bits of trim and red stitching here and there, the main addition that AMG has made to the EQS's interior is a revised steering wheel set-up with aluminium paddles for adjusting power recuperation as well as other AMG-specific buttons mounted on the wheel.
There's a centre console-mounted button to allow direct access to AMG performance menus on the Hyperscreen, to adjust driving modes or to select the Race Start function which allows full power to be sent to the wheels.
Sport and Sport+ driving modes optimise the power delivery for performance, while Comfort adjusts the settings for maximum range.
Power boost
Speaking of full power, Mercedes says that the electric motors used in this EQS are also AMG-specific, having been developed from the originals with new windings, stronger currents and specially created software.
The 400-volt battery has a usable output of 107.8kWh and, coupled with additional changes which AMG has made to the wiring, allows the dual motors to provide a maximum of 751hp and top speed of 249km/h, though without the AMG Dynamic Plus package, that'll be a mere 649.
The 0-100kmh/h dash is, according to Mercedes, dispensed in 3.4 seconds.
To put AMG's changes into perspective, a standard EQS 580 makes do with 385hp and a top speed of 209km/h.
It needs every bit of its power too - considering it's a fully loaded luxury saloon and taking into account its battery pack, the EQS weighs-in at a hefty 2,480kg.
Using a 200kW charger, the battery can be topped-up to give another 300km of mixed driving in just 19 minutes.
Stop and go
AMG has equipped the EQS with further mechanical upgrades to the suspension and braking systems.
Engineers have taken the four-link front and the multi-link rear axles and worked on the components to adjust the ride and handling for a sportier feel. Changes too, have been made to the EQS's air suspension and the suspension control unit to allow for a different balance in the damping between comfort and a more sporting firmness.
Stopping power comes in the form of six-pot front brake calipers and, optionally, larger ceramic front discs too.
A so-called i Booster functions allows for a balance between electric power recuperation and the hydraulic braking system and has been optimised to give a more traditional braking sensation.
What AMG says
According to Philipp Schiemer, chairman of Mercedes-AMG: "The AMG EQS is the first all-electric ambassador in the performance segment, made in Affalterbach. It is tailor-made for car enthusiasts who are looking for a combination of innovative electric mobility in a luxurious ambience, coupled with sportiness and agile driving dynamics. With our first all-electric AMG vehicle, we will undoubtedly appeal to and win over a new clientele for Mercedes-AMG. In addition, the AMG EQS is further proof that Mercedes-Benz is consistently driving electrification forward with its sub-brands as well.
Further all-electric AMG models will follow in the not-too-distant future, also on our AMG.EA platform developed entirely in-house."