Written by Keith Adams Updated: 29 February 2024

Overview

We all know that electric cars can be fast. But can they be exciting? Mercedes-AMG certainly hopes so, because the all-electric EQE 53 has been designed to add a dose of spice to its parent company’s latest large EV. Based on the Mercedes-Benz EQE saloon, AMG’s remix boosts power to 635hp and lifts maximum speed to more than 140mph.

It’s a tough gig that AMG has here because its combustion-engined cars are traditionally designed to deliver a sledgehammer soundtrack to complement supercar-slaying performance. With an electric car, strong acceleration comes as standard, but usually at the expense of any form of soundtrack. So, can AMG’s electronically-augmented motor noise add enough excitement and engagement to encourage enthusiasts to take the plunge into battery power?

It’s not cheap and rivals are few and far between – but the more overtly sporting Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT are likely to feature on the same shopping lists. We’d include the Tesla Model S Plaid, but you can’t buy that in the UK yet.

What’s it like inside?

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As you’d expect, the EQE gets a supremely luxurious interior that feels suitably special for the driver and passengers. There’s plenty of equipment, but we also rate the cabin design which is simply superb. The 12.8-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instruments are flexible in what they will display for you and, thanks to a combination of touchscreen and fingertip operation, it’s a cinch to use once you’re acclimatised.

Unlike the larger EQS, the EQE is a four-door saloon, so loses out a little in terms of practicality. You get fold-down rear seats for those who need to carry bulky loads – but let’s be clear here, it’s no estate or SUV and the ability to carry massive loads is probably not high on the list of needs for saloon buyers. So, the boot capacity of 430 litres shouldn’t be too much of a disappointment.

For people, it’s a much better story. It’s roomy front and rear, and the sports seats are excellent, with plenty of adjustment. They’re firm, yes, but in a cossetting way. In short, it’s more commodious than an E-Class, and makes the case for buying the more expensive EQS a marginal one. Also, don’t bother upgrading to the expensive optional massagers. They’re not really required.

What’s it like to drive?

There’s certainly no shortage of acceleration. With a pair of powerful AMG-specific electric motors pushing out all of that power, it’s no surprise that it punches from 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds (which drops to 3.3 seconds when specced up with the optional Dynamic+ pack that ups power to 685hp). Full-blooded acceleration runs are reserved for driving in Sport+, with other driving modes meting out less power.

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On the road, the response in Sport or Sport+ modes is eye catching. Safe overtaking is the order of the day – the electric motors react almost instantly to the position of your right foot. This is all the more impressive when one considers the EQE weighs in at 2,600kg (about the same as a Range Rover), and it stops with all the force of a fully-fledged sports car.

Handling is exemplary, too, with the chassis disguising the EQE weight and size on all but the tightest B-roads. The standard air suspension is tuned for tight body control in all situations, with all road surfaces shrugged off – from a gentle drive in town to a quicker spin in the mountains – with equal ease. The low-mounted battery pack gives it a low centre of gravity, and with minimal bodyroll and the added stability and agility benefits of four-wheel steering, it feels safe and composed.

Ride quality and refinement are from the top drawer, too, which is a welcome bonus in a performance-focused saloon. One area that’s bound to cause discussion is the artificial noise played inside and out through the speakers. It’s on in Sport and Sport+ modes, and alters its volume and pitch depending on how fast you’re going. When stationary, it even plays a false throb, which is supposed to sound like an engine idling. It was certainly interesting for a short while, but it’s really a gimmick – good news is that it can be switched off.

Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 range and charging

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The EQE has a large 90.6kWh battery (compared with 110kWh for the larger EQS), which stores enough charge for a maximum range of 321 miles on the official WLTP cycle. If you have a heavy right foot though, expect that figure to drop to nearer 200 miles very quickly. But on busy UK roads with their low speed limits, opportunities to use the car’s acceleration will be few and far between.

It comes as standard with 11kW AC charging for home wallbox use and 170kW DC rapid charging at the best public rapid chargers. What that means is you’ll get from 10-80% battery charge in a touch over 30 minutes – not bad considering the size of the battery pack. Overnight charges are just possible at home, with your average domestic wallbox being able to replenish it in 14 hours. 

What else should I know?

The UK price has yet to be confirmed, but we expect it to start at around £115,000. That’s a big leap up from the standard Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+. Start ticking the option packs, and what you’re going to be paying will rapidly head northwards.