The evolution of electric performance has found its latest expression in the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV. As automotive journalists, we’ve been granted the privilege of living with this electric performance SUV for an extended period, and this marks our first comprehensive report after the initial month of daily use. The transition from internal combustion to electric propulsion represents a seismic shift for traditional performance brands, and perhaps none face a more challenging transformation than AMG, a division built on the thunderous soundtracks of hand-built engines. How does this silent performer maintain the AMG character while embracing the electric future? Let’s dive into the experience.
First Impressions: Distinctive Yet Familiar
Upon first acquaintance, the EQE 53 SUV strikes a delicate balance between innovation and brand recognition. While clearly part of the Mercedes-AMG family, it introduces a fresh design language necessitated by its electric architecture. The aerodynamic-focused shape achieves an impressive drag coefficient, yet maintains the muscular stance expected of an AMG product. The distinctive black panel grille featuring vertical struts immediately identifies this as a performance variant, while the continuous light bar spanning the rear creates a futuristic signature, especially noticeable during evening drives.
Interior accommodations remain quintessentially Mercedes, blending luxury with a sporting character. The AMG-specific touches—performance seats with aggressive bolstering, a thick-rimmed steering wheel, and carbon fiber accents—effectively communicate the vehicle’s performance intentions before you’ve even pressed the start button. The MBUX Hyperscreen, spanning virtually the entire dashboard, remains a technological tour de force, though the learning curve for new users proves relatively steep.
Performance Credentials: Electrified AMG Character
At the heart of the EQE 53 lies a dual-motor powertrain delivering all-wheel-drive capability and impressive output figures. With 626 horsepower and 701 lb-ft of torque available instantly (increasing to 677 hp and 738 lb-ft when equipped with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package), acceleration proves nothing short of breathtaking. The 0-60 mph sprint registers at 3.4 seconds, a figure that would have qualified as supercar territory merely a decade ago.
However, straight-line acceleration represents only one facet of performance. During our initial testing period, we’ve been consistently impressed by the vehicle’s composure during spirited driving. The AMG-tuned air suspension, rear-axle steering, and low center of gravity (courtesy of the floor-mounted battery pack) combine to create handling characteristics that defy the vehicle’s considerable curb weight of nearly 5,800 pounds.
The regenerative braking system offers multiple levels of intensity, including a one-pedal driving mode that proves particularly useful in urban environments. The transition between regenerative and friction braking occurs seamlessly, addressing a common complaint in many electric vehicles. The AMG-branded calipers provide reassuring stopping power, though we’ve noted some fade during repeated hard braking events—an area where further development may be beneficial.
The Electric Experience: Range, Charging, and Efficiency
Our testing has yielded real-world range figures averaging between 270-285 miles on a full charge, falling slightly short of the manufacturer’s claimed 310-mile range. However, this discrepancy proves unsurprising given our enthusiastic driving style and frequent exploration of the vehicle’s performance capabilities. During more conservative driving, we’ve approached 300 miles on a single charge.
The 90.6 kWh battery supports DC fast charging at rates up to 170 kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 32 minutes under optimal conditions. During our testing, we’ve experienced peak charging rates between 155-165 kW, with the curve tapering predictably as the battery approached higher states of charge. For home charging, the 11 kW onboard charger requires approximately 8.5 hours for a complete replenishment—conveniently aligning with overnight parking for most users.
Energy consumption has averaged 3.1 miles per kWh during our mixed driving regime, comparing favorably with competitors in this performance-oriented electric SUV segment. However, activating the various AMG drive modes, particularly “Race” mode, significantly impacts efficiency, sometimes reducing the miles-per-kWh figure to the low 2s during spirited driving sessions.
Living With Electric Performance: Daily Usability
Beyond its impressive performance metrics, the EQE 53 SUV must function as a practical daily companion. Rear passenger space proves generous, with the dedicated electric platform providing excellent legroom despite the sloping roofline slightly compromising headroom for taller occupants. Cargo capacity registers at 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded—competitive figures for the segment, though the sloping rear design does impact the practicality of loading taller items.
The MBUX infotainment system continues to impress with its responsiveness and visual appeal, though the sheer number of functions and customization options can initially overwhelm. The augmented reality navigation system demonstrates particular brilliance, overlaying directional arrows onto a live camera feed of the road ahead—proving especially valuable in complex urban environments. The integrated route planner effectively accounts for charging stops on longer journeys, considering factors including current battery level, weather conditions, topography, and real-time charger availability.
Ride quality presents an interesting dichotomy. In its most comfortable setting, the AMG-tuned air suspension delivers respectable compliance, though it never quite achieves the plushness offered by the standard EQE SUV. Sport and Sport+ settings progressively firm the ride, with the latter becoming decidedly stiff on imperfect surfaces. This characteristic aligns with AMG tradition, prioritizing handling precision over outright comfort.
The Sound of Silence? AMG Sound Experience
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of any electric performance vehicle concerns acoustics. AMG has implemented their “Sound Experience” system, generating artificial soundscapes through external and internal speakers. The system offers multiple settings ranging from subtle to dramatic, each attempting to provide auditory feedback corresponding to vehicle speed and acceleration.
