Mercedes-Benz Adds 2 New AMG Models to its EV Lineup, the EQE 43 4MATIC and EQE 53 4MATIC+

author: Manish Kharinta   

Luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz is going through a major overhaul right now. On Feb 1, the automaker's parent company Daimler AG officially rebranded Mercedes-Benz. 

We recently highlighted some of the rich history of the Stuttgart-based automaker and its safe to say the company has come a long way on the merits of its technological innovations over the years.

Now Mercedes-Benz is looking to the future with its electrification strategy. The brand recently added two new EVs to its lineup, the AMG EQE 43 4MATIC and EQE 53 4MATIC+. The new EQE 53 4MATIC+ is the most potent battery-powered addition to the Mercedes-Benz AMG portfolio.

The two models will position Mercedes-Benz at the top of the performance EV market, that's becoming increasingly crowded with models such as the Tesla Model S Plaid, Audi e-tron GT, Lucid Air and Porsche Taycan. 

The EQE models are electric versions of the popular Mercedes-Benz E-Class. But the AMG makeover of the EQE makes it one of the most powerful vehicles powered by either gas or batteries. 

The powertrain of the EQE 53 4MATIC+ delivers 626 HP of maximum power and around 700 lb-ft of peak torque. However, Mercedes also offers a "AMG DYNAMIC PLUS" package for the EQE 53, which bumps the power output up to 687 HP and 738 lb-ft of torque.

All Mercedes-AMG EQE models get a dual-motor layout with an electric motor on each axle. However, the company does not offer the optional performance package on the EQE 43 4MATIC sedan, therefore its power output is limited to 476 HP and 633 lb-ft of torque, which is still rather impressive.

In its standard configuration, the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ gets a 90.6 kWh battery pack. The battery is manufactured using the latest lithium-ion technology. It's built using ten individual modules each of which contains 360 pouch cells. It features high energy density with high charging capacity.

The chemical composition of these cells were designed to rely less on cobalt. The German automaker revealed that the chemistry of EQE's pouch-type cells is 80% nickel, 10% cobalt, and just 10% manganese. 

The battery management system in the EQE 53 is also tuned specifically for AMG. In the Sport and Sport+ drive modes the focus is on performance. While the comfort mode focuses on range. 

Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, Philipp Schiemer, recently shared his thoughts on the company's new EVs.

"With two new models, we are expanding our range with purely electrically powered performance vehicles and are thus addressing additional target groups," said Schiemer. "The EQE 43 4MATIC is the entry-level model for electric Driving Performance from Mercedes-AMG. The EQE 53 4MATIC+, on the other hand, focuses on even more sportiness and greater driving dynamics."

Mercedes' more capable EQE 53 electric performance sedan can accelerate to 60 MPH from a complete standstill in just 4.3 seconds. When equipped with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, it can make the same run in just 3.3 seconds.

The top speed of the standard EQE 53 4MATIC+ is limited to 137 MPH, but the EV can achieve a top speed of 149 MPH with the optional Dynamic Plus package. 

Customers can charge the EQE models at a maximum rate of 170 kW. Mercedes-Benz estimates that the battery pack will offer 112 miles of range after just 15 minutes of charging. 

Range estimates are also impressive for both models. The AMG EQE 43 4MATIC offers an expected WLTP range of 331 miles (533 kilometers). The more powerful EQE 53 targets a maximum driving range of 321 miles.

The new Mercedes EQE electric sedans go on sale in 2023.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.