Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV: high performance in electric form

This is unstoppable: electrification is extending even to high-performance models, as is the case of the new Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV, the sportiest versions of the new Mercedes EQE SUV. Both models were unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, showcasing technology, luxury, comfort, exclusivity… and high performance. And with the figures to back it up: the most powerful version, the SUV Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+, delivers up to 505 kW (687 CV) and accelerates its nearly 2.7 tonnes from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. There you have it…

Let’s recall that a few months ago, BMW already beat its rivals to the punch with the first 100% electric SUV engineered by Motorsport, the BMW iX M60, with 619 CV. For now, among the three German competitors, Audi is still missing a move and has yet to launch an RS version of the e-tron SUV. But now let’s get to the point: the new sporty SUV from Mercedes-AMG.

Two Mercedes-AMG variants: EQE SUV 43 4MATIC and EQE 53 4MATIC+

One of the advantages of electrification is how easy it is to offer different power and range versions with minimal changes to the motor, simply by adjusting the battery capacity. For these AMG versions, the base could only be the EQE SUV, with the necessary modifications to the propulsion system to achieve maximum performance: electric motors with adapted windings, a specific cooling system to withstand higher loads during repeated acceleration maneuvers, a heat exchanger for the transmission oil…

The result is two versions, both with two motors (one on each axle) and all-wheel drive, with fully variable torque distribution: the 43 4MATIC, with 350 kW (476 CV), and the EQE 53 4MATIC+, which reaches 460 kW (626 CV) and up to 505 kW (687 CV) when equipped with the AMG Dynamic Plus package. The less powerful version has its top speed limited to 210 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The more powerful one has its top speed limit raised to 220 km/h, or 240 km/h with the aforementioned AMG Dynamic Plus package, stopping the clock at 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

In both cases the battery is the same one used across the rest of the EQE SUV range, with a capacity of 90.6 kWh. The WLTP range is up to 488 km for the EQE SUV 43 4MATIC and up to 470 km for the EQE SUV 53 4MATIC+. These new batteries support fast charging at up to 170 kW, and can recover around 170 km of range in about 15 minutes. The onboard charger is 11 kW, with a 22 kW option available. For now, bidirectional charging is only available for the Japanese market. Notably, Mercedes certifies the battery’s durability for 10 years or 250,000 km.

Chassis tuned for sporty driving and specific equipment

Naturally, these AMG versions feature specific chassis adjustments. In addition to the standard air suspension, which offers greater firmness, they also use an active anti-roll bar system, four-wheel steering, and more powerful brakes than the rest of the EQE SUV range, with the option of carbon-ceramic discs for the front axle. The standard wheels are 21 inches (22-inch wheels are optionally available), fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, sporty tyres developed specifically for electric vehicles.

As for design details, the truth is these AMG versions are hard to distinguish, as they don’t flaunt “muscle” with external add-ons or widened wheel arches. The grille changes slightly, with the radiator in AMG-specific black finish and the brand emblem on the bonnet, and the wheel arch trim, rear skirt in body colour, or the aerodynamically optimised rear diffuser are all specific to these versions.

Inside, the highlights are the sport seats with microfibre and leatherette upholstery featuring red contrast stitching (nappa upholstery can be requested as an option), the AMG badges, the AMG Performance steering wheel with its flat-bottomed design, and the optional MBUX Hyperscreen system, with three screens totalling more than 42 inches (the standard setup has two, a 12.3″ instrument cluster and a 12.8″ multimedia system), plus additional AMG functions.

Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV – Image gallery