The flagship Mercedes-Benz EQS delivers range and comfort unlike many other electric vehicles you can buy today. But when we think of electric cars, we still often think of performance. Today, Mercedes-AMG has the perfect scratching tool for the performance itch. This is the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+.
This AMG sedan has a 107.8 kWh battery pack and can be charged up to 200 kW from a DCFC. At home charing, at least in Europe where at home charging is faster, can happen at up to 22 kW. Owners in Japan will be able to use their EQS for bi-directional charging.
In standard trim, the EQS 53 makes 658 horsepower and 950 Nm of torque. That’s good for the sprint to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds — with at least an 80% battery charge.
For those who need even more performance, Mercedes-AMG will sell you an EQS with the AMG Dynamic Plus package. That increases horsepower to 761 in Race Start and torque to 1,020 Nm. It also takes 0.4 seconds off the sprint to 62 mph with an 80% charged battery.
The car, when properly equipped, is limited to a top speed of 155 mph.
Mercedes is also introducing something called the AMG Sound Experience to the EQS 53. It has two modes: “Authentic” and “Performance” and uses the stereo and other components to add a performance sound to spirited drives. We haven’t heard it in person to judge, but we’re hit-and-miss on how we feel about fake noises in electric cars.
All-wheel drive is standard, and is electronic instead of mechanical. Four-wheel steering comes standard, along with adjustable dampers and air suspension. AMG performance brakes bring the performance to a halt when the driver demands it (it has a curb weight of 2,655 kilograms).
Inside, expect the usual AMG upgrade to the interior. One thing that is specific here in the EQS is the Hyperscreen and its associated Mercedes-AMG upgrades. It’ll be interesting to see how Mercedes adds to the large infotainment screen to provide more useful information for performance driving.
Even with the performance upgrades and larger wheels — up to 22 -inches — the AMG EQS 55 maintains a coefficient of drag from 0.23.
While most will compare it to the Tesla Model S Plaid and its claimed sub-2.0 second acceleration time, expect a different ownership experience for the Mercedes compared to the Tesla. The Mercedes will likely be more expensive, but the folks in Affalterbach have been making performance cars for a long time. We look forward to the eventual head-to-head companions both in a straight line and on the racetrack.
