Mercedes-AMG unveils V8-smashing EQS53 performance EV

September 6, 2021October 6, 2021 John Carey 3140 Views eq, Mercedes-Benz

Here is AMG’s high-performance version of the new Mercedes-Benz EQS, the first EV from the company’s go-fast division – and an electric car with more power than most of Mercedes-AMG’s V8s.

Called the Mercedes-AMG EQS53, the big, ultra-aero EV will come to Australia in 2022. Here, as elsewhere in the world, it will top the EQS line-up.

Revealed just hours before the opening of the 2021 Munich IAA motor show, the Mercedes-Benz EQS53 AMG is due to go on sale in Europe very late this year. Deliveries of the single-motor EQS450+ and dual-motor EQS580 begin there in September.

In Australia, on the other hand, the EQS53 may be the first to arrive. Mercedes-Benz Australia is aiming to commence its EQS rollout around March 2022.

With its higher combined power output, the EQS53 will be nearly as quick as a Porsche Taycan Turbo, although the Tesla Model S Plaid that the company says will come to Australia late in 2022 is comfortably quicker than both.

AMG claims the lengthy liftback can zip from 0-100km/h in a no doubt neck-straining 3.4 seconds. That’s quicker than most versions of the Mercedes-AMG GT two-door coupe that is the hero of the AMG line-up; only the recently-revealed limited edition AMG GT Black Series – at upwards of $800K – is quicker, blitzing the 0-100km/h dash in a claimed 3.2 seconds.

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There’s just one catch. For the Mercedes-Benz EQS53 to achieve that 3.4-second time it needs an option called the Dynamic Plus package. This adds an electric motor boost function, increasing the combined maximum power and torque outputs of the electric motors to 560kW and 1000Nm. It’s enabled only when the Race Start mode is selected by the driver.

Even without Dynamic Plus, the EQS53 is significantly more powerful than any other EQS – and most V8-powered AMGs. In standard form the AMG EV’s maximum combined power output is 484kW, or 99kW more than the already quick EQS580. Most of the thrust comes from the EQS53’s 310kW rear motor. Its front motor instead produces 174kW.

There are AMG upgrades to the EV’s air-spring suspension and brakes. There’s a choice of 21- or 22-inch wheel and tyre packages. The wider rubber restricts the car’s rear-wheel steering arc to nine degrees, one less than in other EQS models.

External changes to the AMG are fairly subtle. There’s an EV version of the brand’s Panamera grille at the front and a small spoiler at the rear.

There are bigger changes inside. The EQS53 comes standard with the stunning Hyperscreen display, which in Europe is optional in the regular EQS models. There’s are AMG-specific front seats and steering wheel, too.

Two so-called sound worlds have been developed for the EQS53 to account for the lack of a V8 rumble that has for decades been the signature call of an AMG. Called Authentic and Performance, these synthetic sonics are said to deliver an audio gut punch when accelerating.

As well as the interior audio effects, there’s an external speaker mounted in the rear. When activated, it will presumably cause heads to swivel as the EQS53 drives by.

AMG isn’t planning an even faster EQS63 version. Or any of the other coming models that will be based on Mercedes-EQ’ purpose-designed Modular Electric Architecture; the EQE sedan and two large SUV EVs.

“On the EQ platform there will be no 63,” an AMG engineer told EV Central. But Mercedes-Benz chief Ola Källenius recently revealed that a high-performance EV platform designed specifically for AMG is under development.

So while the EQS53 will be brutally fast, even quicker EVs from AMG are on the way.

John Carey

Grew up in country NSW, way back when petrol was laced with lead. Has written about cars and the car business for more than 35 years, working full-time and freelance for leading mags, major newspapers and websites in Australia and (sometimes) overseas. Avidly interested in core EV technologies like motors and batteries, and believes the switch to electromobility definitely should be encouraged. Is waiting patiently for someone to make a good and affordable EV that will fit inside his tiny underground garage in northern Italy, where he's lived for the past decade. Likes the BMW i3, but it's just too damned wide...