With the new EQS 53 4MATIC+ (combined WLTP power consumption: 23.9-21.5 kWh/100 km; combined WLTP CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)[1] Mercedes-AMG is embarking on the all-electric future of Driving Performance. The first battery-electric AMG production model is based on the Mercedes EQ architecture for luxury and executive-class vehicles. It thus fits seamlessly into the Group-wide electric strategy. The luxury saloon with an output of up to 560 kW has been newly developed or refined in Affalterbach in all performance-related areas. It impresses with brand-specific features wherever the customer can experience them directly: from the technology to the exterior/interior design and the emotive vehicle sound.
Mercedes-AMG models have always stood for emotionality. The vehicle sound has always been an important part of the hallmark AMG driving experience. This will continue to be the case in the future. The EQS 53 4MATIC+ brings a new, powerfully sonorous sound to electric driving. Its sound system uses special loudspeakers, shakers and a sound generator to create a special sound experience in two versions: “Authentic” or “Performance”. This exclusive AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE is generated inside and out with a tonality and intensity to match the current driving status, the selected driving mode or the driver’s wishes.
The AMG-specific electric motors at the front and rear axles are permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM). The decided emphasis on performance is already evident in the output and torque values. In addition, the Mercedes-AMG electric motors are characterised by an optimum balance of enhanced power, efficiency and noise comfort. Among other things, this is ensured by new windings, stronger currents and new actuation via inverters with specially developed software. This allows higher rotational speeds and thus more power, setting standards especially in acceleration and top speed.
The electric motor at the rear axle of the EQS 53 4MATIC+ is particularly powerful. A major reason for this is the six-phase design based on two windings with three phases each. The stators with move-in winding ensure a particularly powerful magnetic field.
Added to this is the highly resilient thermal concept, which allows repeated acceleration manoeuvres with consistently high performance. The centrepiece of the sophisticated design is the so-called water lance in the shaft of the rotor, which cools it. Other AMG-specific cooling elements in the cooling circuit are special ribs on the stator and the needle-shaped pin-fin structure on the inverter, which is made of high-performance ceramics. In addition, there is the additional transmission oil cooler which also increases efficiency during cold driving, as it warms the transmission oil as needed.
The new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ sets standards not only with its highly dynamic power delivery when accelerating, but also with efficient energy recuperation when braking. The recuperation output is up to 300 kW[1].
The driver can adjust the level of recuperation in three stages via switches on the steering wheel, and receive situation-related support from the ECO Assistant. Combined braking can take place until standstill. With the help of the optional DRIVE PILOT, deceleration is automatic in response to detected vehicles ahead until they come to a standstill, for example at traffic lights.
The new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is equipped with a powerful 400-volt battery manufactured using the latest lithium-ion technology. A major advance in sustainability has been achieved in the cell chemistry: the cobalt content is reduced to ten percent, the optimised active material consists of nickel, cobalt and manganese in a ratio of 8:1:1.
The high-voltage battery has a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh. One special technical feature is the AMG‑specific wiring, which is adapted to the high performance capacity. The battery management system is also configured specifically for AMG. In the Sport and Sport+ driving modes the focus is on performance, in Comfort mode on operating range. The new generation of batteries is characterised by a significantly higher energy density compared to previous developments. It also has a higher charging capacity. Another new feature is the possibility to install updates for the battery management system over the air.
The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is equipped with the innovative MBUX Hyperscreen as standard. This large, curved screen unit extends from A-pillar to A-pillar. Three screens sit under a glass cover and appear to merge into one. With adaptive software, MBUX adapts completely to its user and offers personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. With what is known as the zero layer, the most important applications are always displayed situationally and contextually on the top level in the field of vision. In Europe and China, dynamic content is also permitted on the passenger display while driving. Unrestricted viewing of films, text messages or presentations, pus internet surfing, are therefore possible. This is made possible by the so-called “blanking function”, which prevents the driver from seeing the content.
