Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the performance version of its second electric sedan, the EQE, which made its global debut at the Munich Auto Show in September 2021. Good news: it will be available in Canada, and this, starting in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Intermediate in size like the E-Class, but with a silhouette closer to the CLS four-door coupe, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+ relies on two electric motors that together provide power of up to 677 horsepower as well as a torque that ranges from 633 to 738 lb-ft. As the name suggests, everything is distributed to all four wheels at all times with adjustments up to 160 times per second.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h can be done in as little as 3.3 seconds with the RACE START function. Another interesting detail: the engineers developed an artificial sound for the car, which the driver can set according to three modes: Balanced, Sport and Powerful.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The other part of the powertrain that we’re concerned about is obviously the battery. With a useful capacity of 90.6 kWh, it is managed by a system specifically adapted to AMG models and compatible with remote software updates. In Sport or Sport+ mode, the emphasis is on performance, but in Comfort mode, the priority is autonomy.
By the way, Mercedes-Benz speaks of a total of 444 kilometers according to the WLTP standard which, let’s remember, is more optimistic than the one used at home. The company also claims that a 15-minute recharge via a terminal capable of supplying 170 kW of current will make it possible to regain 180 kilometers of autonomy. The regenerative braking system operates up to 260 kW and the driver can adjust the intensity by three levels.
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+ can also count on an AMG RIDE CONTROL+ adaptive air suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires designed for high-performance electric vehicles, active four-wheel steering (the rear ones can steer up to ‘at 3.6 degrees for better handling), as well as AMG brakes with six-piston calipers and 415 millimeter discs at the front (ceramic brakes with 440 millimeter discs are available as an option).
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Finally, in terms of design, the car features a black panel specific to AMG models as a grille, exclusive aerodynamic elements and AMG light alloy wheels. The interior impresses with seats, a steering wheel and sports type pedals as AMG knows how to do them so well, but above all the optional MBUX Hyperscreen interface, which covers the entire width of the dashboard by bringing together three screens under one glass panel. The displays are of course unique to AMG.
As is the case with all Mercedes-Benz EQ electric vehicles, customers will have access to nearly 9,000 public charging stations in Canada, including more than 1,300 DC fast stations, through the Mercedes me Charge network. . An agreement with ChargePoint adds some 2,400 semi-public terminals to this number.
Pricing for the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+ will be announced shortly before it goes on sale in Canada this fall.