The German manufacturer Mercedes is continuing to refine its electric range by equipping its EQS limousine with a sporty AMG version. Simple “tuning” electricity or real strategic contribution?
Electrification has become so generalized in the ranges of the various manufacturers that they have come to adopt the same strategies and the same reflexes as when managing their thermal segments. Even if zero-emission vehicles are mainly developed around the main growth segments, in particular SUVs and compacts, premium manufacturers are keen to switch their high and very high-end customers to electric, in particular those of large sedans. road cars, limousines and sports cars.
Mercedes was one of the first to occupy the field by certainly launching electric SUVs in the most dynamic segments, the EQA and EQB. The EQE wanted to set a new benchmark for electric road sedans, facing the aging Tesla Model S and despite the arrival of a BMW i4 full of qualities. It remained to occupy the field of high-end and exceptional. The EQS, the electric S-Class, and even its huge SUV version play this role, with even Maybach versions planned (the SUV has just been released).
A height and weight challenge
But what about “poor relation” of this progressive electrification, sport? Let’s be clear, in terms of pure performance, nothing could be simpler than equipping any big car with a huge battery and super-powerful electric motors to make it accelerate like a supercar. But giving a high-performance electric vehicle a truly sporty and dynamic character to satisfy high-end, very demanding customers is not a challenge within everyone’s reach. Especially for Mercedes which has a brand image to uphold, especially when it comes to its AMG sports division.
And in this the EQS AMG 53 did not necessarily start winning, with all the constraints of electrification, and above all a considerable mass to move. 2.7 tons on the scale. As well as a line that intrigued a lot with the release of the classic, futuristic, fluid but disconcerting EQE and EQS for lovers of large, massive sedans with large starry grilles… it should be noted in this regard that the EQS, including in its AMG, is the most aerodynamic production car in the world, with a CX of only 0.2.
The highlight: a very comfortable and very wicked limo
This is where AMG comes into play. And frankly the aesthetic treatment, to begin with, is particularly successful. Aggressive baleen grille, rear spoiler, huge spoke wheels “efficient” 21 inches, adjusted suspension… The astonishing basic EQS suddenly becomes beastly and menacing, especially in its (very) dark gray color. We figure that if Darth Vader were to have a company car in this galaxy, the EQS 53 AMG would fit the bill perfectly.
The interior is treated with very impressive care. White and beige leather, carpets, brushed metal, seats with a design that is both futuristic and sporty with their excellent support, rear seats with royal comfort, multiple LCD screens on the dashboard, Burgmeister hi-fi, a sign of a concert hall with all possible connectivity, interior mood lighting with multiple settings, massaging seats, impeccable soundproofing.
We navigate between sport, very high luxury and avant-garde, with a totally preserved Mercedes-AMG identity. The large 580-litre rear trunk guarantees a very large luggage carrying capacity.
A colossal power… but usable
Make way for mechanical sensations. Because yes, given the technical sheet, there is something to be curious and demanding. 2 electric motors with a combined power of 474kW (the equivalent of 658 horsepower), a 107.8 kWh battery, and 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, useful for managing the 950Nm of torque. You can even pass the 1000Nm bar and peak at 761 horsepower with the specific Dynamic Plus Pack.
So yes, this deluge of power has reason to be skeptical, even if it is once again a question of moving a 2.7-ton limousine quickly. And yet… the confusing aerodynamics of the bodywork makes you literally feel like you’re slicing through the ambient air when accelerating. And then, this is where the famous 4Matic+ transmission works wonders.
Four-wheel drive, but above all four-wheel steering. And these are particularly effective on the EQS AMG 53 (or see them moving with the naked eye in the rear view mirror), making it both handy and practical at low speeds to maneuver, and agile and dynamic at high speed. Without going so far as to compare it to real super sports cars made for the ropes of the car circuit, the colossal level of power is perfectly usable with just the right amount of dynamism and agility, the very well calibrated steering helping a lot. We can therefore accelerate, brake and turn with astonishing speeds, almost forgetting the considerable mass of the machine.
The downside: often high consumption
In addition to the somewhat messy interior on this version, as well as a not very inspired rolling noise (that of the classic EQE was more successful), it is the autonomy which remains the somewhat disappointing parameter of this sporty EQS . This AMG 53 version being performance-oriented, it is logically lower than that of the classic EQS (600 kilometers against 700), but remains impressive and even one of the highest in world electric production.
Charging speeds are relatively fast given the huge battery, including a remarkable 19 minutes to recover 300 kilometers of range, thanks to the Ionity network terminals (the EQS AMG 53 can handle loads up to 200kW) .
Still, with real averages that are more around 20-24 kWh per 100 kilometers, and even more when taking the expressways or using the air conditioning a lot, we will probably be significantly far from the theoretical WLTP averages, without even counting the irresistible desire to use all the capacities of the exceptional traction chain.
A sports limo without real competition
The gears are also lightning, with less than 4 seconds to go from 0 to 100km / h. 3.8 seconds and even 3.4 with the Dynamic Plus Pack (amusing detail, the super sports AMG functions, in particular the controlled start, can only be activated on the circuit… data verified by the on-board GPS). Enough to leave a Porsche 911 and many famous sports cars behind you.
Only the Porsche Taycan Turbo, Audi E-Tron GT and the Performance or Plaid versions of the Tesla Model 3 and Model S will be able to stick with you. But certainly not with this level of luxury, comfort, perceived quality… and ease of handling. Given all these elements, the only real competitors of the EQS 53 AMG can only be the future BMW i7 M70 or the Rolls Royce Spectre.
But at what cost? That of an exceptional car
Before the trial, yours truly warned those around him, saying: “I’m going to test a luxury limousine, a car that can be used every day, a supercar and a 4×4. All in one and the same car, without ecological penalty”. It is clear that this Mercedes EQS 53 AMG can do absolutely everything, with a feeling of power, control and comfort that is difficult to match.
Its very high price (169,250 euros base price) is commensurate with the prowess achieved by Mercedes, and will not retain customers who want a statutory limousine, with the little extra in terms of high performance. The manufacturer succeeds here in an exceptional machine in itself, but also likely to constitute a practical alternative quite possible for fans of large thermal limousines, without boring malus. All with a sporting added value that goes well beyond simple marketing, giving it a unique and exciting personality. A real must.
