2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE revealed; 505kW EQE 53 set for Australia

Mercedes-AMG has launched its latest electric vehicle – the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQE.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz EQE revealed at last year's Munich motor show, the crew at AMG have added its own special touch to the electric vehicle, announcing two variants at launch – the most powerful of which has been confirmed for Australia.

Set to be released in Europe in EQE 43 4MATIC and EQE 53 4MATIC+ guise, the two grades both feature dual electric motors. The 'entry-level' EQE 43 produces up to 350kW and 858Nm, while the EQE 53 4MATIC+ turns it up a notch – pushing out 460kW/950Nm in normal mode and topping out at 505kW/1000Nm when using its boost function with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package.

25

This enables the EQE 43 to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds, still far from being a slouch, but nearly a second down on the EQE 53's time of 3.3 seconds when in its more powerful settings, pushing on to a top speed of 210km/h and 240km/h respectively.

Underpinned by a 90.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the EQE 43 achieves an estimated driving range of between 462-533 kilometres, while the EQE 53's overall range is reduced ever so slightly – dropping to around 444-518 kilometres.

The EQE's charging system remains unchanged, with an onboard charger allowing for 11kW or optional 22kW alternating current charging capacity at home, while direct current fast charging can be bumped up to 170kW, adding roughly 180km of driving range in just 15 minutes.

25

Helping to keep the 2525 kilogram four-door sedan under control, AMG has applied its knowledge of suspension tuning from high-performance vehicles to the EQE – fitting the EV with the Ride Control+ system, which adds adaptive dampers to the four-link front axle and the multilink rear.

With setup philosophies carried across from the AMG EQS and AMG GT Four-Door Coupé, stiffer anti-roll bars and a lower ride height are aimed at keeping the EQE planted around corners, while the rear-wheel steering of up to 3.6 degrees helps it manoeuvre at low speeds.

Riding on 20-inch wheels as standard, an optional set of 21-inch light alloy rims also allows buyers to upgrade their EQE's brakes – going from six-piston front calipers with 415 millimetre steel rotors to 440mm ceramic rotors, with single-piston rear calipers and 378mm discs remaining across the range.

25

As expected with AMG's models, the EQE has been given a mild visual makeover to differentiate it from its standard Mercedes counterpart, with a new grille, lower front bumper, rear diffuser, spoiler and sideskirts standing out as the most obvious highlights.

Inside the cabin, an option carried over from the Merc EQE is the ability to order the tri-screen, full-width MBUX dashboard and infotainment screen – now available with AMG Track Pace as an optional add-on, allowing drivers to record their telemetry at a race track.

For those who want electric performance, but miss the noise of a conventional internal combustion engine, all AMG EQE variants come standard with a sound generator, allowing the user to choose from one of three modes – balanced, sport and powerful.

25

We can expect more information about Australian-spec examples of the AMG EQE closer to the car's launch, with Mercedes-Benz Australia yet to set an official date for its arrival.

It's expected the base EQE range is due to arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2022.