Mercedes-AMG has followed up on the EQS range-topping battery-electric performance model with a sportier version of the smaller EQE also based on the Mercedes-Benz EVA2 electric architecture for luxury and premium cars. It foreshadows more-exclusive EVs coming from the Mercedes-Benz performance brand.

“After performance hybrids and all-electric AMG derivatives based on EVA2, stand-alone AMG electric vehicles will follow in the not-too-distant future,” said Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “These are based on AMG.EA, our new, completely in-house-developed platform.”

The performance-oriented EQE’s eATS electric drivetrain has a motor on each axle, offering variable all-wheel drive to optimally transmit drive power. With the ultimate AMG Dynamic Plus Package and boost function, it produces 677 hp (505 kW) and 738 lb·ft (1000 N·m), up from the “normal” AMG version’s 617 hp (460 kW) and 701 lb·ft (950 N·m). Acceleration from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) is 3.2 or 3.4 s at a minimum 70% state-of-charge, with a top speed of 137 or 149 mph (220 or 240 km/h). WLTP range is a provisional 444-518 km (275-322 mi).

The more garden variety Mercedes-EQ version of the EQE had its world premiere at the IAA show in Munich last September, with its staggered global launch taking place in mid-2022. The EQE’s length/width/height are 195/75/58 in (4670/1905/1473 mm), so about 12 in (305 mm) shorter, 1 in (25 mm) narrower, and 2 in (51 mm) lower than the EQS’ 207/76/60 in (5258/1930/1524 mm). The smaller car’s 3030-mm (119.3-in) wheelbase is 90 mm (3.5 in) shorter than the EQS’ 3120 mm (122.8 in).

In terms of external dimensions, the EQE is comparable to the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Interior dimensions exceed those of the E-Class by inches in many cases.

The interior design and equipment are similar to the EQS, with MBUX Hyperscreen, automatic comfort doors (in front), and rear-axle steering available as optional extras. In terms of noise and vibration comfort, the EQE is said to be among the best-in-class.

“The compact format of the EQE forms the perfect starting point for realizing a highly agile and very emotional driving experience with our AMG-specific solutions,” said Jochen Hermann, Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “This applies in particular to the areas of drive, chassis, brakes, and, above all, sound.”

Since vehicle sound has been an important part of the AMG driving experience according to the brand, the special EQE gets a unique sound experience with the help of special speakers, a bass actuator, and a sound generator. There are Authentic and optional Performance sound programs, both in three variants each: Balanced, Sport, and Powerful. The tonality and intensity of the AMG Sound Experience is tuned to the current driving status, selected drive program, or driver’s preference—inside and outside the vehicle.

The EQE’s AMG-specific front and rear PSMs (permanently excited synchronous motors) are balanced for the power increase with efficiency and noise comfort in mind by adapted windings and laminations, higher currents, and a specific inverter. The motors feature a six-phase design, based on two windings with three phases each, and a stator with pull-in winding for a particularly strong magnetic field. All of this enables higher speeds and more power, particularly noticeable during acceleration and high speeds.

A “highly resilient” thermal concept allows repeated accelerations with consistently high performance. This is enabled by rotor-shaft cooling, special ribs on the stator, and needle-shaped pin-fin structure on the inverter, which is made of high-performance ceramics. In addition to cooling, the transmission oil heat exchanger preheats oil during cold starts to increase efficiency.

The sporty EQE’s 328-V lithium-ion battery pack has a usable 90.6 kW·h from ten modules with 360 pouch cells. Its AMG-tuned battery management system allows over-the-air continuous improvements over its life cycle. AMG claims a major advancement in sustainability with the cell chemistry cobalt content reduced to 10%; the active material consists of nickel/cobalt/manganese in an 8:1:1 ratio.

The energy storage system can charge at up to an estimated 170 kW at DC fast-charging stations, with 180 km (112 mi) added by WLTP measures in just 15 min from 500 A. If Navigation with Electric Intelligence is activated, the battery is preheated or cooled while driving to reach the optimal temperature for fast charging at the charging point.

Vehicle energy recovery using brake recuperation can reach up to 260 kW. The driver can adjust the recuperation level via a steering wheel switch and receive situation-optimized support from ECO Assist. One-pedal driving and combined braking to a standstill are possible in recuperation levels D and D-, while DAuto enables up to 5 m/s² deceleration, 3 m/s² of which is due to recuperation.

The air suspension with adaptive adjustable damping is optimized with AMG-specific wheel carriers, suspension links, and anti-roll bars with higher rigidity. Rear-axle steering is standard, with up to 3.6 degrees to promote agile handling.

Outside, the car gets an AMG-specific black panel grille, headlamps that feature a specific AMG projection when opening and closing doors, and aerodynamic touches to reduce rear lift and optimize the AMG wheels.

Inside are AMG-specific seats, instrument panel and beltline trim, door center panels, steering wheel, pedals, floor mats, and door sill trim. The optional Hyperscreen for the MBUX infotainment system offers a range of additional AMG functions that emphasize performance.