Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 in the test: New direction, tried and tested way

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The first electric AMG shows how serious the Affalterbach company is when it comes to switching to electricity

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 in the test: New direction, tried and tested way-direction

Pleasant silence or an eerie roar, smooth gliding and agility that amazes in such a large, heavy car, a beautiful interior with fine materials and sporty displays: the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 is exactly what we expect from an electric AMG to have.

We tested the car with the Dynamic Plus package.

The EQS 53 is the first electric AMG, but the Affalterbacher approach is the same as with any gasoline engine: They ensure a significant improvement in straight-line stability, better handling, stronger brakes and a more aggressive design.

The most important dates Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 Dynamic+
Drive: 2 permanent magnet motors (PSM)
Power / torque: 560 kW / 1,020 Nm
0-100 km / h: 3.4 sec.
Range: 529-586 km (WLTP)
Base price: 157,306 euros

Picture gallery: Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic in the test (2022)

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 in the test: New direction, tried and tested way-test

The innards and software of the standard electric motors have been optimized. The output rose from the 385 kW of the 580 model to 560 kW. This shortens the standard sprint from 4.3 to 3.4 seconds. These are the numbers for the version with the Dynamic Plus package in Race Start mode.

The standard air suspension and adaptive dampers received an AMG-specific set-up, the rear-axle steering allows turning of up to 9 degrees in each direction – that is one degree less than with the normal EQS, because the AMG has larger wheels.

At the front, six-piston brake calipers bite into massive 17.3-inch discs (carbon-ceramic brakes are optionally available). The maximum recuperation power has been increased from 290 to 300 kW. In the Sport and Sport Plus modes, the power distribution is more tail-heavy and the difference between the softest and the stiffest suspension setting is greater. In addition, with the AMG model, you can set the drive, the hardness of the chassis and the artificial sound independently of one another.

Speaking of sound: the AMG engineers have installed special loudspeakers, a subwoofer under the driver's seat and a special sound generator to create an unobtrusive yet impressive sound. In the most aggressive of the three modes, the EQS sounds as it should be for an AMG. Have a listen:

The AMG EQS has less power and does not sprint as fast as a Tesla Model S Plaid, Lucid Air or Porsche Taycan Turbo. But a 100 km / h sprint in 3.4 seconds is still very quick for a luxury sedan weighing almost 2.7 tons.

To feel this, all you have to do is step on the accelerator: the pace with such viciousness as we expect from a modern electric car – and even without the race start mode. In Sport and Sport Plus mode, the cooling system also gets going faster.

The EQS 53 is roughly halfway between the more relaxed Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan, a real four-door sports car. This is largely thanks to the standard rear-axle steering. On winding roads you quickly forget the length of over 5.20 meters and the wheelbase of over 3.20 meters, as well as the enormous curb weight.

The modified chassis leads to a perfect balance between comfort and handling. There is a certain tendency to roll, but the EQS is good-natured. The system smooths the driving commands rather than reducing the cornering speed.

But it is difficult to estimate the speed when entering the curve because the EQS 53 is so fast and so stable. There is also a spongy brake pedal and unclear feedback from the steering. So we never really gained confidence in the EQS on winding roads.

If you drive less winding roads and move the EQS in a more civilized way, then it rewards you with the same cultivated driving experience as the normal EQS.

The brakes were particularly disappointing. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes have an enormous amount of power, but are difficult to control. We often braked too late and too abruptly, or we used the strongest of the three recuperation levels to reduce the speed before the curve.

If you drive less winding roads and move the EQS in a more civilized way, then it rewards you with the same cultivated driving experience as the normal EQS. The ride comfort is still excellent even with the sportiest suspension setting. There are hardly any vertical body movements, the air springs and adaptive dampers absorb even larger potholes and bumps well. The only point of criticism of the ride comfort: Expansion joints take a hit every time. That is the disadvantage of the large wheels and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 in the test: New direction, tried and tested way-test

The EQS 53 is the first electric AMG, but it won't be the last. A 63 model with even more power is likely to follow, and that is also the reason for the rather modest changes to the look. The EQS 63 will look a lot more aggressive. But the EQS 53 is also noticeable, for example with the modified grill, the model-specific wheels and a larger rear spoiler.

More about the Mercedes EQS: Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 in the test: New direction, tried and tested way-mercedes-amg Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic + can be ordered now

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 in the test: New direction, tried and tested way-tried Mercedes EQS 580 4Matic in the test: a car to relax

In the cockpit there is a wonderful AMG steering wheel with a thick, well-padded rim. The controls arranged on it seem to react more promptly. The AMG seats also hold you in place much better than the standard seats. The material quality is impeccable, as is the equipment with the huge hyperscreen and the modern assistance systems.

Conclusion

Our brief test in Southern California shows that AMG is taking the switch to electric drives just as seriously as its mother, Mercedes. But despite the radical change in drive, the first electric AMG still feels like a product from Affalterbach through and through. The EQS 53 shows how AMG manages electrification: The Affalterbach company is doing what it has been doing for years.

Competitors of the EQS 53 in the test:

  • Lucid Air
  • Porsche Taycan Turbo S (video)
  • Tesla Model S plaid

Note d. Translator: The original American text was shortened during translation, reformulated to make it easier to understand and adapted to the German situation – among other things, the Dynamic Plus package is not standard with us.

Picture gallery: Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic in the test (2022)

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 in the test: New direction, tried and tested way-tested

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic

engine 2 PSM motors

power 484 kW (with Dynamic Plus package: 580 kW)

Max. Torque 950 Nm (with Dynamic Plus package 1,020 Nm)

Acceleration 0-60 mph 3.8 seconds (3.4 seconds with Dynamic Plus package, Race Start)

Top speed 220 km / h (250 km / h with Dynamic Plus package)

consumption 21.1-23.4 kWh / 100 km

battery 108 kWh (net)

Electric range 529-586 km WLTP

Charging port up to 11 kW AC (optional 22 kW AC) / up to 200 kW DC

Empty weight 2,655 kg

Base price 152,546 euros (with Dynamic Plus package: 157,306 euros)

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