2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE: First Drive And Review

The all-new 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE is the AMG-tuned variant of the pure-electric Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ mannequin that arrived earlier this 12 months. The brand new mannequin is fitted with normal twin motors, almost twice the ability, and a full complement of efficiency upgrades; its efficiency is considerably enhanced.

But, in contrast to performance-tuned combustion sedans, which lose a few of their comfortable demeanor within the translation, the AMG EQE doubles down on luxurious because it amplifies efficiency.

2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE Exterior and Inside

The Mercedes EQE has a particular look sculpted by the wind – aerodynamics and performance took precedent when it was being engineered. The AMG EQE shares platforms and physique panels with the EQE 350+, and though a low drag coefficient was nonetheless a main engineering purpose, AMG was ready so as to add its signature aptitude to the outside and inside.

The one-bow, cab-forward AMG EQE tasks a sportier, younger look than the usual EQE 350+ mannequin. The nostril is adorned with the AMG signature black panel grille with vertical slats in chrome, and its LED DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps function a singular AMG projection when beginning and shutting down the automobile. The entrance bumper is painted in physique coloration, and high-gloss black paint is used to distinction chrome accents. As well as, there are AMG aspect sill panels (in high-gloss black), a rear bumper in physique coloration, and an aerodynamically optimized rear diffuser. The rear decklid spoiler has additionally been elevated in measurement to cut back carry with out considerably affecting drag.

The passenger cabin advantages from its AMG remedy, too. A pair of AMG sports activities seats are up entrance, upholstered in MB-Tex/microfiber with contrasting pink stitching (comfortable, full-grain Nappa leather-based is on the choices checklist). AMG badging is embossed on the entrance head restraints, and there’s badging on the entrance seats’ backrests. As well as, there are AMG sports activities pedals, AMG ground mats, and illuminated door sills with AMG lettering. Most notable, nevertheless, is the beautiful, flat-bottom AMG Efficiency steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather-based – enhanced with the AMG Drive Unit steering wheel buttons.

Mirroring the EQE 350+ mannequin, the AMG EQE arrives with class-leading innovation. The AMG sedan boasts the new-generation MBUX Multimedia System with Navigation and Pure Language Understanding and Key phrase Activation (use “Hey Mercedes” to provoke instructions), full with a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication (as much as seven profiles could also be saved). There’s additionally wi-fi smartphone integration and a handy wi-fi charging pad. As well as, normal KEYLESS-GO and KEYLESS-START make approaching, unlocking, and driving the AMG EQE away a sublime course of.

The usual MBUX driver interface is a 12.3-inch main instrument show with a 13-inch touchscreen within the dashboard’s middle, which seems to be nice. Select the optionally available Hyperscreen to increase the digital display screen throughout the complete dashboard. Along with the total suite of digital options discovered on the usual EQE 350+ mannequin, the AMG EQE is enhanced with distinctive AMG efficiency apps and the optionally available AMG TRACK PACE app – think about it a digital race engineer.

2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE Motors and Battery

Whereas the EQE 350+ was fitted with a single Completely Excited Synchronous Motor (PSM) on the rear axle going by way of a single-speed gearbox (rated at 288 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque), the AMG EQE raises the horsepower quotient considerably. It’s because its highly effective electrical drivetrain (eATS) boasts an AMG-specific PSM motor on every axle. Upgraded from the usual PSM, the AMG motors function tailored laminations and wirings, increased currents, and a singular inverter for increased motor speeds and even better energy output. As well as, the rear motor is a six-phase design (two windings with three phases every), making it notably strong.

The AMG EQE boasts a most output of 617 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque – basically double the ability of the EQE 350+ – in normal configuration. Nonetheless, choose the optionally available AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package deal, and the system output jumps to an astonishing 677 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque – it is some of the potent automobiles the automaker has ever supplied (as some extent of reference, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Collection supplied a 720 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque).

A 328-volt high-performance lithium-ion battery provides energy with 90.6 kWh of useable vitality. The battery pack is positioned on the backside of the chassis inside an armored construction to guard it within the occasion of a crash. The brand new-generation battery options superior cell chemistry to help sustainability – cobalt content material has been diminished by 10 p.c. The battery administration software program is specifically tuned by AMG to deal with efficiency within the SPORT and SPORT+ driving modes (COMFORT mode focuses on effectivity and vary).

Whereas the EPA has not formally licensed a variety, count on the AMG EQE to ship about 300 miles on a cost. As well as, Mercedes-AMG says the battery has superior cooling, which permits speedy 170 kW DC charging charges – 112 miles of vary could also be added in as few as quarter-hour of charging. Homeowners might also cost their automobiles at public or residence AC charging models, which benefit from the EQE’s superior thermal administration and ECO charging features.

Lastly, the battery pack can be recharged throughout deceleration (e.g., vitality recuperation or regeneration) at upwards of 260 kW. Three regeneration phases vary from delicate to one-pedal driving (with braking to a standstill).

2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE Powertrain

There is a prodigious quantity of horsepower on faucet that may overwhelm a conventional rear-wheel-drive powertrain, so the AMG engineers outfitted the AMG EQE with AMG Efficiency 4MATIC+ variable all-wheel-drive that repeatedly distributes drive torque between the entrance and rear axles based mostly on the driving state of affairs. (Mercedes-AMG notes that the all-electric system delivers a a lot quicker response time – torque is monitored 160 instances per second – in comparison with a combustion system.)

