Mercedes-AMG has revealed the first high-performance versions of the all-electric EQE saloons, with up to 687hp on offer and new batteries for up to 533km of range.
AMG dips into electrification
The Mercedes EQE has yet to reach dealers in 2022, but that hasn't stopped the firm's AMG performance division from unveiling its new EQE 43 and EQE 53 models, which ups the bar for performance for the electric executive saloon. Designed to take on the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT, these AMG-tuned versions of the new EQE feature bespoke set-ups for their drivetrains, chassis and sounds.
Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic
Starting with the EQE 43, this is the 'entry point' to AMG's electric performance models. It features two motors - one on each axle for four-wheel drive - which are specifically tuned by AMG for improved performance. Combined they make up to 476hp and 858Nm of torque, which is good for a 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds, while top speed is 210km/h.
The motors are powered by a new 328-volt high-performance battery that makes its debut in these AMG models. It has a capacity of 90.6kWh, and its high energy density means that the EQE 43 provisionally has a maximum range of 533km. Mercedes-AMG says that DC charging (at a rate of up to 170kW) can add 180km of range in just 15 minutes. Regenerative braking is offered with three stages of resistance, while combining this with Mercedes' Drive Pilot system means one-pedal driving is possible in urban traffic.
AMG has also worked its magic on the suspension system. There are AMG-specific components and settings for the four-link front axle and multilink rear set-ups, while rear-axle steering is also fitted to improve responsiveness and adjustable air suspension can be set to optimise handling or efficiency, depending on your needs. The car's electronics can analyse the suspension and deliver the optimum damping in milliseconds, depending on which drive mode is selected.
Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+
The top-spec EQE 53 features the same battery as the EQE 43, but it comes with tuned electric motors with unique settings to produce up to 687hp and 1,000Nm of torque - when the car is ordered with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package (the standard car has 'only' 636hp and 950Nm). This model dispatches 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds (again, only 3.5 seconds in the standard EQE 53) and there's a top speed of 240km/h (220 km/h). This extra performance comes at the expense of range, although a provisional maximum of 518km is still useful for a high-performance EV.
The 'plus' for the 4Matic four-wheel-drive system denotes the 'extra performance and dynamism that the EQE 53 offers,' apparently. Either way, both AMG models feature electronics that check power distribution between the front and rear axles 160 times per second, and manage the power flow depending on which drive mode is selected.
AMG's Dynamic Select drive settings allow owners to set the driving characteristics of both cars, and AMG claims that the difference between the Comfort setting and the most focused Sport+ set-up is the widest there has ever been in an AMG model. There's also a Race Start option that optimises both cars for all-out acceleration, with the EQE 53 offering its maximum of 687hp in this mode.
Wired for sound
Another highlight of these AMG models is the sonic experience, which has been an important focus for the tuning firm. The company has been famous for the aural appeal of its V8-powered machines in the past, so it has focused on making the two EQE models just as pleasing. The AMG Sound Experience adds 'a soundtrack for outside and inside that emotionally enhances the dynamic driving experience', with different settings according to the drive mode selected. There are also unique sounds to accompany functions such as the locking and unlocking of the car, and even the clicking of the indicators.
Externally, the AMG models share the same low-drag shape as the standard EQE, but with some specific AMG add-ons. The smooth, stylised grille on the nose gets stamped vertical 'struts' that ape the Panamericana grilles seen on petrol-powered AMGs, while a gloss-black splitter, rear diffuser and other aerodynamic additions help the AMG models to stand out. There is the option of 20- or 21-inch alloy wheel designs, all of which have been designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind.
Inside, microfibre cloth trim, synthetic leather and a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel give a suitably sporty touch, while the MBUX infotainment system has AMG-specific menus and displays. Also available is Mercedes' Hyperscreen, the dashboard-wide curved display first seen on the Mercedes EQS electric limousine. This can be specified with AMG Track Pace, the firm's data-logging software that allows users to record data about the vehicle's performance, for example when driving on a race track.
We'll find out more about Irish pricing and final specification when the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 and EQE 53 models go on sale later in 2022.