Mercedes-AMG reveals first all-electric SUV

The days of AMG as a brand synonymous with big, loud and powerful petrol engines is rapidly coming to a close. Mercedes’ performance division revealed its newest addition overnight, the EQE SUV, its first all-electric SUV model.

Launched alongside the rest of the EQE SUV range, the AMG EQE 53 SUV is the brand’s answer to the likes of the Audi e-tron S and Tesla Model Y Performance. But it also sits alongside the petrol-powered GLE 53 in an expanding AMG line-up.

The good news for AMG fans is this new model has the kind of performance credentials you expect from the team from Affalterbach. There are two variants, the 53 4Matic and 53 4Matic+, both powered by the same dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain but with the latter model tuned for more performance (and likely the option that will land in Australian showrooms by the third quarter of 2023).

The 53 4Matic produces 350kW of power and 858Nm of torque, powered by a 90.6kWh lithium-ion battery with a claimed driving range of between 431-488km. Mercedes claims it will run 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds, which is an impressive number for a luxury, five-seat SUV.

As impressive as the ‘regular’ 53 is, the 53 4Matic+ turns it up a notch, with its motors ramped up to make 460kW, with 505kW on overboost, and 950Nm. But if that’s not enough, the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package cranks it up even further, to 626kW/1000Nm. This lowers the 0-100km/h time to just 3.5 seconds.

Naturally though, these electric motors don’t make the kind of V8 growl that has become so intertwined with recent Mercedes-AMG models, which has led to the creation of an artificial sound system. The brand calls it the ‘AMG Sound Experience’ and it uses exterior speakers, a bass actuator and sound generator to “generate the hallmark AMG drive sounds” both inside the cabin and to those outside the vehicle.

AMG has given its EQE SUV a distinctive look compared to the rest of the range, most notably at the front where the large black ‘grille’ panel features 3D vertical bars that mirror the design of other AMG models. Other design elements exclusive to AMG include the performance arm’s own badge as well as a unique lower grille, body coloured wheel arches and aero-designed 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels.

As for the rest of the EQE SUV range, full technical details haven’t been revealed but it’s expected they will closely mirror what we’ve already seen from the EQE Sedan, with which it shares its underpinnings.

Australia is likely to get the EQE 300, which should make around 180kW and 550Nm and have a 500km driving range, and the EQE 500 4Matic, that packs 300kW and 858Nm and also has an approximate 500km driving range.

All three EQE SUV models are due to hit Australia in the third quarter of 2023 with pricing and full specifications released closer to that date.