Mercedes-AMG unveils the EQS 53 4MATIC+ at the 2021 Munich Motor Show

Mercedes-AMG used the 2021 Munich Motor Show to introduce its first fully electric production model, the EQS 53 4MATIC+. As the name indicates, it is based on the new Mercedes-Benz EQS and represents the first of two AMG takes on this electric saloon.

Even though an AMG 63 variant is expected later on, the figures for the newly unveiled EQS 53 4MATIC+ are already genuinely striking: 560 kW or 761 cv and 1020 Nm in “boost” mode, up to 580 km of maximum range, and a 0–100 km/h “sprint” in 3.4s.

We will come back to the performance shortly. First, it is worth looking at how this EQS 53 4MATIC+ is set apart visually from the standard EQS. Up front, it features a distinctive grille-style panel with vertical bars, a clear nod to AMG’s Panamericana grilles.

At the rear, the styling is also sharpened, highlighted by a more pronounced air diffuser and a specific, more prominent spoiler. From the side, the wheels stand out, with 21-inch and 22-inch options available.

Inside the cabin, as with the regular EQS, the standard MBUX Hyperscreen dominates the view, but here it comes with AMG-specific graphics and functions.

For anyone wanting an interior with an even more assertive feel, there is the optional “AMG Night Dark Chrome” pack, which adds carbon-fibre trim to the cabin.

Fitted with active rear-axle steering that can turn by up to 9°, the EQS 53 4MATIC+ also features an AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension system with two pressure-limiting valves. One valve manages extension and the other the compression phase, allowing the set-up to react extremely quickly to changing road surfaces.

When it comes to braking, the EQS 53 4MATIC+ is supplied as standard with high-performance composite discs. However, the options list includes a larger ceramic brake system, designed to rein in the pace of this electric sports saloon.

Powerful numbers…

Powering the EQS 53 4MATIC+ are two AMG-developed electric motors, one on each axle. They are engineered to run at higher rotational speeds, enabling them to deliver greater output. In this configuration, they produce a maximum of 484 kW (658 cv) continuously and provide all-wheel drive via AMG Performance 4MATIC+.

Those figures are impressive on their own, but they can be pushed further with the optional “AMG Dynamic Plus” pack. It introduces a “boost” function - available in “Race Start” mode - that lifts power to 560 kW (761 cv) and torque to 1020 Nm.

With the “AMG Dynamic Plus” pack, the EQS 53 4MATIC+ can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4s (3.8s for the base version) and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (220 km/h in standard form).

And the range?

Energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery mounted between the two axles, with a capacity of 107.8 kWh (the same as the EQS 580). Maximum supported charging power is 200 kW, which, according to the German brand, is enough for the EQS 53 4MATIC+ to regain 300 km of range in just 19 minutes.

Quiet? Think again…

Concerned that its first fully electric model might be too quiet, the team at the Affalterbach brand fitted the EQS 53 4MATIC+ with the AMG Sound Experience system. This allows the sound played inside and outside the car to be configured, giving this electric AMG a more sporting soundtrack.

Three distinct modes are available - Balanced, Sport and Powerful - with a Performance mode added for versions equipped with the optional “AMG Dynamic Plus” pack.

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