Automobiles just like the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV make me really feel sorry for on a regular basis individuals to wrap their heads across the present automotive panorama.
In spite of everything, how do you clarify an expensive, egg-shaped, all-electric household SUV that slams down 1000Nm of torque and comes with full-width inside screens?
Not that it actually issues although, as this $200,000 efficiency EV isn’t precisely focused on the plenty.
The EQE 53 SUV has flown below the radar since touchdown in Australia final 12 months and, as 2024 approaches its finish, we’ve simply had our first probability to correctly see what it’s all about.
With spectacular specs and AMG badging, the EQE 53 talks a giant sport. And till not too long ago its rivals had been in brief provide.
Giant efficiency electrical SUV rivals on sale right here now embody the Audi SQ8, BMW iX M60 and Lotus Eletre, and there are a number of extra on the best way.
Then there’s the questionable styling of the EQE, which an AMG makeover has hardly remedied.
Nevertheless, you shouldn’t choose a e-book by its cowl, and also you positively shouldn’t choose a automotive by its specs.
So, up in opposition to frightful climate situations alongside Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, does the EQE 53 sink or swim?
How does the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV in opposition to equally sized automobiles.
Mercedes-AMG
EQE SUV
How a lot does the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV value?
The checklist worth of the EQE 53 SUV has risen by $2000 for the reason that sports activities/luxurious EV arrived in Australia final 12 months, tipping it over the $200,000 barrier as soon as on-road prices are factored in.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV | $191,900 |
To see how the AMG EQE 53 SUV traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV like on the within?
The EQE 53 impresses extra as a premium SUV than a efficiency mannequin, and that’s true of its inside too.
Whereas the AMG affect is equally sparing and refined, the cabin is in any other case luxurious with a mix of prime supplies, breathtaking tech and practicality.
Of these three, the tech instantly catches the attention.
This top-spec EQE comes customary with the in any other case non-obligatory MBUX Hyperscreen, a trio of digital shows spanning the width of the dashboard.
It’s concurrently intimidating and breathtaking, nonetheless, issues grow to be extra simple when you dive into the system.
The display is break up into three sections – an instrument show for the driving force and two separate infotainment shows for the driving force and passenger, respectively. Every display presents with AMG-specific graphics to remind you that you just’re in ‘the sporty one’.
Every infotainment display has a well-recognized app grid structure, and each shows share comparable performance with built-in audio, navigation, efficiency information, cellphone connectivity, and car settings performance.
Each additionally share crisp graphics and commendable responsiveness to the touch, in order that they’re a pleasure to make use of. As you’d anticipate in a automotive of this ilk, smartphone mirroring is wi-fi and there’s a grand complete of six USB-C shops on supply to maintain gadgets charged.
Different tech highlights embody highly-customisable ambient lighting, an immersive Burmeister sound system, and the motorsport-inspired ‘Observe Tempo’ driving information display with an acceleration timer, telemetry, and observe maps.
Whereas the tech is well-executed total, I wasn’t a fan of the haptic steering wheel controls that may be fiddly and imprecise once you’re on the transfer.
Apart from a flowery lap timer, materials upgrades additionally justify the existence of this EQE 53 as an AMG.
The efficiency flagship features an AMG steering wheel and sports activities seats, in addition to suede and alcantara door panels.
It reads like a compelling suite of upgrades on paper, however the EQE 53 doesn’t really feel massively particular. The alcantara is a pleasant contact, however for probably the most half the AMG mannequin feels extra luxurious yacht than speedboat.
Agency leather-based padding covers the armrest, whereas the steering wheel can also be trimmed in a mixture of easy and perforated leather-based.
All the foremost factors of contact move the contact take a look at, and the panels really feel effectively put collectively.
The Nappa leather-clad seats lack bolstering however supply heating, air flow, electrical adjustment and Mercedes-Benz’s weird ‘kinetic seat’ operate, which tilts the seat round prefer it’s the world’s slowest rollercoaster.
It’s a snug place to spend time when you get your head round all of the options.
You gained’t be cramped for house both, with loads of storage on supply. The door bins, centre console and glovebox are all deep, and there’s an expansive tray instead of an absent transmission tunnel.
Transferring into the second row, the EQE 53 ticks all of the necessary packing containers as a household hauler.
The rear seats supply ample legroom, with sufficient house to sit down 4 and even 5 long-limbed adults with out requiring any contortion.
