Mercedes will offer a range-topping AMG version of its EQE luxury saloon when its arrives in the UK later this year. The German brand has just announced details of the newcomer, which will be the second all-electric Mercedes to get the AMG treatment after the EQS.
Although European buyers will have the option of an EQE 43 4MATIC and an EQE 53 4MATIC+, British buyers will only be able to choose the higher spec model. It comes with a 90kWh battery pack, all-wheel drive and a power output of 626bhp. Customers can additionally specify an AMG Dynamic Plus package that raises the output to a heady 687bhp. Torque output is 950Nm for the standard model and 1,000Nm for the Dynamic Plus package.
Mercedes claims that the EQE 53 4MATIC+ can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds with the Dynamic Plus Package and 3.5 seconds for the standard car. Curiously, Mercedes states that this performance is only possible with a minimum 70% of charge in the battery.
Both front and rear motors are unique to the AMG models and feature adapted windings and laminations, higher currents and a specific inverter. According to Mercedes the electric motor on the rear axle is particularly powerful thanks to a six-phase design, based on two windings with three phases each.
DC charging can be carried out at speeds of up to 170kW, while AC charging maxes out at 11kW as standard. Customers can optionally upgrade to a 22kW AC charger. The EQE also comes with a battery conditioning system that can prepare the pack for rapid charging if the destination is set in the navigation. This feature, pioneered by Tesla, places the battery pack at the perfect temperature to accept a full power rapid charge.
The EQE 53 also comes with what Mercedes describes as an ‘emotional sound spectrum for a unique driving experience’. This takes the form of a piped-in sound designed to replace the roar of a traditional petrol engine. The system comprises special speakers, bass actuator and a sound generator and can be fine-tuned to suit the tastes of the driver. Thankfully, it can also be turned off altogether.
The EQE’s all-wheel drive system has also been upgraded for the AMG versions. The system continuously distributes drive torque between the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation. Torque is checked 160 times per second and adjusted if necessary. The torque distribution depends on the selected drive program. In Comfort mode the focus is on maximum efficiency, while in Sport and Sport+ the torque is more rear-biased to give a sportier driving experience.
Mercedes has yet to announce an on-sale date or pricing for UK customers.