Mercedes AMG EQS. First electric AMG
The Mercedes AMG EQS is a sports luxury electric liftback, the first production electric vehicle in the AMG range, first unveiled at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich. The intention to completely switch to the production of electric vehicles by 2030 is being implemented, so now the AMG range has switched to electricity. According to the manufacturer, the first high-performance car from the AMG sub-brand was created exclusively for passionate ‘car lovers’. However, it is not yet known how motorists will perceive the completely silent electric motors and Mercedes' attempt to fill the void left by the absence of the familiar V8 engine, by the so-called ‘emotional sound of the car.’
The new Mercedes AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is based on the EQS, the flagship model of the Mercedes-EQ electric sub-brand. It fully complies with the powerful sporty style of AMG, accelerating to the first 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The retail cost of the newcomer and the serial production start dates are not yet known for sure. Presumably, the electric sports car will cost at least $120 thousand. There is an opinion that Mercedes wants to get ahead of Tesla and begin deliveries of the new AMG EQS before the production Roadster (the start of production of which was postponed to 2023). If the Germans manage to do this, then the AMG EQS will have a better chance of success. So far we only know that the European sales of the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ should start before the end of the year (but will they start?).
Exterior
Smooth lines and aerodynamic profile… This is how the new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ looks like. The ‘charged’ liftback only slightly differs from the ‘regular’ EQS (with the AMG Line package), featuring vertical bars on the front panel (imitation of a Panamericana radiator grille), 21- or 22-inch wheels of a special design, an enlarged spoiler on the fifth door, a different diffuser and larger brake calipers. There is also a traditional AMG decor, with the 4Matic+ nameplates on the front fenders and AMG markings at the rear.
Interior
The interior of the 2022 Mercedes AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ features a three-spoke steering wheel and sports seats with developed lateral support. The MBUX Hyperscreen infotainment system is included in the basic equipment. It consists of three displays that are combined into one whole and take up space from rack to rack. Moreover, especially for the AMG version, there are unique additions, so buyers will be able to choose additional optional functions.
Unlike the regular EQS, the AMG EQS offer the improved AMG Sound Experience, which simulates the sound of an internal combustion engine through the speakers. Mercedes says the charged EQS 53 4MATIC+ uses ‘special speakers, subwoofers and a sound generator to create a special soundtrack in two versions: Authentic and Performance.’ Moreover, the sounds of a running engine are generated both inside and outside the car.
Powertrains and chassis
There are two variants: one is simpler and the other is more serious. The ‘standard’ 2021/2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS features a twin-engine powertrain, developing 658 hp and 950 Nm of torque. Such a liftback accelerates to the first hundred in 3.8 seconds, while the maximum speed is 220 km/h. The car comes with a 107.8 kW/h lithium-ion battery. The driving range is 770 km. In terms of driving range, the newcomer is inferior to conventional EQS, its unladen weight reaches 2,655 kilograms, and the drag coefficient is 0.23.
The second variant is equipped with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, which includes a Race Start mode. With it, the output can shortly reach up to 761 hp and 1,020 Nm of torque, while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 3.4 seconds, and the maximum speed reaches 250 km/h. But, there is an important moment: these indicators are achievable only if the battery charge level exceeds 80%. This version also uses a 107.8 kWh battery pack. According to the manufacturer, Mercedes engineers managed to reduce the cobalt content in the batteries by up to 10%. Since cobalt is the most expensive component of modern batteries for electric vehicles, reducing the volume of its use will make batteries cheaper, which will have an impact on the final cost of electric vehicles (hopefully).
The new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ has acquired a specially tuned battery management system. In Sport and Sport+ modes, the focus is on performance, while when switching to Comfort, the system focuses on maximizing the driving range. Moreover, a fully steerable chassis (with a 9-degree rear wheel steering angle) is standard on the AMG version. The motors themselves are also modified, featuring a different winding for increased current, new inverters and a developed liquid cooling system with the channels even inside the rotor shaft. Plus, with an eye on the increased load, the oil cooling of the gearboxes has been strengthened. The air suspension has been re-tuned, the stabilizers and some levers have been borrowed from other AMG models, and the rear subframe and engine mounts have been completely redesigned.
Well, do not forget that compared to the 523 hp (855 Nm) EQS 580 4Matic, the increase in power in the AMG version is very solid, and after all, we are talking only about the ‘fifty-third’ modification, which means that even more efficient version can appear in the future.
