Following the EQS, Mercedes-AMG is expanding its electric car family with two models based on the smaller EQE. Both the EQE 43 4MATIC and EQE 53 4MATIC+ from AMG rely on an electric all-wheel-drive system with a “performance-oriented” design.
Like the AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ shown at the IAA in September 2021, the EQE offshoots each use a permanently excited synchronous machine on the front and rear axles. The performance data differs from the EQS, however – for one simple reason: the battery pack in the AMG versions of the EQE also comes with a net energy content of 90.6 kWh. In the EQS, this battery pack with ten modules is the basic battery for the entry-level model, while the more powerful versions and the AMG model use the battery with twelve modules and 107.8 kWh – which can also deliver more power.
In the smaller sedan, the power spectrum ranges from 350 kW in the EQE 43 4MATIC to 505 kW in the EQE 53 4MATIC+ with optional Dynamic Plus package and boost function. Without this optional equipment, Mercedes-AMG quotes the output of the 53 as 460 kW. The maximum torque ranges from 858 to 1,000 Nm.
According to preliminary figures, the battery pack with the aforementioned 90.6 kWh of usable capacity provides WLTP ranges of 462 to 533 (EQE 43 4MATIC) or 444 to 518 kilometres (EQE 53 4MATIC+). The charge level is an important additional specification for the driving performance: In the case of the 43, the time for the standard sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h is 4.2 seconds if the battery is at least 50 per cent charged. For the 53, the specification is at least 70 per cent State of Charge. This allows the sedan to accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.5 or 3.3 seconds if the customer has booked the Dynamic Plus package. Depending on the equipment, the top speed is between 210 and 240 km/h.
As with the more civil EQE, the DC charging power is up to 170 kW, and electricity for up to 180 WLTP kilometers can be recharged in 15 minutes. For AC charging, the EQE is equipped with an 11-kW onboard charger ex works, and the charging time is then over nine hours. The time can be halved with the optional 22-kW charger. In Japan, the EQE will also be available with a bidirectional charging function. If navigation with “Electric Intelligence” is activated, the battery will be preheated or cooled while driving to reach the optimum temperature for fast charging at the charging point.
In addition, there are some ‘smart’ charging functions: If desired, the ‘ECO Charging’ function reduces the battery load during charging, slowing down the natural aging process of the battery as well as the charging process itself. There is also “charging interruption,” which allows customers to connect the car to the wallbox at home after work, but pause the charging process at freely selectable times – for example, to use cheaper nighttime electricity.
When it comes to the battery, Mercedes-AMG emphasizes that the battery management system in the EQE 53 is “tuned specifically for AMG” – which suggests that the BMS in the EQE 43 is the same as the familiar production model. The BMS can be supplied with improved software via OTA update in both versions. In addition, the EQE 53 has an AMG-specific wiring harness adapted to the higher performance capability. However, the 360 pouch cells with NCM811 cell chemistry are the same in both versions. Mercedes issues a battery certificate that is valid for up to ten years or a mileage of 250,000 kilometres. However, Mercedes does not specify which battery state was chosen as the lower limit.
There are no surprises in the looks of the Mercedes-AMG EQE, based on the standard EQE and the AMG version of the EQS. The AMG-typical vertical struts are hinted at in the front grille, which remains closed, but without having any function. There are also some AMG borrowings in the interior, such as the sports seats with embossed AMG emblems in the headrests.
The suspension, with its standard air suspension including adaptive adjustable damping, is taken in basic form from the AMG EQS (which in turn is based on the AMG GT four-door), but has been specifically adapted for the EQE. Finally, the suspension must be designed for a ready-to-drive curb weight of 2,525 kilograms.
Mercedes has not yet announced prices for both AMG versions of the EQE.
Keyword: Mercedes presents two AMG versions of the EQE