By Otsile Kadiege

After recently unveiling their first-ever all-electric AMG – the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+. Today Mercedes-AMG added two more cars, in the form of the EQE, to its fully-electric stable. Meet the all-new Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic and EQE 53 4Matic+. Like their larger EQS sibling, the newcomers boats AMG-specific exterior and interior styling, AMG-specific electric motors, as well as a powerful battery with quick charging times.

AMG exterior

Visually setting themselves apart from the rest of the EQE crop, both EQE 43 4Matic and EQE 53 4Matic+ boast an enclosed Panamericana grille with vertical slats for improved aerodynamics. The grille is flanked by standard Digital Light headlights which feature specific AMG projection when opening and closing the vehicle. They pair are fitted with AMG-specific light-alloy wheels 20-inch wheels as standard and optional 21-inch wheels which have been aerodynamically optimised.

Both cars’ rear-ends are dominated by a prominent rear-diffuser and rear wing. As standard, the EQEs are fitted with chrome detailing all-round, however customers can opt for the Night Package which deletes all the chrome and replaces it with a high-gloss-black finish.

AMG interior

The interior is also dominated by style-defining AMG features like AMG seats with individual graphics and special seat covers in Artico man-made leather with Microcut micro-fibre and red decorative topstitching. Other AMG-specific features include AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather, with flattened lower section, AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats, door sill trims with AMG lettering (illuminated with exchangeable cover), as well as an optional Hyperscreen with AMG-specific functions and displays for the MBUX infotainment system.

Performance

Both Mercedes-AMG EQE models offer a performance-oriented drive concept with two electric motors. The electric drivetrain (eATS), with a motor on each of the axles, also offers fully variable all-wheel drive, which optimally transmits the drive power to the asphalt under all driving conditions. The power spectrum ranges from 350kW in the EQE 43 4MATIC and 505kW in the EQE 53 4MATIC+ with optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package and boost function. The maximum torque ranges from 858 to 1000Nm respectively. The EQE 53 4Matic+ sends its power to the fully variable all-wheel drive system allowing it to spring from 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds. Customers of the EQE 53 4Matic+ can opt for the AMG Dynamic Plus package which combines driving dynamics extras like the powerful boost for Race Start, the increase in maximum speed to 240 km/h, and the AMG Sound Experience “Performance”.

Both models are fitted with rear axle steering as standard with a steering angle of up to 3.6 degrees which is said to promote agile handling. According to Mercedes-AMG, the interaction between front axle and rear axle steering is designed to achieve agile response with little steering effort when driving in town or on country roads. At speeds below 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels.

The new Mercedes-AMG EQE models are equipped with the latest 328-volt high-performance lithium-ion battery with a usable energy content of 90.6kWh. The energy storage system can charge with up to 170kW at fast charging stations with direct current. In this case, Mercedes-AMG claims electricity for 180 kilometres (WLTP) can be recharged in just 15 minutes. Thanks to the onboard charger, the both electric AMGs can be conveniently charged at home or at public charging stations with 11kW or optionally 22kW with alternating current. That said, Mercedes-AMG is yet to announce both cars’ electric driving range.

During the local Mercedes-Benz EQ media previewing, Mercedes-Benz South Africa announced that we should expect the EQE 43 4Matic to land on our shores around October 2022 (to be confirmed) meaning the more potent EQE 53 4Matic+ should be expected sometime next year.