The Mercedes-AMG EQS is a 760hp luxury EV sedan

By topgear, 06 September 2021

AMG describes this EQS 53 4MATIC+ as its first ever battery-electric production model. Merc SLS AMG Electric Drive anyone? Well, they only made nine of those experimental supercars in the end, and you’ll be pleased to know that this EQS has even more power, despite a two-motor disadvantage.

Yep, the quad-motor SLS made 750hp and 1000Nm of torque, but opt for the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package on your new EQS 53 and you’ll get a mighty 760hp and 1020Nm of torque when you pop it into ‘Race Start’ mode. That means 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds if you’ve got at least 80 per cent charge remaining and a top speed of 250km/h. 

The standard AMG-ified EQS gets 657hp and 950Nm of torque. Should be plenty, and you’ll still get from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

The folks in Affalterbach have upped the power figures by fitting new performance-oriented motors, with the most powerful one on the rear axle and the AWD system sending more torque to the rear when in Sport or Sport+ modes.

There’s AMG-specific cooling too, plus a similar air suspension system to the one you’ll find in the AMG GT 4dr and high-performance brakes with the option of upgrading to carbon ceramics. 

There are three levels of regenerative braking and – like the standard EQS – the battery has a usable capacity of 107.8kWh. AMG reckons you’ll get between 525 and 580km of range from that – although probably not if you’re using the Race Start function at every set of lights. Comfort mode optimises your range and 200kW charging means you can top up with 300km in 15 minutes. 

This is supposed to be a full-fat AMG of course, so sound is rather important. On that front, you get special loudspeakers, ‘shakers’ and a sound generator to create something called the AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE. Shouty. We’ll reserve judgement on that until we experience it. 

The EQS’s rear-wheel steering is still present and correct, as is the glorious-looking Hyperscreen inside. That remains almost as standard but with a few extra AMG-specific screens. You also get sports seats in there and a nappa leather-covered wheel. 

The exterior retains its impressive 0.23 drag coefficient despite the addition of a larger rear spoiler, that AMG-specific grille and 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels. 

AMG says that the EQS 53 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”. Not looking for much, then.

STORY Greg Potts

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