AMG goes electric with its new EQE models

MERCEDES-BENZ’S electric car roll-out has been nothing short of aggressive, with the rapidly expanding EV range now covering almost all ends of the market, and the company’s aggression division is not far behind with its own performance offerings.

Following the debut of the Mercedes-AMG EQS late last year, the performance division has unleashed two versions of the EQE mid-size sedan.

The new Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic and EQE 53 4Matic models are powered by a pair of AMG-specific electric motors, one on each angle to offer fully variable all-wheel drive. But they differ when it comes to performance, with the EQE 43 offering peak outputs of 350kW and 858Nm and the EQE 53 pushing a wholesome 505kW and 1 000Nm when fitted with the Dynamic Plus Package (or 460kW and 950Nm if not).

But how fast are they? According to Mercedes-AMG, the EQE 43 will sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, as long as the battery is 50% full, while the EQE 53 models take 3.5 and 3.3 seconds respectively, assuming that the battery is at least 70% charged.

The vehicles also use special speakers as well as a bass actuator and sound generator to create a more emotional soundtrack, given that there is no engine.

The models offer a driving range of between 444km and 518km, depending on the model and usage, and the new-generation battery is also said to allow shorter charging times.

As with the larger EQS model, the Mercedes-AMG EQE is based on the company’s new EVA2 architecture, which was developed for electric cars.

But will they come here? Mercedes-EQ plans to launch the EQE in South Africa this year, with the EQA, EQB, EQC and EQS, but it’s not known if the Mercedes-AMG variants are part of the plan.

Mercedes-Benz’s rapidly expanding EV range now covers almost all ends of the market.