After extensive experimentation, we’ve settled on the “Authentic” setting for daily use, providing reasonable auditory communication without excessive theatrics. The more aggressive sound profiles, while initially entertaining, became tiresome during longer journeys. Notably, the system can be completely deactivated, allowing for remarkably serene progress when desired—a flexibility unavailable in traditional AMG models with their characterful but ever-present exhaust notes.
Technology Integration: The Digital Experience
The technological sophistication extends beyond the drivetrain, with the EQE 53 showcasing Mercedes’ latest advancements. The driver assistance systems operate with remarkable precision, with the adaptive cruise control maintaining natural distances from preceding vehicles and the lane-keeping function requiring minimal corrective input when engaged. The automatic parking function impresses with its ability to identify suitable spaces and execute maneuvers with minimal driver intervention.
Smartphone integration proves seamless through both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though we’ve noted that using these interfaces obscures some of the vehicle-specific functions that benefit from the native MBUX system. The integrated voice assistant continues Mercedes’ leadership in this area, understanding natural language commands with impressive accuracy and controlling numerous vehicle functions without requiring menu navigation.
Over-the-air update capability ensures the vehicle’s software remains current throughout our long-term evaluation, with one significant update already having been received during our first month of ownership. This update enhanced the efficiency of the climate control system and refined the regenerative braking algorithms for improved energy recuperation.
AMG Performance Beyond Acceleration
While straight-line acceleration invariably dominates the conversation surrounding electric performance vehicles, our testing has revealed the EQE 53’s capabilities extend well beyond drag-race statistics. The AMG-specific track mode optimizes battery temperature management and power delivery for sustained performance, allowing multiple high-performance runs without significant degradation.
During our closed-course evaluation, the vehicle maintained consistent lap times with minimal power reduction, even after multiple aggressive circuits. The sophisticated thermal management system effectively prevented the battery limitations that plague less performance-focused electric vehicles during extended high-load scenarios.
The AMG-tuned stability control offers progressive intervention levels, including a fully disabled mode for experienced drivers. The torque vectoring capabilities afforded by the dual-motor setup enhance the vehicle’s agility, effectively disguising its substantial mass during directional changes. While physics cannot be entirely overcome, the engineering team has extracted remarkable handling characteristics from this platform.
Ownership Experience and Brand Identity
The transition to electrification inevitably raises questions about brand identity, particularly for marques with strong heritage like AMG. Our interactions with fellow enthusiasts have revealed mixed reactions, with traditional AMG owners expressing both curiosity and skepticism. The absence of the emotional V8 soundtrack represents the most significant hurdle for many long-time aficionados, despite the objective performance advantages offered by the electric powertrain.
The AMG ownership experience extends beyond the vehicle itself, with dedicated customer support and exclusive access to driving events. Our long-term loan includes participation in the AMG Electric Performance Tour, offering the opportunity to explore the vehicle’s capabilities in controlled environments under expert guidance. This continued investment in owner engagement demonstrates Mercedes’ commitment to maintaining the exclusive character of the AMG sub-brand through the electric transition.
Preliminary Conclusions: Month One
After our initial month with the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV, we find ourselves thoroughly impressed by its breadth of capabilities. It successfully translates the core AMG values of performance, precision, and exclusivity into the electric age, while simultaneously offering the practical advantages inherent to purpose-built electric vehicles.
The most significant adjustment for traditional AMG enthusiasts undoubtedly concerns the auditory experience, though the performance credentials speak eloquently in their own right. While no artificially generated soundtrack can fully replicate the emotional connection formed with a hand-built AMG engine, the instantaneous response and relentless acceleration create their own distinctive character.
As we continue our long-term evaluation, we’ll be monitoring several aspects with particular attention: battery degradation under regular performance use, reliability of the complex electronic systems, and compatibility with the expanding charging infrastructure. Additionally, we’re eager to experience the vehicle across varying seasonal conditions to assess the impact of temperature extremes on both performance and efficiency.
For those considering the transition to electric performance, the EQE 53 SUV makes a compelling case, combining impressive capability with daily usability. While the asking price positions it firmly in the premium segment, the performance delivered justifies the investment for those seeking an electric vehicle that satisfies both practical requirements and enthusiast desires.
Our journey with the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV has only just begun, and we look forward to sharing more in-depth insights as our relationship with this pioneering performance EV develops in subsequent reports. Stay tuned for our next update, where we’ll explore the vehicle’s long-distance touring capabilities and compatibility with various charging networks.
Key Specifications:
- Motors: Dual permanently excited synchronous motors
- Power: 626 hp (677 hp with AMG Dynamic Plus package)
- Torque: 701 lb-ft (738 lb-ft with AMG Dynamic Plus package)
- Battery Capacity: 90.6 kWh usable
- 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 137 mph (149 mph with AMG Dynamic Plus package)
- Charging: Up to 170 kW DC fast charging
- Official Range: 310 miles (WLTP)
- Curb Weight: 5,785 lbs
- Cargo Capacity: 23.7 cubic feet (rear seats up) / 63.2 cubic feet (rear seats folded)