Schnell Sparks: 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS Offers 751 Electric Horses
Mercedes-Benz might be slashing its engine options, but it’s going to fill those lineup holes with electric alternatives. That also means AMG is getting the electric touch, too. While the performance brand isn’t abandoning internal combustion altogether, its future products will all be hybrids and EVs. And it just unveiled its first hot-rodded EV: the Mercedes-AMG EQS.
The Mercedes EQS is the first EV to get the full AMG treatment
Officially, the Mercedes-AMG EQS is called ‘Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+.’ But for the sake of brevity, we’ll stick to the shorter version. Regardless of which name you use, though, know that this is a true AMG product. So, while it may look similar to the standard Mercedes-Benz EQS, it has several upgrades—some subtle, some dramatic—underneath.
For one, the Mercedes-AMG EQS gets several aerodynamic upgrades. It has a new rear spoiler, side skirts, grille, and rear bumper (with a functional diffuser). Also, it has AMG-specific wheels.
Inside, the electric performance sedan has red stitching as well as AMG-specific pedals, sport seats, and steering wheel. The AMG EQS also has the standard EV’s ‘Hyperscreen’ layout, albeit with AMG-specific graphics and an optional lap timer. Plus, as in other non-EV AMGs, there are several driving modes that adjust the suspension, steering, power, and sound. More on those last two in a moment.
As for the suspension, the Mercedes-AMG EQS has a few chassis and suspension mods. AMG completely redid the rear axle beam as well as the subframe and motor mounts, The Drive says. It also upgraded the air suspension’s active dampers, the EV’s transverse stabilizers, and the AWD system. Also, the sedan received new control arms and wheel carriers from other AMG products.
In addition, the Mercedes-AMG EQS has larger brakes than the standard car; carbon-ceramic brakes are optional. The regenerative braking system is still in place, though, and is adjustable, too, Motor1 reports. And remember that part about adjustable sound? The AMG EV has a dedicated audio system to make sure your spirited driving session isn’t a silent affair.
The Mercedes-AMG EQS makes up to 751 hp—briefly
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While the ‘AMG Sound Experience’ (actual feature name) might not be everyone’s auditory cup of tea, those upgraded brakes likely will be. Ditto the AWD system and suspension upgrades. And that’s because of how much extra speed the Mercedes-AMG EQS brings.
| Spec | Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ | 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic |
| Motor arrangement | Dual-motor: one front and one rear | Dual-motor: one front and one rear |
| Power | 691 hp (standard) 751 hp (with AMG Dynamic Plus Package) |
516 hp |
| Torque | 700 lb-ft (standard) 752 lb-ft (with AMG Dynamic Plus Package) |
631 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph time | 3.8 seconds (standard, Car and Driver) 3.4 seconds (with AMG Dynamic Plus Package) |
4.1 seconds |
| Usable battery capacity | 107.8 kWh | 107.8 kWh |
| Claimed range | N/A | Approx. 315 miles (Car and Driver) |
Like the standard Mercedes-Benz EQS, the AMG version has two electric motors. But they’re AMG-specific motors, with different internal components and software, Roadshow notes. Also, because EVs don’t always stand up to repeated hard launches, the AMG EQS has an upgraded cooling system. And to help the battery pack keep up with the motors’ demands, it has new wiring and management software.
However, while the Mercedes-AMG EQS can make up to 751 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque, those numbers come with some caveats. As with the Porsche Taycan, the AMG EV only makes that much power when it uses launch control. Nevertheless, the AMG EQS can out-run a Taycan 4S to 60 mph.
How much will the electric AMG sedan cost and when can you buy one?
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As of this writing, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t announced official pricing details for the AMG EQS. But it will no doubt be more expensive than the EQS 580 4Matic, which also doesn’t have an official price yet. Though by Car and Driver’s estimate, the latter will likely start at roughly $185,000.
However, Mercedes will release more information as the AMG EV’s arrival nears. And while there’s no official date yet, the high-horsepower EQS should arrive in early 2022, hence the ‘2023’ designation.
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