Regardless of the presence of a panoramic sunroof, there’s additionally sufficient headroom for taller people pushing six-four. The aforementioned sunroof ensures that cabin stays mild and ethereal, regardless that it’s kitted out with dark-coloured supplies.
Nevertheless, the rear seats are on the agency facet with a pronounced bulge the place your decrease again rests, so consolation over lengthy intervals might be questionable.
Facilities are in sturdy provide – the centre armrest accommodates retractable cupholders, whereas bigger drink bottles might be saved in deep door bins. Additional storage is accessible within the type of map pockets.
Two USB-C shops are situated behind centre console, and every passenger has the liberty to decide on their very own fan and temperature settings. And to prime it off, the ceiling is fitted with helpful studying lights.
Boot house within the EQE 53 measures 520 litres, which expands to 1675L with the rear bench folded down. The tailgate is powered, and the aperture is each broad and sq., enabling simple loading of cumbersome gadgets.
| Dimensions | Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV |
|---|---|
| Size | 4881mm |
| Width | 1940mm |
| Peak | 1672mm |
| Wheelbase | 3030mm |
| Cargo capability | 520L/1675L |
To see how the AMG EQE 53 SUV traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s below the bonnet?
The AMG EQE 53 SUV includes a 90.6kWh battery and a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, with complete system outputs of 460kW of energy and 950Nm of torque.
Consumers can select to equip the non-obligatory AMG Dynamic Plus Package deal, which will increase these outputs to 505kW and 1000Nm, and drops the 0-100km/h acceleration time to 3.5 seconds.
Over a number of hours of wet-weather driving on open roads, we had been in a position to match the power consumption declare quoted by Mercedes-Benz.
| Specs | Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Twin-motor electrical |
| Battery | 90.6kWh lithium-ion |
| Energy | 460kW (505kW with AMG Dynamic Plus Package deal) |
| Torque | 950Nm (1000Nm with AMG Dynamic Plus Package deal) |
| Pushed wheels | All-wheel drive |
| Weight (tare) | 2678kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 3.7s (3.5s with AMG Dynamic Plus Package deal) |
| Power consumption (claimed) | 23.0-25.6kWh/100km |
| Power consumption (as examined) | 25.0kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (NEDC) | 485km |
| Max AC cost charge | 11kW |
| Max DC cost charge | 170kW |
To see how the AMG EQE 53 SUV traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software.
How does the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV drive?
Mercedes-Benz’s AMG efficiency division appears to be having a little bit of an identification disaster. First got here the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid C63, and now the EQE 53 SUV can also be caught proper in the course of it.
Don’t get me fallacious, this go-fast EV is an absolute pleasure to drive… however simply not in the best way that you just’d anticipate.
To preface my driving impressions, our day with the EQE 53 SUV was spent battling a fearsome climate system that hit elements of higher Melbourne with greater than 50mm of rain.
The situations had been the worst I’ve ever skilled when reviewing a brand new automotive, with standing water and poor visibility contributing to a difficult day on the highway.
Nonetheless, the present should go on, and the EQE was a greater than prepared participant.
Within the face of numerous environmental obstacles, I used to be blown away by how composed the EQE 53 remained with its trick all-wheel drive system, broad tyres and compliant trip.
No matter which mode it’s set to, the air suspension system fitted to the flagship EQE 53 is resolved and cozy.
Consolation mode is actually plush with simply the correct quantity of float, whereas Sport+ is a bit firmer however not as hardcore as I anticipated, which brings me to my opening rivalry.
From a dealing with perspective, the EQE 53 doesn’t fairly really feel sporty sufficient for an AMG variant, however then it is rather heavy for an AMG and it doesn’t put on a 63 badge.
Certain, you don’t need a luxurious SUV to be crashing over bumps and potholes, nevertheless it shouldn’t be numb both.
The EQE 53 is actually a supersonic magic carpet. With a minimum of 460kW and 950Nm on faucet, and a 0-100km/h time within the threes, it possesses the face-melting acceleration that we’ve come to anticipate from efficiency EVs.
And, to the credit score of the AMG tech division, the accompanying V8-inspired artificial engine be aware is among the many most sonorous I’ve heard so far.
Nevertheless, it’s all just a bit soulless. Loads of reasonably priced trendy EVs can present the identical sickening straight-line shove, so extra is required to imbue an electrical efficiency automotive with character.