The driving force could configure the driving dynamics of the AMG EQE with 5 totally different drive modes: SLIPPERY, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+, and INDIVIDUAL. Every setting alters quite a few elements that vary from steering really feel and accelerator responsiveness to suspension damping and battery administration – optimizing the driving dynamics from effectivity to the racetrack (Mercedes-AMG even permits an ESP OFF setting). The all-electric powertrain additionally permits totally different motor outputs based mostly on the driving mode. In SLIPPERY configuring, complete output is proscribed to 308 hp, whereas RACE START with enhance operate (supplied with the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package deal) permits the total 677 hp.

In RACE START, Mercedes-AMG says the AMG EQE is able to sprinting from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. The highest pace is electronically restricted to 149 mph.

2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE Suspension

Underpinning the AMG EQE is a totally unbiased AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with adaptive adjustable damping. Whereas the fundamental four-link entrance and multi-link rear suspension designs are carried ahead from the EQE 350+, AMG engineers specified new wheel carriers, suspension hyperlinks, and anti-roll bars to permit high-performance tuning (when it comes to sport and luxury) for its discriminating AMG prospects. A sophisticated suspension management unit analyzes information from an array of sensors to repeatedly regulate damping (in milliseconds) to optimize the experience to swimsuit the state of affairs. Twin-adjustment valves allow an unlimited vary of changes between COMFORT and SPORT+ modes. The air suspension even drops the automobile’s experience peak to decrease the aerodynamic drag – thereby enhancing electrical effectivity – at pace.

Rear-axle steering can be normal on all AMG EQE fashions. The system permits as much as 3.6° of rear-axle steering both in-phase (above 37 mph) to enhance stability or out-of-phase (beneath 37 mph) to advance maneuverability and cut back the turning radius. The AMG engineers have designed distinctive aerodynamic wheels for the automobile in 20- and 21-inch diameters. (My take a look at automobile was fitted with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires designed to supply distinctive grip and low rolling resistance.)

The braking system on the AMG EQE has been upgraded with bigger 16.3-inch rotors and six-piston calipers on the entrance axle (the rear axle makes use of 14.9-inch rotors with single-piston calipers). These wanting much more braking functionality will select the optionally available AMG ceramic high-performance compound braking system with 17.3-inch carbon-ceramic rotors on the entrance axle.

How does the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE Drive?

Whereas the all-new Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 delivers stronger efficiency than any E-Class AMG mannequin, the driving expertise could not be extra totally different. Whereas earlier combustion-powered AMG fashions had been famous for his or her luscious deep exhaust notes that may roar below full acceleration, the EQE 53 runs silently –but it feels a lot faster and extra highly effective.

Mash the accelerator pedal from a standstill, and the automobile rockets ahead. The acceleration is brutally rapid and phenomenally robust – and customarily drama-free because the automobile’s electronically managed all-wheel drive ensures wheel spin is negligible. Electrical motors are principally quiet, however the AMG EQE is obtainable with the AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE that provides a uniquely composed acoustic sound piped by way of the audio system and bass actuator to accompany the acceleration. The intent is to amplify the emotional expertise – consider it as a futuristic spaceship soundtrack evoking warp pace! (There are three different sound modes: Balanced, Sport, and Highly effective, which can be used to boost any drive mode – or the automobile could also be saved silent.)

There isn’t any want to attend for a transmission to shift right into a decrease gear, turbochargers to spool up, and even the motors to heat up because the AMG EQE is all the time prepared – instantly – to provide instantaneous thrust. Because of this, merging into visitors is easy, as is passing each different automobile on the highway. Whereas this unquestionably provides pleasure to the driving expertise, it concurrently (and considerably) improves security because the sedan is instantly conscious of the driving force’s instructions. (On that observe, the AMG EQE is configured with Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE, together with its complete suite of security options.)

Dynamically, there is not any hiding the truth that the AMG EQE has a curb weight of about 5,500 kilos (about 700 kilos heavier than its combustion equal). The driving force feels the substantial mass, but it finally manifests as stability – a solidness on the highway. Curiously, the motor’s responsiveness, adaptive dampers, all-wheel-drive, and rear-axle steering dispel any feeling of sluggishness. Nearly magically, the AMG EQE feels sprightly and agile when pushed laborious in corners or on twisty roads. It goes the place it’s aimed with magical precision, with solely the slightest protest from the Michelin tires (which can be being requested to bend the established rule of physics).

The AMG EQE is swift and silent within the extra sedate driving modes (e.g., COMFORT and INDIVIDUAL, if configured as such). Energy is limitless and instantaneous, which takes a lot of the stress out of driving. The five-passenger sedan devours freeway and metropolis miles – even bumper-to-bumper visitors – in a relaxed matter, permitting its occupants to benefit from the comfy cabin or the audio system.

How a lot does the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE Value?

Mercedes-AMG has not launched pricing for the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE, however most count on it to have a base value of about $100,000 when it arrives in showrooms on the finish of the 12 months.

Who should purchase the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE?

Mercedes-AMG is concentrating on an prosperous forward-thinking purchaser who values superior electrical automobile know-how and its means to boost high-performance driving. The best buyer shall be aware of Mercedes-Benz and recognize the modern engineering, peerless construct high quality, premium luxurious appointments, unique seller community, and cachet the German model provides. The AMG mannequin and its related elevated efficiency envelope and distinguished styling are alluring – the goal purchaser is aware that these qualities elevate the AMG EQE to the highest of the EQE mannequin lineup and improve the automobile’s exclusivity.