The electric future for performance cars was always a matter of “when” rather than “what” and “how”, and it seems that Mercedes-AMG‘s answer to that question is now, with the debut of the EQS 53 4Matic+ at the 2021 IAA Motor Show in Munich.
The number one thing that makes it an AMG? Performance, of course. Underneath the bodywork is a twin-motor set-up, which at its base configuration already outputs an impressive 658 hp and 950 Nm. An optional Dynamic Plus package brings the total up to a peak of 761 hp and 1020 Nm momentarily in Race Start mode.
The marked increase over the regular EQS is largely thanks to the AMG-specific electric motors, which features different coil windings, higher current, new software, and improved cooling.
All together, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ is able to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds (3.8 seconds without Dyamic Plus package, 4.3 seconds on EQS 580), onward to an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Check out Mercedes-AMG’s electric strategy in more detail here.
While not quite the at the level of something like the Tesla Model S Plaid, keep in mind that the EQS 53 is still a “baby” AMG by the company’s standard naming scheme, and it already boasts some pretty incredible numbers. We can’t wait to see what the 63 (and 63 S!) brings to the table when it inevitably arrives.
Anyway, electric juice comes from a 400-volt 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with and AMG-specific wiring, which translates to a driving range of 580 km (WLTP test cycle) – a significant drop from the regular EQS‘ 770 km range, though still a pretty respectable figure especially on a performance-focused car weighing over 2.5 tonnes.
The AMG EQS comes with an 11 kW onboard AC charger, which can be upgraded to a 22 kW unit. Though, if you plug it into a DC 200 kW fast charging outlet, just a short 15 minutes charge can already net you 300 km of range.
Other performance upgrades on the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 comes in the form of an upgraded AMG Ride Control+ suspension system, which combines the AMG-specific air suspensions with electronically-adjustable adaptive dampers for even better road-gripping capabilities at the limits of adhesion.
The rear-axle steering system also comes as standard on the AMG EQS 53, with a steering angle of up to nine degrees to help both enhance the agility and stability of the performance luxobarge.
There’s also the upgraded brakes, with 415 mm discs and six-piston calipers at the front, and 378 mm discs with single-piston calipers at the back. Buyers can also choose the optional AMG ceramic brakes, which also increases the front discs size to 440 mm.
Either way, the i-Booster system helps regulate between the hydraulic brakes and energy recuperation system – the latter returning up to 300 kW of energy to the batteries during hard braking.
In terms of looks, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ wears the same exterior appointments as the AMG Line-equipped EQS 580. However, additional AMG-specific touches including the Panamericana Black Panel grille, additional splitters and diffusers, plus a larger rear spoiler help the performance variant stand out from the regular line-up.
Buyers can specify their electric AMG with 21- or 22-inch AMG alloy wheels in Aero or Heritage design, alongside other options like the AMG Night Package Dark Chrome, AMG carbon trim elements, and red brake calipers.
Inside, the massive MBUX Hyperscreen is standard on the AMG EQS, as is the new AMG performance steering wheel – the former featuring several AMG-specific features and displays such as the AMG Track Pace and AMG Dynamic Select driving modes settings.
The rest of the interior is also suitably dressed up with the AMG sports seats upholstered in Artico man-made leather, aluminium sports pedals, red topstitching, and AMG-branded floor mats and door sills.
The G-Wagen is also going electric. Read more about it here.
For drivers coming from traditional petrol combustion, Mercedes has included an AMG Sound Experience system to help tide over the lack of engine noise. There are two versions – Authentic and Performance (with the Dynamic Plus Package) – designed to generate sounds matching the “tonality and intensity” of the current driving mode or conditions.
Pricing and availability of the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ will only be announced closer to market launch, though it’s expected to happen sometime in early 2022.
GALLERY