Compared to its sister models from Mercedes-EQ, MBUX in the EQS 53 4MATIC+ offers a range of additional functions that emphasise the high-performance character of the sporty top model. This is particularly true of the distinctive displays in the instrument cluster, as well as the multimedia display and the head-up display. Quick access to the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes is provided by the corresponding direct-entry button in the centre console.
The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package, available as an option, combines dynamic driving extras – including the powerful boost for RACE START and the increase in maximum speed to 250 km/h – with the emotional AMG sound experience “Performance”. The latter provides a distinctive sound experience in the three selectable levels “Balanced”, “Sport” and “Powerful”. The intensity of the acoustic setup depends on the current driving status and the selected driving mode. Sounds composed especially for the Performance sound world – for charging or infotainment functions, for example – round off the AMG experience.
The driving dynamics keep what the sound promises: if the temperature and state of charge are suitable, the maximum power and torque for RACE START can be briefly increased. In this case the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ takes just 3.4 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. Onboard shakers and loudspeakers make the power of the electric motors clear even when stationary, and provide an emotionally charged sound backdrop to the high acceleration. The AMG-specific graphics in the displays also visually underscore the driving performance. The AMG sound experience can also be deactivated at any time via the settings of the multimedia system, and separately for the exterior and interior.
Numerous AMG options enhance the dynamic impression if required. These include design features such as the AMG Night Package Dark Chrome, red brake callipers, AMG carbon trim elements and AMG seat covers in nappa leather with specific seat graphics. The high-performance electric saloon can also be technically further refined for even more driving dynamics, for example with corresponding hardware such as the AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system. There is also a choice of aerodynamically optimised 21- and 22-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.
AMG TRACK PACE, the virtual race engineer, is also available as an option: the software is part of the MBUX infotainment system and permanently records more than 80 vehicle-specific data (e.g. speed, acceleration), for example while driving on a racetrack. On top of this, lap and sector times are displayed, as well as the respective difference from a reference time. Because specific display elements are shown in green or red, the driver is able to see at a glance without reading numbers whether they are currently faster or slower than the best time. The data are displayed on the multimedia display, in the instrument cluster and on the optional head-up display.
The driving characteristics of the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ can be altered by the driver at the touch of a button, to suit the situation or personal preferences. This is made possible by the five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual”. The driving modes cover a wide spectrum, from high comfort to pronounced sportiness. Important parameters such as drive and performance characteristics, suspension settings, steering, AMG Dynamics and AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE are modified to suit the selected driving mode. The maximum drive power can be called up in the Sport+ driving mode (or with kick-down).
The driver can also pre-select the basic suspension setup via the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes: at the touch of a button, the driving behaviour varies from maximum dynamics in “Sport+” mode to smooth gliding in the “Comfort” setting, for example. In addition, the tuning can be adjusted in three stages independently of the driving modes via a dedicated button.
Depending on the driving mode, the central drive control unit automatically activates different de-rating and cooling strategies: in “Sport” and “Sport+”, the cooling system is activated sooner and the cooling capacity is increased to maintain delivered power for longer. The driver has the option of even more driving pleasure – for example on enclosed circuits – by using the ESP OFF function.
The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is not only a top performer when it comes to driving dynamics, but also in handling safety. This is amply demonstrated by the AMG high-performance compound brake system with six-piston brake callipers and brake discs measuring 415×33 millimetres at the front, and single-piston brake callipers and brake discs measuring 378×22 millimetres at the rear. The optional AMG ceramic high-performance compound brake system uses even larger brake discs measuring 440×40 millimetres at the front. Another high-tech feature is the additional i-Booster function. This ensures that the braking system combines electric recuperation with the hydraulic brake in a highly efficient manner. For that really authentic driving experience, the i-Booster is specially tuned to the hallmark AMG pedal feel and the larger AMG braking system.
