New Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 surges into Munich with 751bhp
The new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 is the AMG division's first fully electric performance car, and it arrives with 751bhp and a 3.4-second 0-62mph time
Mercedes-AMG has revealed its first all-electric model, the EQS 53 4MATIC+, at the 2021 Munich Motor Show. It’s a hot version of the brand’s new flagship electric saloon, designed with an all-wheel-drive powertrain that makes it the second most powerful production car the brand has ever produced, behind only the brand new AMG GT 4-Door 63 S E-Performance.
AMG’s engineers have prepared two versions. The base level of performance in the new EQS 53 sits at 649bhp and 950Nm, but buyers who opt for the AMG Dynamic Plus package receive a boost in output to 751bhp and 1,020Nm.
Key to the development of these new power outputs is the fitment of an AMG-specific all-electric drivetrain. The dual-motor system on both EQS 53 versions is designed to handle more electric current and comes with a more intensive thermal management system, while the software that controls both motors is different compared with regular versions of the EQS.
When it comes to performance, the standard version of the EQS 53 is capable of 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, and it goes on to an electronically controlled top speed of 137mph. The AMG Dynamic Plus variant cuts the benchmark 0-62mph dash to 3.4 seconds, while top speed is raised to 155mph.
Both versions use the 107.5kWh battery of the regular EQS, though range is curtailed a little owing to the new level of power. Mercedes claims that up to 360 miles between charges is possible, compared with the 484 miles of the regular EQS 450+ AMG Line. The DC charging standard remains 200kW, with an 11kW AC on-board charger fitted as standard, and a 22kW AC on-board charger an optional extra.
AMG-specific chassis changes include the fitment of AMG Ride Control+ adaptive air suspension combined with rear-axle steering. AMG’s engineers have completely redeveloped the rear suspension of the EQS, and the subframe and electric motor mountings are also totally new. Various stiffness settings can be toggled by flicking through the EQS 53’s drive modes, while a central control unit can also adjust the rebound of the air system on the fly.
Like in the standard EQS, the rear-axle steering system reduces the turning circle of the car by allowing the rear wheels to turn in the opposition direction to the front wheels at low speeds. At over 37mph, the rear axle turns in the same direction as the front, to enable greater high-speed stability.
The usual spread of driving modes includes Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual - the latter allowing the driver to set custom parameters for the steering, electric motors and suspension. As standard, the EQS 53 features larger brakes than the EQS 450+, and further still, AMG ceramic high-performance brakes are optional.
Mercedes has introduced a running sound unique for the EQS 53 model, called AMG Sound Experience; the brand says that this introduces a “powerful and sonorous” generated sound for the electric motor system depending on the drive mode selected.
There’s little to separate the AMG EQS 53 from regular versions of the EQS when it comes to design, however. Some sportier exterior touches include an AMG-specific black panel at the front with vertical struts reminiscent of the brand’s ‘Panamerica’ style grille. Sportier front and rear aprons also feature, alongside the availability of 21 or 22-inch AMG wheels.
It’s similar inside, with unique trim for the AMG model, some sports seats, and AMG branding and graphics across the MBUX Hyperscreen infotainment system.
Prices have not yet been confirmed, but with the EQS 450+ AMG Line likely to start from around £100,000 when UK sales commence shortly, we anticipate that the AMG EQS 53 could cost as much as £130,000 when it arrives on sale next year.
Click here to learn more about the new all-electric Mercedes EQE saloon...
