The future is electric … and you’re probably tired of hearing about that by now. There are so many plans, upcoming models, and predictions bouncing around that it’s worth thinking about the present (or the very near future, for that matter). The truth is, the future is now, and some great cars that are right around the corner just happen to be electric. The Mercedes-AMG EQE is that kind of vehicle, and it’s almost here—the second EV in the AMG lineup, after the AMG EQS.
Set your time machine to early 2023, and that’s when this midsize electric performance sedan will hit U.S. dealers. That’s just long enough to build excitement without inducing impatience. What will customers be waiting for, exactly? Up to 677 horsepower, all-wheel-drive, and a slinky shape that benefits from a more aggressive treatment.
We know that the EQE’s “grille” motif is a transitional element, which will be phased out as consumers grow more accustomed to the coming designs of Mercedes EVs—the EQXX represents what’s next, and we visualized its production version earlier. But for now, the faux grille stays, and gets AMG signature vertical bars in place of the smattering of tri-stars. The brightwork around the greenhouse is blacked out, and the tail gets a little black lip spoiler for some sporty contrast. New wheels fill out the major aesthetic highlights. It’s a light but appropriate touch.
The horsepower bump is anything but light. Whereas regular EQEs get a 288-hp single electric motor driving the rear wheels at launch, entry-level AMG EQEs will get a 617-hp powertrain, while ones equipped with he AMG Dynamic Plus Package get a bump to 677 (achieved during a “boost” function in certain circumstances). Torque for both is healthy, at 701 lb-ft or 738 lb-ft. Each feature two-motor, AWD layouts—and the e-motors are uniquely tuned for AMG duty. AMG modifies the windings, laminations, current loads, and fits a unique inverter to ensure optimal performance, achieving higher motor speeds and producing more power. AMG says this give the car more top-end grunt.
The rear motor is a six-phase design with dual windings, each having three phases. The stator is designed to produce a particularly powerful magnetic field. The rotor is also water-cooled, with what AMG describes as a “water lance” occupying the shaft of the rotor. Between that and special heat-shedding ribs on the stator, AMG is hoping to avoid performance-sapping temperature issues.
The AMG EQE packs a 90.6-kWh (net) lithium-ion battery pack, capable of quick-charging at speeds of up to 112 miles of added range in just 15 minutes in optimal circumstances. The battery can prep itself for fast-charging by adjusting pack temperature with the thermal management system en route if the driver activates the Navigation with Electric Intelligence feature, which should save some time on long journeys. Conversely, an ECO Charging mode helps optimize the long-term health of the pack, likely at the expense of overall charge speed.
With dual motors, the AWD system can obviously shuffle power between the axles quickly and with extreme precision. AMG still calls the system in the EQE “4Matic+” but claims the “+” now stands for the overall level of performance offered by the extremely and continuously variable torque shifting (torque split is evaluated 160 times per second!). The driver mode setting also alters the overall torque distribution, becoming more rear-biased in sportier modes for more “lateral dynamics”—read, slidey fun. Rear-axle steering (of up to 3.6 degrees) is standard on all AMG EQEs for increased high- and low-speed agility.
AMG Ride Control+ air suspension is paired with adaptive dampers, acting on a four-link arrangement up front and a multi-link arrangement out back. As you might imagine, it’s all tuned for AMG duty, with stiffer stabilizer bars and bushings. Suspension height can be adjusted for increased efficiency, as well. Massive brake calipers (16.3 inches up front, 14.9 out back) step in when regenerative braking isn’t sufficient.
As you might imagine with an AMG product, there is plenty of differentiation inside. Sport seats with either MB-Tex/microfiber and red contrast stitching or nappa leather both feature AMG-specific seat graphics, as well as headrest badgers. Red details and top-stitching throughout the interior help communicate its performance potential, as to the sport pedals, AMG floor mats, and door sill trim.
The MBUX Hyperscreen is not standard, but if equipped it transforms the interior—as the Hyperscreen does in other Mercedes products. Whatever infotainment system is selected, there are the expected AMG-specific functions and display screens to choose from.
Mercedes-AMG expects the EQE to achieve up to 518 km (321 miles) of range on the European test cycle, down from the 410 miles expected of the non-AMG EQE on the same test. U.S. specific information will come closer to our 2023 on-sale date, but figure on slightly lower range figures on the more stringent EPA test cycle.
Keyword: 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE First Look: Another Electric Benz Gets Performance Overhaul