Mercedes-AMG unveils the EQE53 4Matic+ ahead of its planned North American market introduction during second-half 2022.
The battery-electric performance sedan joins the EQE43 to be offered in various European markets and the existing EQS53 4Matic+ in a widened range of AMG models based on the German automaker’s dedicated EVA platform.
Departing from the single-electric-motor and rear-wheel-drive layout of the EQE350 revealed at last year’s Munich auto show, the EQE53 4Matic+ receives two electric motors – one up front and another at the rear – and permanent all-wheel drive.
The electric motors (pictured, below left) differ from standard Mercedes-Benz units, having been developed by AMG for higher performance potential. Developments include adapted windings, a higher current and a water lance for additional cooling.
Output is increased by a significant 328 hp and 318 lb.-ft. (431 Nm) of torque over the EQE350 to a combined 617 hp and 700 lb.-ft. (949 Nm) in the standard EQS53 4Matic+.
Customers can choose to add a further 60 hp and 37 lb.-ft. (50 Nm) to the new electric-powered performance sedan by specifying an optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package. So configured, the EQS53 4Matic+’s combined output climbs to a headlining 677 hp and 737 lb.-ft. (999 Nm) of torque.
This provides the most powerful EQE model with 6 hp and 111 lb.-ft. (151 Nm) more than its prime electric-powered performance rival, the Porsche Taycan Turbo, whose twin electric motors develop a combined 671 hp and 626 lb.-ft. (849 Nm) in so-called Overboost mode.
Drive is channeled through a single-speed gearbox on each motor to all four wheels, providing the EQE53 4Matic+ with a fully variable apportioning of power and torque.
The latest electric-powered model from AMG features four driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus, with an additional Race Start mode in combination with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.
Mercedes-AMG quotes an official 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.5 seconds for the standard EQE53 4Matic+. With the additional 60 hp and 37 lb.-ft. of torque provided by the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, this is reduced to a claimed 3.3 seconds.
Top speed is limited to 137 mph (221 km/h) for the standard EQE53 4Matic+ and 149 mph (240 km/h) for the EQE53 4Matic+ with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.
By comparison, the Taycan Turbo boasts an official 0-62 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a higher 162-mph (261-km/h) top speed.
Electric energy is provided by a 400V 90.6-kWh battery featuring 360 individual lithium-ion pouch cells. It can be charged at both 11 kW and 22 kW on an AC system and at up to 170 kW on a DC system – the latter claimed to provide an additional 112 miles (180 km) of range in 15 minutes. An official range claim is yet to be revealed, though AMG says to expect “something in the region of 310 miles (499 km).”
As well as upping the electric motors’ performance, AMG provides its new EQE model with an upgraded air suspension featuring a new rear axle carrier with stiffer bearings and less play than that used by the EQE350. Further developments include AMG-specific wheel carriers, suspension links, larger-diameter anti-roll bars and adaptive damping properties.
The EQE53 4Matic+ also receives a 0.2-in. (5-mm) lowering in nominal ride height compared to the EQE350. For added aerodynamic efficiency, the suspension is lowered an additional 0.6 in. (15 mm) in both Sport and Sport Plus modes and, at 75 mph (121 km/h), in Comfort mode as well.
Upgraded brakes mate 16.3-in. (41-cm) discs and six-piston calipers at the front with 14.9-in. (38-cm) discs and single-piston floating calipers at the rear as standard. Buyers also can specify 17.3-in. (44-cm) carbon-ceramic front discs in combination with six-piston calipers at the front as an option. To enhance braking performance, AMG has reprogrammed the brake i-Booster function for what it describes as an “optimized pedal feel.”
Further changes include standard-fit AMG Sound Experience, a uniquely tuned sound generator providing the EQE53 4Matic+ with a similar driving sound to the EQS53 4Matic+ across three main modes: Balanced, Sport and Powerful.
Visual differentiation from the EQE350 is provided by a new-look grille with a series of vertical chrome-look bars and AMG lettering, a more heavily contoured front bumper with larger air ducts, wider sills, a trunk lip spoiler and a new lower rear-bumper section incorporating a more prominent diffuser element. Wheels range from 20- to 21-ins. in diameter.
Buyers can specify various exterior styling packages, including an AMG Night Package in black and darkened chrome. Various exterior elements, including a larger rear spoiler included in the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, can also be had in carbon fiber.
Inside (pictured, above), the EQE53 4Matic+ adopts a flat-bottom AMG steering wheel with a rotary drive mode controller, together with unique digital instrument graphics and AMG sport seats, as well as new pedal caps, door sill trims and Alcantara trim as standard. As in the EQE350, the 55.5-in. (141-cm) wide Hyperscreen is offered as an option.
Although not planned for the U.S. market, AMG also has revealed a less powerful EQE43 4Matic model for various European markets. It adopts the front electric motor from the EQS450 4Matic+ to provide it with a combined 469 hp and 634 lb.-ft. (860 Nm) of torque, some 181 hp and 251 lb.-ft. (340 Nm) more than the EQE350.
