Mercedes-Benz is moving quickly to execute its vehicle electrification plans. The nearly century-old automaker released the EQS sedan in 2021 as an all-electric flagship akin to its legendary S-Class cars. Now there’s the EQE, a slightly smaller electric sedan, also available in a performance-oriented AMG version.
The EQE follows the larger EQS sedan in Mercedes-Benz’s march toward full electrification. Though similar in appearance, AMG cars build on their standard Mercedes-Benz counterparts with more potent performance. That’s the case here, where the AMG EQE more than doubles the power output of the EQE 350 and adds handling, aerodynamics, and interior upgrades over the standard car.
The AMG EQE shares much of its exterior styling with the EQE 350 but adds different wheel designs and a slightly different front-end look. The grille and headlights are specific to the AMG car and project a unique light pattern when opening and closing the doors. Bodywork upgrades over the standard EQE include AMG air diffusers and a large rear spoiler.
The new EQE gets AMG sport seats with synthetic leather upholstery and decorative red stitching. Nappa leather upholstery is available and comes standard on the AMG sport steering wheel. Sport pedals and AMG floor mats are also standard.
While the EQE 350’s electric powertrain produces 288 hp and 391 pound-feet of torque, the AMG EQE is massively more powerful, with 617 hp and 701 pound-feet of torque. The optional AMG Dynamic Plus package pushes power output to 677 hp and 738 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain consists of two electric motors—one on each axle—that deliver AWD and the ability to shift drive torque between the axles and wheels that most need traction.
Handling comes courtesy of an adaptive air suspension system with a 4-link front axle and multi-link rear suspension. The setup reacts to changes in the road surface and the driver’s behavior and responds to the selected drive mode by stiffening or softening. Rear-wheel steering is standard and offers up to 3.6 degrees of movement, which the automaker says improves handling and makes the car more easily maneuverable in tight spaces. In Sport or Sport+ driving mode, the suspension lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches for better aerodynamics.
The AMG EQE features a battery with a usable energy content of 90.6 kWh, just slightly larger than the standard EQE’s 90-kWh battery. Though larger, the AMG model’s battery does not provide a more extended driving range. Mercedes estimates a WLTP range between 444 and 518 kilometers (276-372 miles). The car’s navigation system uses a combination of map data, traffic information, topographical features (elevation changes, etc.), and vehicle speed to produce the quickest route with access to chargers along the way.
The AMG EQE gets the same advanced driving assistance systems that the EQE 350 offers. The list of standard gear is relatively comprehensive and includes features such as blind-spot warning, traffic sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking.
The car’s battery sits in a special reinforced area under its body. Mercedes says it builds the compartment from extruded aluminum that forms a single uninterrupted container. The company designed it to absorb energy in a crash and prevent damage to the battery.
The AMG EQE builds on the technology features of the EQE 350 with performance apps and other upgrades, including an AMG-specific sound program that gives the car unique sound in various operating situations. The “Race Start” mode, for example, produces a sound that aligns with the car’s heavy acceleration and performance.
Like the EQE 350, the AMG-tuned car is available with a prominent infotainment Hyperscreen running the automaker’s latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) software. The panoramic screen spans the entire dash from side to side. In addition to expected features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, the car offers AMG-specific functions, such as performance displays and quick access to driving mode selections.
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE competes against the Audi RS e-tron GT, Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, and Tesla Model 3 Performance.
Mercedes-Benz is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 17, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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© 2022 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.
© 2019 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.