The First All-Electric AMG |
As its first all-electric ambassador in the performance segment, the new Mercedes-AMG EQS 55 combines the advantages of electric propulsion with the sportiness and agility expected of any AMG. And with a sonorous soundtrack to boot, this electric AMG has everything and more to appeal to diehard AMG aficionados – even those with petrol coursing through their veins.
Mercedes-AMG is embarking on the all-electric future of driving performance with the new EQS 53. Based on the Mercedes EQ architecture, the first battery-electric AMG production model is destined to pioneer the AMG philosophy into the future, from technology and design to earth-shattering performance and the emotive sound that characterises all AMGs, past, present, and future.
Electrifying Performance
At the heart of the new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is its performance-oriented drive concept that employs two permanently excited synchronous electric motors. The potent electric powertrain – with a motor at both the front and rear axles, which optimally transmit the drive power to the asphalt in all driving conditions – further enhances the fully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system.
The basic version achieves a maximum output of 484 kW, with a maximum motor torque of 950 Nm. With the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, the maximum output increases to 560 kW in Race Start mode with boost function, and the maximum motor torque is increased to 1,020 Nm.
Fitted with the Dynamic Plus package, the AMG EQS 53 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. In the standard version, the AMG EQS 53 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 220 km/h.
The standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel-drive system continuously distributes the drive torque between the front and rear axles, depending on the selected driving mode, the driving situation and the driver input. The torque is checked 10,000 times per minute and adjusted when required. The five AMG Dynamic Select driving modes include: “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual”.
As in the AMG GT 4-door Coupé, the standard air suspension of the AMG EQS 53 makes use of two pressure relief valves and is equipped with rear-axle steering as standard.
AMG Sound
Mercedes-AMG models have always evoked emotion, and the vehicle sound has always been an integral attribute, if not the hallmark, of the AMG driving experience. This will continue to be the case in AMG’s electric future. The AMG EQS 53 ushers in a new, powerfully sonorous sound to electric driving. The sound system adopts unique loudspeakers, shakers and a sound generator to create a distinctive sound experience in two versions, Authentic and Performance. This exclusive AMG sound experience is generated inside and outside the car, with a tonality and intensity to match the specific driving situation, the selected driving mode, or the driver’s preferences.
Sizeable Battery
The new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 is equipped with a powerful 400-volt battery with a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh for a maximum range of 580 km (WLTP). The battery management system is configured specifically for AMG, with AMG‑specific wiring adapted for high performance and significantly shorter charging times. The battery can be charged with up to 200 kW at quick-charging stations with direct current. In this case, power for up to another 300 km of added range can be “topped up” in approximately 20 minutes. An onboard charger allows for convenient home charging, with up to 22 kW of alternating current.
Apart from the AMG high-performance compound brake system (or optional AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system), the AMG EQS 53 also offers efficient energy recuperation when braking. The recuperation output is up to 300 kW and can be adjusted by the driver in three stages via switches on the steering wheel, including “one-pedal” driving.
Electric-age Design
At first glance, the AMG EQS 53 is clearly distinguishable from vehicles housing combustion engines. The design philosophy is reflected in reduced joints and seamless transitions. The exterior design also assimilates characteristic AMG features and transfers them into the all-electric age. Highlights include the AMG side sill panels in high-gloss black, rear diffuser with six longitudinal fins, a larger rear spoiler, and 21” or 22” AMG light-alloy wheels in Aero or Heritage design.
As expected of any AMG, the interior is dominated by style-defining AMG features, including AMG seats with individual graphics and special seat covers in artificial leather with microfibre and red contrasting topstitching. Alternatively, seat upholstery in Nappa leather is optionally available, also including AMG-specific seat graphics.
Numerous other features underline the distinctive style of the interior; the pièce de résistance being the Hyperscreen with AMG-specific functions and displays for the MBUX infotainment system. The large, curved screen unit extends from A-pillar to A-pillar and includes three screens fitted under a glass cover that appear to merge into one large screen.
Sensing Safety
As an exceptionally intelligent vehicle, the AMG EQS 53 boasts up to 350 sensors, depending on the optional extras. These sensors record distance, speed and acceleration, lighting conditions, precipitation and temperature, seat occupancy, and even the driver’s blink of an eye or the passengers’ speech. This wealth of information is processed by control units that employ algorithms to make interventions at lightning speed.
Apart from being equipped with sensors unparalleled in other Mercedes-AMG models, the AMG EQS 53 comes equipped with the same passive safety features that have made the AMG S-Class the envy of all in its segment. The Mercedes-Benz principle of Integral Safety, in particular accident safety, also applies to the EQ range, making it even safer by virtue of the placement of the battery beneath the cabin, thereby improving side-impact rigidity, roll-over stability (thanks to a low centre of gravity), and superior front impact absorption, given the lack of a large engine block. The AMG EQS 53 is destined to achieve similar top safety awards from various regulatory agencies worldwide as with all AMG models.
Last Word
In a recent interview with Auto Express at the 2021 Munich Motor Show, Mercedes-AMG’s chief technical officer Jochen Hermann revealed that all of the new EQ models will miss out on a high-performance “AMG 63” designation and, like the all-new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 S 4MATIC+, these models will only carry the “AMG 53” nameplate, traditionally used to designate mid-range AMGs.
“The difference between a 53 and 63 most of the time has been how much you can go on a racetrack with an AMG. Owners can expect all they know and love from driving an AMG, but the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 is not a car for the racetrack. Not because of its performance, but because of its weight and battery size,” explained Hermann.
Depending on Mercedes-AMG’s advances in the development of its battery technology over the next few years, we will possibly see the “AMG 63” nameplate on battery-electric AMG models that could be introduced around 2025, like an all-electric replacement for the AMG GT, or even a hypercar based on the Project One.
Time will tell, but for now, as exceptional as the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 may be compared to traditional internal combustion engine AMGs, the reality is that Mercedes-AMG is lagging behind Porsche with its very compelling Taycan and Tesla with its all-conquering Model S Plaid.
Still, the new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 S 4MATIC+ represents a bold step into the future for Mercedes-AMG, which is sure to conquer the hearts and minds of traditional AMG enthusiasts. Once new owners familiarise themselves with the advantages of home charging and the incredible sense of acceleration of a battery-electric AMG, to mention just two of the numerous benefits of driving electric, they are guaranteed to become the brand ambassadors for Mercedes-AMG EQ, as much as AMG owners of generations past have been the brand ambassadors for AMG.
Report by Wilhelm Loots | Images © Daimler AG