First Mercedes-AMG electric car is a silent assassin

Mercedes-AMG has ripped the covers off its first electric vehicle – the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+.

Unveiled at the Munich motor show in Germany, the pioneering EV follows the lead of the high-performance division’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle, the scintillating 620kW/1400Nm Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance revealed only last week.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz EQS flagship electric sedan that begins arriving in Aussie showrooms in December, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 will follow in the first half of 2022.

It will compete against the likes of the Porsche Taycan Turbo (from $268,500) and Taycan Turbo S (from $338,500).

It was also shown in Munich alongside a near-production Mercedes-Maybach EQS.

AMG says the EQS 53  has been “developed or refined in Affalterbach in all performance-related areas”.

Chief to this claim are two AMG-specific electric motors – one on each axle, fed by a 400V lithium-ion battery – that provide a maximum output of 560kW and 1020Nm for EQS 53 variants fitted with an optional AMG Dynamic Plus package.

Basic versions of the EQS 53 4MATIC+ will output a still-considerable 484kW/950Nm – which compares with 385kW/855Nm for the most powerful non-AMG EQS 580 4MATIC bound for Australia, sharing the same EVA2 architecture.

The AMG-tweaked EQS boasts a 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds in its most powerful form (3.8sec in the basic version), and an electric range of between 526km and 580km according to the WLTP cycle.

The battery is compatible with 200kW direct current charging, ensuring up to 300km of range in just 15 minutes.

Interestingly, the peak 560kW power figure is lineball with the most power Porsche Taycan Turbo S.

The Porsche export bests the AMG by 30Nm on torque, and is six-tenths quicker to triple figures; however, the AMG boasts upwards of 120km in additional range.

“The AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is the first all-electric ambassador in the performance segment, made in Affalterbach,” said Mercedes-AMG chairman Philipp Schiemer.

“It is tailor-made for car enthusiasts who are looking for a combination of innovative electric mobility in a luxurious ambience, coupled with sportiness and agile driving dynamics.

“With our first all-electric AMG vehicle, we will undoubtedly appeal to and win over a new clientele for Mercedes-AMG.”

Schiemer added that “further all-electric AMG models will follow in the not too distant future, also on our AMG.EA platform developed entirely in-house”.

The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ harnesses its power via a fully-variable all-wheel drive system and a water lance in the shaft of the rotor, which provides cooling to ensure repeatable acceleration performance.

Stopping power of the 415mm front/378mm rear brakes is aided by an energy recuperation output of up to 300kW via three-stage regenerative brakes.

Suspension comprises a four-link design up front and multi-link configuration at the rear, combining with electronic air suspension and adaptive, electronically-controlled damping.

As with other aspects of the car, the suspension can be tailored across five different driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.

Elsewhere, a rear-steer system helps mitigate the heft of the 2655kg limo. At speeds below 60km/h, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle and offering more manoeuvrability. At speeds above 60km/h, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels for greater stability and agility.

AMG engineers also devised a sound system using loudspeakers, shakers and a sound generator to ensure the EQS 53 delivers a signature aural experience. Available in ‘Authentic’ and ‘Performance’ settings, the system generates sound both inside and outside the cabin.

Visually, the AMG variant is distinguished from the regular EQS with a black grille featuring hot-stamped vertical chrome struts, high-gloss black and chrome trims, plus requisite AMG lettering.

Large-diameter wheels measuring either 21 inches or 22 inches will also be fitted.

Inside resides AMG-specific seats, a reworked instrument panel, AMG steering wheel, sports pedals, floor mats and door sill trims.

The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+’s battery is backed by a 10-year/250,000km warranty.

Mercedes-Benz Australia will release more specification and pricing details closer to launch.