The EQE 43 and 53 are set to join the Mercedes-AMG range, making for a three-strong, performance-oriented line-up for the Stuttgart firm’s EQ sub-brand.
These two new variants join the larger Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 – the 136-year-old carmaker’s first production electric performance car – ushering in a new era for Mercedes-Benz performance products.
These new AMG electric models utilise the same EVA2 electric-only modular architecture found under the EQS luxury sedan and regular EQE sedan models.
Though they’re true AMG products, the EQE 45 and 53 have a more subtle aesthetic
Mercedes-AMG’s trademark exterior treatment features on the new EQE 43 and 53, with both AMG grades wearing different bodykits, a ‘Panamericana’ grille and 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels (depending on the variant), though the resulting AMG treatment is more subtle than on combustion-engined cars.
Perhaps there’s an even more powerful EQE 63 S variant coming, though nothing has been confirmed for the moment.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has previously stated that the rear-drive EQE 350 will launch in the second half of this year, and it appears the AMG 53 will follow with a local introduction planned, though arrival timing and pricing are yet to be confirmed.
The roll-out of electrified Mercedes-AMG performance cars will continue after the EQE 43 and 53, with the next-generation C63 AMG transitioning to a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain to replace the existing 375kW 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8.
Perhaps there’s an even more powerful AMG EQE 63 S on the way?
Does the EQE 53 have enough grunt to be a proper AMG?
Mercedes-AMG’s naming conventions mean that there will probably be an even more powerful 63 variant in the future, however the EQE 53’s outputs of 460kW/950Nm eclipse the combustion engined AMG E53’s 320kW/520Nm. They also decisively one-up the rear-drive EQE 350’s modest 215kW/530Nm outputs.
If you want even more, however, AMG offers a ‘Dynamic Plus’ package for the EQE 53 that further increases outputs to 505kW/1020Nm, for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 3.3 seconds.
That acceleration time is shy of a Tesla Model S Plaid (2.1 seconds claimed), though the 2525kg weight of the EQE 53 can be blamed for that.
The less powerful – but still AWD – AMG EQE 43 produces 350kW of power and 858Nm of torque for a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.2 seconds, providing more than 50 percent charge is on-board.
There are two new AWD AMG EQE variants available
Both AMG EQE variants use a 328-volt 90.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack (0.6kWh larger than the EQE 350), which Mercedes-Benz says is a new generation of battery technology. In the 53 variant, the battery gets an AMG-developed wiring harness which is said to aid power delivery.
The resulting WLTP range claim is 444-518km for the more powerful EQE 53 at between 20.3-23.2kWh/100km energy consumption, and 462-533km for the EQE 43 rated at 19.7-22.5kWh/100km.
Charging at DC ultra-rapid charge points maxes out at 170kW (as the AMG doesn’t have 800-volt electrics), which means you can add 180km of range in 15 minutes of charging. Home-friendly AC charging is capped at 22kW.
What will the AMG EQE 53 be like to drive?
Just like the EQE 350, AMG variants utilise the same four-link front suspension and multi-link rear suspension found in the upmarket EQS and S-Class models.
With a sophisticated suspension set-up, the EQE should be a sharp steer
Both the EQE 43 and 53 get air suspension as standard, with selectable spring firmness and adaptive functionality all tuned for AMG-friendly performance. There’s also firmer rear compliance bushings for greater driver feedback.
To help the 4964mm long and 1906mm wide EQE feel dynamic on the road, there is a standard-fit rear-steering system that can swivel the back tyres up to 3.6-degrees (less than the 4.5-degrees in the EQE 350).
There’s also a synthesised soundtrack to go along with the EQE AMG experience. Much like BMW uses Hans Zimmer composed audio for its i4 Gran Coupe, Mercedes-Benz offers ‘Balanced’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Powerful’ settings just like in its combustion-engined cars.
Inside, the AMG EQE variants get a different cabin treatment with sporty red accents for the black Artico synthetic leather-appointed seats.
With athletic red accents and bursting technology suite the EQE’s cabin is certainly eyecatching
Naturally, the EQE’s MBUX infotainment system features a central ‘Hyperscreen’ touchscreen and digital driver’s display, while front passengers score their own 12.3-inch display for separate infotainment controls.