Apart from the tuneful engine simulator, the EQE 53 doesn’t have a heap to supply on this regard. It’s so effectively damped that you just barely discover adjustments within the highway floor, and the cabin is deathly quiet within the absence of highway and wind noise.
When the highway will get twisty, you’ll discover that the steering is direct and attentive to driver inputs. However as soon as once more, it’s comparatively mild.
The all-wheel drive system does a wonderful job of disguising the EQE 53’s heft, combining with the chunky tyres to offer supreme grip and minimise physique roll via corners.
Regardless of that, this spiced up electrical SUV is best loved in commuting and cruising conditions, quite than spirited driving.
The identical might be mentioned for the remainder of the EQE vary, which leads me to imagine that AMG must discover a option to imbue its electrical vary with extra character, on prime of the racy inside supplies and boosted outputs.
Round city, EQE 53 is simple to steer and impressively manouevrable, thanks partially to the fitment of rear-wheel steering. In tight metropolis laneways and slim streets the EQE can activate a dime, which might’t be mentioned of all family-sized SUVs.
It’s outfitted with enough parking instruments too, with each sensors and a set of cameras.
Out of city, a plethora of configurable drive modes transforms the EQE 53 right into a silent, soft luxurious machine on the push of a button – excellent for prolonged freeway stints and time spent in peak hour site visitors.
What do you get?
The EQE 53 SUV sits on the prime of the EQE vary, that includes a set of AMG efficiency options along with the usual tools of decrease mannequin grades.
Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV highlights:
- Digital Gentle LED headlights
- Adaptive high-beam
- Illuminated aluminium-look operating boards
- Panoramic sliding sunroof
- Head-up show
- 64-colour adjustable ambient lighting
- Keyless entry and begin
- Energy tailgate
- MBUX Hyperscreen
- Satellite tv for pc navigation with augmented actuality
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Leather-based upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
- Burmeister 3D sound system
- Eight-metre home charging cable
- 5-metre public AC charging cable
- Clear bonnet view
- Rear-axle steering
- AMG Energetic Journey Management air suspension
- 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system
- Nappa leather-wrapped AMG steering wheel
- Ventilated entrance seats
- AMG Night time Package deal
- 22-inch alloy wheels
- Pink-painted brake calipers
- Guard 360° Automobile Safety Plus package deal
Is the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV secure?
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV has but to be examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, though the usual EQE SUV was awarded a five-star ANCAP security score in 2023.
All EQE SUV fashions come customary with the next security tools:
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Automobile, pedestrian and bicycle owner detection
- Turning manoeuvre operate
- Congestion emergency braking operate
- Intersection start-off operate
- Blind-spot help
- Entrance and rear cross-traffic help
- Driver consideration alert
- Energetic Steering Help
- Lane-keep help
- Energetic emergency cease help
- Protected exit warning
- Velocity restrict help
- Encompass-view digital camera
- 10 airbags
How a lot does the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV value to run?
Mercedes-Benz backs its EQE vary with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee and supplies a 10-year, 250,000km guarantee for the high-voltage battery.
A 3-year Service Plan is obtainable as customary, which might be prolonged as much as a complete of 5 years.
| Working prices | Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres – car 10 years, 250,000km – high-voltage battery |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 25,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | As much as 5 years (Service Plan) |
| Complete capped-price service value | $4085 (5 years) |
To see how the AMG EQE 53 SUV traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV is a little bit of a confused beast, with a character that belies its title.
Whereas this flagship electrical SUV wears AMG badging, its extra of a comfortable household EV with the lot.
There’s no arguing with its straight-line efficiency, and the AMG inside upgrades give the house a sporty really feel, however I most loved the EQE 53 when caught in site visitors or cruising on the freeway.
So, in case you’re after a premium commuter that may win nearly any site visitors mild drag race, then the EQE 53 is a stable choice.
It’s not with out rivals, although. The BMW iX is equally polarising within the seems to be division, however gives most of the similar qualities.
Trying forward, the brand new Porsche Macan is on the best way with a spread of electric-only powertrains. The Lotus Eletre is one other fascinating electrical SUV proposition, too.
Should you’re not able to go electrical, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadriofoglio is a efficiency SUV brimming with character and avenue enchantment.
However in case you’re set on an electrical SUV with three-pointed star badging, it could be value settling for a lower-spec EQE with 90 per cent of the mod-cons for much less cash, as the additional efficiency of the AMG isn’t actually needed.
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