Bahn-storming ‘63’ may not be happening, but Mercedes-AMG is still working on a spicier EQE SUV with all-wheel steering
The first spy shots of the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV have surfaced, revealing an innovative rear-axle steering system and all of the usual AMG go-faster goodies for the all-electric large SUV.
Spied previously in standard form, the EQE SUV will be the electric alternative and eventual replacement for the Mercedes-Benz GLE portfolio and it seems that applies to the ballistic AMG variants too.
Wrapped in mind-warping camouflage, it’s hard to ascertain much about the design of the AMG version of the EQE SUV, which shouldn’t be confused with the E-Class based EQE electric sedan.
However, if history is anything to go by, it’d be more than safe to expect a more aggressive body treatment, including an angrier front fascia, headlights and pumped-up wheel-arches at the very least.
What reveals these vehicles as AMGs is their multi-spoke large-diameter alloy wheels, lower ride heights and, at least in the winter-testing photos, an uprated braking system featuring beefier callipers as well as drilled and slotted ceramic rotors at all four corners.
The most interesting feature seen here though is the inclusion of an active rear-axle steering system serving to shorten the effective wheelbase when cornering and manoeuvring.
More than likely pinched off the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and adjoining EQS, the system will have undoubtedly been enhanced by the AMG performance boffins.
Sources out of Germany tell us the brand has filed trademark applications for the EQE 43, 53, 55 and 63 nameplates, leading us to believe the vehicle spied in the snow to be the range-topping Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 S SUV on account of the rear-steering system, while the on-road testing shots depict a lesser variant.
Whatever the case, a sub-four-second 0-100km/h time should well and truly be on the cards for the flagship EQE SUV, given the current full-fat Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S stops the clock in 3.8 seconds.
Despite the trademarks mentioned above, it’s unlikely we’ll see a sports car-slaying AMG 63 or 63 S version of the EQE SUV, given Mercedes-AMG’s chief technical officer Jochen Hermann has already deemed the bigger EQ models too heavy for the German performance brand’s fabled 63 nameplate.
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Keyword: First look at hot Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV