Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a landmark electric vehicle offering in Australia – its first series production vehicle to be powered by a dedicated electric-only power train, and the most expensive EV offering on the Australian market.
The high performance and luxury EQS 53 4Matic+ is priced at an eye-watering $328,400, before on road costs which, with an abundance of possible add ons, could take the final price beyond $400,000. It is now available in showrooms.
These additional packages such as “dynamic plus”, which includes “race start” mode and a “track pace and performance sound experience” for $7,690, and a “comfort package” with Hepa air purifier and rear seat entertainment systems for $9,290.
Another add on, the Night Package, includes exterior enhancements such as red-painted brake callipers, the 22-inch multi- spoke wheels, and trim details in black, adds $3990, a ceramic composite braking systems ($9990), an AC charging system $2,490 and a Mercedes Benz wall box for $1,450.
“It 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,” says Philipp Schiemer, the chairman of the board of management of Mercedes‐AMG GmbH.
“In addition, the EQS 53 is further proof that Mercedes-Benz is consistently driving electrification forward with all its brands as well. Further all-electric AMG models will follow in the not-too-distant future, also on our AMG.EA platform developed entirely in-house.”
The significance of the EQS 53 is not just its pricing, luxury and performance. It is the first to be produced on an electric only platform and marks another landmark on Mercedes’ goal to sell electric only cars by 2030, including in Australia.
Mercedes AMG says the new EV offerings will match the traditional fossil fuel offerings.
“Our customers can also look forward to a dynamic and emotional driving experience in this area,” says Jochen Hermann, the chief technical officer of Mercedes‐AMG.
“We ensure this with AMG-specific solutions, particularly when it comes to the drive system, suspension, brakes and, above all, sound.”
The drivetrain has two motors; one each at the front and rear axles, that deliver maximum total power output of 484 kW and maximum torque of 950 Nm. The dynamic plus package increases output to a maximum of 560 kW in race start mode with boost function, matched by torque of 1020 Nm.
This delivers acceleration from 0-100 km/h 3.4 seconds, compared to 3.8 seconds in standard specification. Top speak is 250km/h in dynamic plus package and 220km/h as standard.
The EQS 53 high-voltage battery has a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh, can be charged at up to 200kWh and delivers a range of 587 km (ADR), helped by a low drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.23.
Apart from the “sound experience”, the EQS 53 also delivers an MBUX Hyperscreen that extends across the full width of the cabin, and includes three separate screens that delivers personal information, large maps and a front passenger display.
Standard rear axle steering enables a rear wheel angle of up to 9 degrees, significantly enhancing dynamic agility through corners and bends while also reducing the large car’s turning circle to compact vehicle dimensions.
The luxury fittings inside include heated and cooled AMG sports seats with hot stone massage functions, nappa leather upholstery, head-up display; four-zone climate controls, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system with 15 speakers and 710-watt output.
It includes a digital TV tuner, plus DAB+ digital radio tuner, active ambient lighting, and a panoramic glass electric sliding sunroof. Standard 21-inch AMG 5-cross-spoke light alloy wheels in tantalite grey can be substituted for an optional matt black finish, or for 22-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels in matt black.
Giles Parkinson is founder and editor of The Driven, and also edits and founded the Renew Economy and One Step Off The Grid web sites. He has been a journalist for nearly 40 years, is a former business and deputy editor of the Australian Financial Review, and owns a Tesla Model 3.