Mercedes launches the first AMG EQS

Mercedes is presenting the AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ at the IAA Mobility in Munich. The AMG version of the electric luxury sedan is in the performance class of a Porsche Taycan Turbo S and aims to score with both dynamics and luxurious ambience.

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The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is the first battery-electric production model from AMG. The performance subsidiary of Mercedes had already equipped some SLS sports cars with four electric motors a few years ago, but it did not release it as a production model.

The EQS 53 4MATIC+, on the other hand, has to make do with two motors – in the meantime, rumours also spoke of three motors as in the Audi e-tron quattro S or Tesla Model S Plaid. The performance of the system with two motors should nevertheless be sufficient in most situations. In the basic version, it is 484 kW with a maximum torque of 950 Nm. This should enable the AMG-EQS to accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, topping out at 220 km/h.

With the optional “AMG Dynamic Plus” package, up to 560 kW of power and 1,020 Nm of torque are achievable in ‘Race Start’ mode with ‘Boost function’. The sprint to 100 km/h is then achieved in 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is raised to 250 km/h. Incidentally, according to AMG, both acceleration figures can only be achieved when the battery is at least 80 per cent charged.

AMG model only available with large battery

In addition to the adapted PSMs on the front and rear axles (the one on the rear axle has two windings, as in the EQE), AMG has also optimised the software of the inverter to improve the control of the motors. For example, the recuperation power should reach up to 300 kW – ten kW more than in the EQS 580 4MATIC.

The small “+” in the model designation has already given it away: The EQS 53 4MATIC+ has the larger of the two batteries in the EQS, i.e. the one with 107.8 kWh of usable energy. The “+” thus at least leaves open the possibility of offering an AMG EQS with the smaller 90 kWh battery in the future – but this is not yet mentioned in the press release.

In terms of charging power, the AMG version is the same as the series-production model: up to 200 kW is possible at the fast charger, and electricity for 300 WLTP kilometres should be able to be recharged in 15 minutes. An 11 kW AC charger is available ex works, with 22 kW as an option.

Speaking of WLTP kilometres: Depending on the equipment and the “AMG Dynamic Plus” package, the standard range is between 526 and 580 kilometres – around 100 kilometres less than the all-wheel-drive EQS 580 4MATIC. This is not only due to the higher performance: with the AMG-typical changes to the wings and the other rims, Mercedes states the cW value as “from 0.23” – and precisely not the 0.20 of the standard model.

“Even with electrification, we ensure that our models based on the EVA2 Group platform, keep our AMG brand promise,” says Jochen Hermann, Technical Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “Our customers can also look forward to a dynamic and emotional driving experience in this area. We ensure this with AMG-specific solutions, particularly in the areas of drive, suspension, brakes and, above all, sound.”

With special speakers, shakers and a sound generator, the AMG EQS is intended to offer a “special sound experience” – in two versions (“Authentic” or “Performance”). And not only in the interior, but also on the outside.

Mercedes has not yet indicated when the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ will be launched and at what price.

Update 14 December 2021

Around three months after its trade fair premiere in Munich, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is now available to be ordered. The base price in Germany is 152,546 euros. It is not clear from the announcement when deliveries are to begin.

A glance at the configurator also reveals the surcharges for some extras. The “AMG Night” package with black accents on the outside and heat-insulating glass costs an extra 1,130.50 euros, a set of winter tyres 4,400 euros and the trailer coupling, which is also available for the AMG, costs 999.60 euros. In addition, three equipment packages can be added, costing up to 11,578.70 euros. The above-mentioned “AMG Dynamic Plus” package (including 2250 instead of 220 km/h top speed and “Race Start” mode) has to be ordered for 4,760 euros, the ceramic high-performance composite brake system costs 4,998 euros. In return, the hyperscreen is already included in the AMG EQS.

Update 1 December 2021:

In the UK, prices start from £154,995 OTR with a choice of two model lines: Night Edition and Touring. The electric car is available with optional AMG Performance package (Night Edition only) and Rear Luxury Lounge package (Touring only). The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is now on sale, with the first UK vehicles arriving April 2022.

Reporting by Sebastian Schaal, Germany.

Info via email, daimler.com (update)