“Electric Performance Redefined”
Super fast electric sedans are all the craze. Almost every EV company with high-end sedans has a variant that has ludicrous straight-line speed (pun intended). Tesla’s Model S Plaid, Lucid Air Saphire and Mercedes own AMG EQS Sedan. The mid size sedan market is somewhat less tapped. Mercedes hopes to change this with the introduction of the all new Mercedes-AMG EQE 58 Sedan. It is the first AMG model to be based on the new EQE platform and Mercedes decision to do so has definitely caught the attention of its German rivals BMW (who just released the likes of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive).
The EQE 58 Sedan has a sleek and stylish design that is both aerodynamic and eye-catching. The AMG-specific front grille, large air intakes, and muscular fenders give the car a sporty and aggressive look. The car also sits on a set of staggered 20-inch AMG wheels, which further enhance its performance credentials. The look however appealing, is one that garners either a love or hate reaction. Some feel that the egg/beetle shaped design is not attractive. Say what you might, it is undeniable that the EQE Sedan is striking to look at.
Inside, the EQE Sedan is a luxurious and tech-laden environment. The driver is greeted by a panoramic glass cockpit that features a digital instrument cluster and a large central touchscreen. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather and offer a variety of massage and heating/cooling functions. The EQE Sedan is packed with the latest technology, including a head-up display, augmented reality navigation, and a suite of driver-assistance features. The car also comes with a Burmester sound system and a variety of ambient lighting options. One of the most impressive features of the EQE Sedan is its fast-charging capability. The car can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes using a DC fast charger.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE Sedan is available in two versions: the AMG EQE 53 and the as tested AMG EQE 58. The AMG EQE 53 produces 567 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG EQE 58 produces 677 horsepower and 702 lb-ft of torque. This allows the EQE 58 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and it has a top speed of 130 mph. Like most AMG’s the EQE Sedan also comes with a variety of driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. These modes adjust the car’s suspension (air ride), steering, and powertrain response to suit your driving needs. All of this go fast fun will take a toll on the AMG EQE range which rings in at 362 km. Other lesser variants of EQE sedan increase the range up to 418 km. In case your wondering the power for the AMG EQE is routed to all four wheels via Mercedes AMG Performance 4MATIC+ which sends torque to the front and rear wheels based on the selected drive mode and driving dynamics. The fully variable, electro-specific all-wheel drive can adapt the torque 10,000 times per minute.
Performance Sidebar:
The EQE AMG offers a unique RACE START mode which essentially unlocks a hidden reserve of power, transforming the EQE into a true super sedan. It’s like having a nitrous oxide button on an electric car! This mode is perfect for when you need to make a quick and powerful maneuver, like merging onto a highway or overtaking a slower car.
But be warned, RACE START is not for the faint of heart. The surge of acceleration can be quite brutal, pinning you to your seat and leaving you breathless. It’s definitely an experience that will get your adrenaline pumping!
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about RACE START:
- It can only be used once per drive cycle.
- It requires specific battery temperature and charge level conditions to be available.
- It may not be suitable for all driving situations, such as wet or slippery roads.
Overall, the RACE START function adds an extra layer of excitement and performance to the already impressive Mercedes-AMG EQE. If you’re looking for an electric car that can truly thrill you, then the EQE with RACE START is definitely worth considering.
To add to the performance characteristics EQE comes with another trick up its sleeve. Now the EQE is over 16 feet long (4.9 meters), that’s just 2 feet shorter than a regular cab Ford F150. To make handling easier and the perception of size smaller the AMG EQE comes with 4 wheel steering along with fully adaptive air suspension. This combination makes the AMG EQE a capable road handling machine. The EQE provides for a planted drive with flat cornering and ease of manoeuvrability. However, make no mistake, you can feel the weight of the car and steering although responsive, provides little feedback.
Like most electric vehicles all this go fast fun, luxury and technology does not come cheap. With an as tested price of $136,400.00 the AMG EQE represents an option from a luxury brand that has history and experience backing them. Not a company which has entered the realm in the past decade or two, but, rather a brand that knows luxury, build quality, fit and finish and created the benchmark for what a luxury sedan means and should be; the choice is yours.
