Two new all-electric Mercedes-AMG models raise the bar for performance and excitement
- The inventor of the modern automobile has reaffirmed its commitment to the EV market with two sports models
- The new Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic and EQE 53 4Matic+ herald the beginning of a shift to in-house design and development of the marque’s EVs
[Sponsored article]
Despite offering a portfolio of electric vehicles (EVs) since 2018, Mercedes-Benz introduced its first EV built from the ground up just last year, with the EQS – the marque’s flagship luxury saloon. It is the first Mercedes-Benz to be based on the carmaker’s dedicated Mercedes EVA2 architecture.
For now, potential EV drivers seeking extra power and impact will want to look to Mercedes-AMG, the marque’s performance division, which has recently launched two entries onto the electric market: the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic and EQE 53 4Matic+, which the company considers to be “entry-level” models within the AMG brand. Mercedes-AMG chairman Philipp Schiemer recently announced they are the first of many models to be launched before the division shifts to stand-alone AMG EVs based on a brand-new, in-house-developed platform, the AMG.EA.
“The EQE is the perfect starting point for realising a highly agile and very emotional driving experience with our AMG-specific solutions,” says Jochen Hermann, chief technical officer of Mercedes-AMG. “This applies in particular to the areas of drive, chassis, brakes and, above all, sound. This ensures that our customers can also look forward to our brand’s hallmark driving performance in our second all-electric model series.”
While EVs are typically expected to offer a quiet, smooth drive and improved efficiency, the new AMG EQEs are designed for those who seek more excitement. The EQE silhouette is compact, which keeps the vehicles agile thanks to an innovative dual-motor design, which the company hopes will appeal to those who like a sporty drive.
The EQE 43 4Matic delivers a maximum power of 476hp and 858Nm of torque, while the maximum power of the EQE 53 4Matic+ is a hefty 625hp and 950Nm of torque – compared with the non-AMG-badged EQE 350+, which offers 292hp of power and 565Nm of torque.
Unique to the AMG models, the dual-motor design, named the eATS electric drivetrain, features a permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) on each of the front and rear axles, offering variable all-wheel drive that makes it easy for the driver to handle the car in all driving conditions, with a considerably faster response time than a mechanical all-wheel-drive system.
The electric motor on the rear axle boasts a six-phase design for a stronger magnetic field, and a resilient thermal cooling shaft in the rotor – allowing for repeated acceleration without faltering, according to Mercedes-Benz. Other AMG-specific elements work to continuously cool the motor circuits, while the transmission oil is preheated for cold starts, resulting in increased efficiency.
Both models have battery capacities of 90.56kWh, and can be recharged for 180km at a fast-charging station in just 15 minutes, while an overnight 8.25 hours (at 11kW) is considered a full charge.
Speed and power usually top the wish list for those choosing an AMG model, but the sound of a powerful engine can also be the make-or-break of an EV purchasing decision. The EQE features specially designed speakers, featuring a bass actuator and a sound generator, to mimic and enhance the roar of an engine, the pitch and intensity of which can be adjusted according to a driver’s preferences.
AMG fans will be also pleased with the retention of the brand’s signature styling elements, such as the black panel grille with vertical struts in chrome and an integrated Mercedes three-pointed star on the nose. Bumpers are painted in the vehicle’s colour for a sporty touch. AMG seats in Artico artificial leather and red topstitching – with more premium options available – are among the other hallmark brand accents throughout the interior, all with the spirit of motor racing in mind.
According to Mercedes-Benz, these new models mark the beginning of the company’s true commitment to electrification, starting with targeting drivers who like high-performance cars. In this respect, the EQE 43 4Matic and 53 4Matic+ are up to speed.
