Vehicles just like the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV make me really feel sorry for on a regular basis folks 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 lots.
The EQE 53 SUV has flown beneath the radar since touchdown in Australia final 12 months and, as 2024 approaches its finish, we’ve simply had our first likelihood to correctly see what it’s all about.
With spectacular specs and AMG badging, the EQE 53 talks a giant sport. And till lately its rivals had been in brief provide.
Massive efficiency electrical SUV opponents on sale right here now embrace the Audi SQ8, BMW iX M60 and Lotus Eletre, and there are a number of extra on the way in which.
Then there’s the questionable styling of the EQE, which an AMG makeover has hardly remedied.
Nonetheless, you shouldn’t decide a ebook by its cowl, and also you undoubtedly shouldn’t decide 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 examine?
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 price?
The checklist value of the EQE 53 SUV has risen by $2000 because the 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 delicate, the cabin is in any other case luxurious with a mix of high supplies, breathtaking tech and practicality.
Of these three, the tech instantly catches the attention.
This top-spec EQE comes normal 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, nevertheless, issues develop into extra simple when you dive into the system.
The display screen 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 screen presents with AMG-specific graphics to remind you that you simply’re in ‘the sporty one’.
Every infotainment display screen has a well-known app grid format, and each shows share comparable performance with built-in audio, navigation, efficiency knowledge, cellphone connectivity, and automobile 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 count on in a automotive of this ilk, smartphone mirroring is wi-fi and there’s a grand whole of six USB-C shops on supply to maintain gadgets charged.
Different tech highlights embrace highly-customisable ambient lighting, an immersive Burmeister sound system, and the motorsport-inspired ‘Monitor Tempo’ driving knowledge display screen 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 whenever you’re on the transfer.
Other than a elaborate 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 be trimmed in a mixture of clean and perforated leather-based.
All the most important factors of contact go the contact check, 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 rather than an absent transmission tunnel.
Shifting into the second row, the EQE 53 ticks all of the essential 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 gentle and ethereal, despite the fact that it’s kitted out with dark-coloured supplies.
Nonetheless, the rear seats are on the agency aspect with a pronounced bulge the place your decrease again rests, so consolation over lengthy intervals might be questionable.
Facilities are in robust provide – the centre armrest accommodates retractable cupholders, whereas bigger drink bottles might be saved in deep door bins. Additional storage is offered 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 high it off, the ceiling is fitted with useful 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 huge and sq., enabling simple loading of cumbersome objects.
| Dimensions | Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV |
|---|---|
| Size | 4881mm |
| Width | 1940mm |
| Top | 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 beneath the bonnet?
The AMG EQE 53 SUV includes a 90.6kWh battery and a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, with whole system outputs of 460kW of energy and 950Nm of torque.
Patrons 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 capable of match the vitality 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) |
| Vitality consumption (claimed) | 23.0-25.6kWh/100km |
| Vitality consumption (as examined) | 25.0kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary (NEDC) | 485km |
| Max AC cost price | 11kW |
| Max DC cost price | 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 be caught proper in the midst of it.
Don’t get me improper, this go-fast EV is an absolute pleasure to drive… however simply not in the way in which that you simply’d count on.
To preface my driving impressions, our day with the EQE 53 SUV was spent battling a fearsome climate system that hit components 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.
However, the present should go on, and the EQE was a greater than keen 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, huge tyres and compliant journey.
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 amount of float, whereas Sport+ is a bit firmer however not as hardcore as I anticipated, which brings me to my opening competition.
From a dealing with perspective, the EQE 53 doesn’t fairly really feel sporty sufficient for an AMG variant, however then it is vitally heavy for an AMG and it doesn’t put on a 63 badge.
Certain, you don’t desire a luxurious SUV to be crashing over bumps and potholes, however it shouldn’t be numb both.
The EQE 53 is actually a supersonic magic carpet. With at least 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 count on from efficiency EVs.
And, to the credit score of the AMG tech division, the accompanying V8-inspired artificial engine word is among the many most sonorous I’ve heard thus far.
Nonetheless, it’s all just a bit soulless. Loads of inexpensive trendy EVs can present the identical sickening straight-line shove, so extra is required to imbue an electrical efficiency automotive with persona.
Other than the tuneful engine simulator, the EQE 53 doesn’t have a heap to supply on this regard. It’s so effectively damped that you simply 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 conscious of driver inputs. However as soon as once more, it’s comparatively gentle.
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 by means of corners.
Regardless of that, this spiced up electrical SUV is healthier loved in commuting and cruising conditions, reasonably than spirited driving.
The identical might be mentioned for the remainder of the EQE vary, which leads me to consider that AMG must discover a option to imbue its electrical vary with extra character, on high of the racy inside supplies and boosted outputs.
Round city, EQE 53 is simple to steer and impressively manouevrable, thanks partly 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 geared up with enough parking instruments too, with each sensors and a collection of cameras.
Out of city, a plethora of configurable drive modes transforms the EQE 53 right into a silent, comfortable luxurious machine on the push of a button – good for prolonged freeway stints and time spent in peak hour site visitors.
What do you get?
The EQE 53 SUV sits on the high of the EQE vary, that includes a collection of AMG efficiency options along with the usual tools of decrease mannequin grades.
Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV highlights:
- Digital Mild 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 Trip 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 bundle
Is the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV protected?
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 normal with the next security tools:
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Automobile, pedestrian and bike 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
- Secure exit warning
- Pace restrict help
- Encompass-view digicam
- 10 airbags
How a lot does the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV price to run?
Mercedes-Benz backs its EQE vary with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee and gives a 10-year, 250,000km guarantee for the high-voltage battery.
A 3-year Service Plan is obtainable as normal, which might be prolonged as much as a complete of 5 years.
| Working prices | Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres – automobile 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 price | $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 persona that belies its title.
Whereas this flagship electrical SUV wears AMG badging, its extra of a snug 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, if you happen to’re after a premium commuter that may win nearly any site visitors gentle 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 division, however provides most of the similar qualities.
Wanting forward, the brand new Porsche Macan is on the way in which with a spread of electric-only powertrains. The Lotus Eletre is one other fascinating electrical SUV proposition, too.
For those who’re not able to go electrical, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadriofoglio is a efficiency SUV brimming with character and road enchantment.
However if you happen to’re set on an electrical SUV with three-pointed star badging, it may 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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