Mercedes reveals high performance AMG electric sedans, with top-of-range slated for Australia

Mercedes-Benz is expanding its electric range, revealing two high-performance versions of its EQE sedan: the EQE 43 4Matic and the EQE 53 4Matic+.

The higher-specced AMG-EQE 53 4Matic+ will join Mercedes-Benz growing offering for the Australian market. Having previously underlined it will release all-electric EQ vehicles here at the same time as global markets, it will join the EQS premium electric SUV and the compact EQA SUV, as well as the EQS which is slated for an April release locally.

Sporting motors developed by AMG, the EQE 43 4Matic and the EQE 53 4Matic+ have two permanent magnet synchronous motors on the front and rear axle. The EQE 53 4Matic + has a motor with adapted windings and sheets, higher currents and a specific inverter, allowing it to reach higher rotation speeds and deliver more power and acceleration.

This allows the most powerful option to deliver 512kW (687hp) and 1,020Nm of torque in its AMG Dynamic Plus Pack version, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.

The AMG 43 version of the EQE displays 354kW (476hp) and 858Nm, and 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.2 second.

To meet the demands of customers who want serious performance, the cooling of these motors is increased allowing for repeated acceleration manoeuvres with high and constant performance. To do this, Mercedes has developed a “water lance” located in the rotor shaft as well as special ribs on the stator, while a gearbox oil heat exchanger preheats oil during a cold start to ensure its effectiveness.

Both AMG models are equipped with a 328V lithium-ion high-voltage battery with a capacity of 90.6kWh, offering driving range between 462 and 533km in the AMG 43 4Matic version, and between 444 and 518 km in the AMG 53 4Matic + version.

Different modes allow driving experience according to needs: Sport and Sport+ modes boost performance and acceleration, with torque biased towards the rear for better lateral dynamics while Comfort mode favours driving range.

“Ice” mode restricts the power of the car in order to make it easier to drive, by cutting power by 50%. On the most Sport+ mode, the EQE 53 4Matic + has a launch control with a boost function included which can deliver 110% of the 512kW power from the motors.

Driving experience is enhanced with the “AMG Sound Experience” which plays different tones in the cabin depending on the selected mode.

Mercedes-Benz says the battery management system will be updated throughout the life of the vehicle, and have a warranty for 10 years or 250,000km. The EQE 53 4Matic+ in particular features AMG-specific wiring tailored to its performance.

Both vehicles are fitted with Daimler’s new generation battery which allows shorter recharging times: both AMG versions can be recharged at a maximum charge rate of 170kW on DC fast chargers and thus recover up to 180km of range in 15 minutes. On an AC charger, a top charge rate of 11kW comes standard with 22kW as an option.

Battery cooling management speeds up recharging by bringing the temperature of the battery to the optimum temperature.

Thanks to their dual-motor formats, both the AMG electric sedan fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC (EQE 43) or 4MATIC + (EQE 53) all-wheel drive as standard.

Individual torque control distributes torque to the axle and wheel that needs it most; compared to a conventional four-wheel drive, Mercedes-Benz says the system is more responsive, with torque adjusted 160 times per second if necessary.

Suspension of both vehicles uses the “AMG Ride Control+” system which includes air suspension and adaptive adjustable damping. Also used in the Mercedes EQS and AMG GT, the suspension in the AMG-EQEs have model-specific adjustment, while bearings that connect the cradle to the body are 50% stiffer to provide more direct contact with the road.

Mercedes-AMG says its engineers have increased the range between sportiness and comfort, in particular by accentuating the gap between the minimum and maximum characteristic curves of the damping. In order to reduce consumption, this suspension is useful because it lowers the ground clearance of the vehicle when the vehicle is travelling at less than 120km/hr.

In order to increase the agility of this large 5-metre sedan, the rear wheels are steered with a maximum angle of 3.6 degrees. Below 60km/hr the wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels and above 60km/hr they turn in the same direction.

Design-wise, a black grille that is specific to the AMG versions has a star and the AMG logos integrated. The standard digital light headlights feature an AMG-specific light signature. The front bumper is also EQ specific, as are the air passages, the sills, the rear diffuser. The aerodynamics are optimized, especially with the rims of these AMG versions.

Inside, the sporty DNA is also felt, in particular with the special upholstery of the seats in Artico imitation leather with Microcut microfibre as well as red stitching, while nappa leather upholstery is an option.

AMG plates are placed in the cabin and the AMG logo is on the front headrest. The steering wheel is in nappa leather, with a flattening and is perforated at the paddles. These paddles are used to control the regenerative braking which can be set on three levels.

This interior can be enhanced with the curved MBUX screen that extends from pillar to pillar. It allows the passenger to enjoy entertainment content without interfering with the driver’s concentration. On the AMG versions, this screen includes a new tool displaying the vehicle’s performance on more than 80 vehicle data points, such as for example, to display your lap times on the circuit.

Technical data

Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model 3 and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.