The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 is a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Blending scorching performance with silent electric propulsion, the latest Mercedes-AMG is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Under its restrained yet muscular skin, this Teutonic tour de force melds future-proof emissions-free driving with adrenaline-pumping power unlike anything that came before it. With gut-wrenching acceleration and precise handling that seems to defy physics, it’s a taste of the thrilling electric era ahead. Yet quintessential Mercedes qualities of solidity, sophistication, and comfort ensure this isn’t a one-trick performance novelty – it’s a no-compromises industry-leading technical statement.
The acceleration is mind-blowing, rocketing this vehicle into supercar territory. Yet the braking is equally extraordinary, harnessing all that monstrous power with composure belying the car’s sheer weight. Those fire-breathing days of internal combustion are gone, however. This is a new breed of performance machine – all-electric, holding its breath with a hushed intensity.
I didn’t experience the top speed on this drive without a closed circuit available. But I can only imagine the serene, unruffled capability at 250 kilometers per hour thanks to the potent polished powertrain.
Under the sleek body panels lies an extreme performance EV with dual motors producing a staggering 460 kilowatts and 950 Nm of torque. Mash the accelerator and it will devour the 0-100 km/h sprint in a reported 3.7 seconds, though word is it’s even quicker than that! The 90 kWh battery supplies up to 485 kilometres of emission-free driving range. Planted on massive 275/35 R22 tyres with gorgeous rims, you feel utterly grounded.
The suspension is masterfully tuned, providing a buttery smooth ride around town in Comfort mode. Yet it tightens up with racecar-like responsiveness when you toggle into the Sport settings via the steering wheel controls. Driver feedback is excellent considering the complex chassis systems and drive-by-wire controls. But what impresses most is the extraordinary steering – with up to 10 degrees of rear-wheel steering, it’s as easy to position as a compact car, maybe even easier.
With four-wheel steering, the vehicle’s pivot point shifts forward, immediately apparent to occupants through low speed cornering unheard of in a vehicle this size. Maneuvering feels nearly telepathic, a pleasure even in tight parking situations thanks to the clever four-wheel steering, surround cameras, and sensors. You almost look forward to squeezing this beast into small spaces.
The cabin layout is executed with an eye for practicality too. Full-length door sills, protected by durable plastics, prevent scuffing the sweeping Alcantara trim when clambering in after hitting the trails. The overall sense is one of airy spaciousness cocooned in restrained luxury. Highly adjustable heated and ventilated front seats offer perfect long-haul comfort. A feature like ventilated seats may seem trivial until you experience it – then you’ll never want to go without that effortless cooling.
This top AMG E53 variant wants for nothing when it comes to amenities befitting its performance pedigree. The panoramic sunroof, crystalline Burmester sound system, and massive curved MBUX Hyperscreen with passenger display elevate the cabin into the true flagship territory. Rear passengers also enjoy heated and cooled seats with their own climate controls, generous legroom, and exemplary comfort.
Toggling through myriad drive modes reveals a depth of performance potential. A special “Track Pace” setting provides a virtual race engineer with performance telemetry and video data-logging for hot lap analysis. You’ll feel like Lewis Hamilton, even if just driving aggressively on back roads. Activate the AMG soundtrack, with augmented exhaust synthesizers enhancing the electric thrust, if you aren’t quite ready to embrace the future’s hushed performance motoring.
Don’t imagine this is just a road-going vehicle though. We took this wolf to a fun off-road course, and it conquered terrain without breaking a sweat thanks to its adjustable air suspension, selectable ride heights, and prodigious traction from the 4-matic system. Meanwhile, on the highway, it settles into an exceptionally serene and planted cruising rhythm. Noise isolation is so good, there’s an eerie serenity belying the savage capabilities on tap.
For all the futureproof performance and technology, the overall vibe is one of impeccable restraint rather than ostentatious look-at-me styling. The muscular yet svelte bodywork merely hints at the ballistic potential within this sleeper of an SUV. In typical Mercedes fashion, it’s a devastatingly effective tour de force draped in understated Hugo Boss suiting. A solid beating German heart with cutting-edge composure and sophistication.