AMG-fettled EQE heading Down Under

WHILE the upcoming Mercedes-AMG EQS53 4Matic+ will sit at the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia’s line-up of battery-electric passenger vehicles, its smaller EQE sibling is heading here too, and the range is likely to be headlined by a 498kW/1001Nm Affalterbach-tuned variant.  

Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia has a battery of all-electric models lined up for local introduction this year, from the crossover-flavoured GLA small SUV and its more squared-off GLB medium SUV sibling, right up to a brace of commercial vehicles. 

However, motoring enthusiasts are most eagerly anticipating the arrival of the S-Class-sized EQS battery-electric limousine and its smaller sibling, the EQE, which arrive in second half of the 2022, possibly closer to the end of the year.   

The Three-pointed Star recently unveiled the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic and EQE 53 4Matic+, the latter of which will be available with an AMG Dynamic package and, although the Australian EQE line-up was yet to be finalised, Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman Ryan Lewis confirmed it was the range-topping 53 4Matic+, and not the 43 4Matic, that was heading here. 

As opposed to some of its EQ model siblings, the EQE is not based on a conventional model, but rides on ‘Benz’s EVA platform, which also underpins the EQS. It’s slightly shorter, but notably taller and wider than its E-Class stablemate, which means it is also much more spacious inside.

As opposed to their non-AMG siblings, both the EQE 43 4Matic and the 53 4Matic+ have dual electric motors (one positioned at each axle) paired to a 90.6kWh battery. However, whereas the former produces 350kW and 858Nm, the latter delivers 460kW and 950Nm – in standard spec.

The Australia-bound 460kW/950Nm EQE 53 4Matic+, which is regarded as a rival to the Tesla Model S, is said to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, achieve a 220km/h top speed and have a range of between 414 and 518km. But, when equipped with the AMG Dynamic Plus package, its total outputs go up to 498kW and a whopping 1001Nm of torque!

With the AMG Dynamic Plus package specified, the EQE 53 4Matic+ is claimed to accelerate to three figures in 3.2 seconds and top out at 240km/h. It has an 11kW onboard charger and fast charging (using a 170kW) outlet will result in 180km of range being added in just 15 minutes. 

From a cosmetic point of view, the newcomer can be distinguished by its sporty bumpers, stripey black closed “grille”, 20-inch multi-spoke alloys, as well as sporty bumpers and side skirts.

The EQE’s cabin is dominated by the expansive MBUX Hyperscreen that spans the width of the dashboard and incorporates three screens (two of which is of the touch-input variety) under one uninterrupted glass surface. 

The AMG-fettled derivatives feature sports seats with microfibre trim, red contrast stitching, an AMG Performance multifunction steering wheel (trimmed in Nappa leather), aluminium shift paddles, AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and AMG door-sill trims.  

AMG Ride Control+ suspension with adaptive damping, rear-axle steering and AMG Select Drive modes (Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual) are standard on the EQE 53 4Matic+. To enhance driver’s sensation of on-road performance, the AMG Sound Experience matches the drive modes by synthesised sound profiles such as Authentic, Balanced, Sport and Powerful.