Learning makes people stand out. On the other hand, uncompromisingly sticking to your point of view despite good arguments is usually not an advantage. What does this statement have to do with the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic SUV? Well, it’s about the range-extending heat pump. So far, Mercedes has dispensed with this extra with reference to the efficient drive train in the EQS and the EQE. Not any longer longer. A rethink has taken place among the star technicians and the AMG EQE SUV is rolling out as standard with a heat pump. The result: The Power-E-Crossover can travel up to 455 kilometers with one battery charge (90.6 kilowatt hours net). Quite okay, but not a value that makes you whistle in admiration. Especially since a Model Y can cover up to 514 kilometers. However, the US SUV with 393 kW / 534 hp is 112 kW / 153 hp weaker than the AMG Stromer.
That’s about it. With the AMG EQE 53 4Matic SUV, of course, dynamics and driving pleasure play an important role and not just mere mileage. That’s why the Affalterbach engineers have also cleared out the technology shelves and packed a number of agility promoters into the e-crossover: These include adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering that turns the wheels at a maximum of nine degrees and 48-volt electromechanical active roll stabilization that acts at lightning speed. Incidentally, this also means that the AMG E-SUV is equipped with three electrical systems. When we talk about dynamism and maneuverability, performance cannot be missing. The Swabian powerhouse fires over the asphalt with a maximum of 505 kW / 687 hp and 1,000 Newton meters of torque if you order the AMG Dynamic Plus package. It takes 3.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill and only stops at 240 km/h.
To ensure that the e-crossover has enough traction, there is a permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) on the front and rear axles. However, the power distribution is different. The rear electric motor has 318 kW / 432 hp and logs off as soon as it is not needed, such as when driving straight ahead in a relaxed manner. As befits a steam hammer from the Affalterbach tuning company, the electric motors have been tuned. The performance-enhanced tricks include improved windings, different laminated cores and an adapted converter. So that higher currents can flow through the motors and the performance is reproducible and available with full force even after several hard accelerations, the thermal concept has to be adapted. A water lance in the rotor shaft cools the component.
As expected, the beefed-up e-crossover performs well on the asphalt. Above all, we like the balanced tuning of the chassis with the finely acting adaptive dampers. Despite all the joy of dynamism, the EQE is not too tightly sprung with the 21-inch tires, even in the Sport driving mode. Rear-axle steering helps on tight corners and there’s plenty of power anyway, and the four-wheel drive’s variable power distribution helps with traction. Depending on the driving program, the power distribution of the two electric machines differs. Comfort is about efficiency, and Sport and Sport tends to shift power to the rear. At 120 km/h in Comfort mode and in the Sport and Sport driving programs, the body is lowered by 15 millimeters. The steering does its job unobtrusively and therefore well, although the steering column could be a little longer and the seating position lower. The impressive weight of the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 of 2,690 kilograms is particularly noticeable when going downhill. Hard work for the optional ceramic brakes with the 440 x 40 mm brake discs at the front. When it comes to consumption, the potent stilt-powered vehicle is convincing. AMG specifies 25.6 kWh/100 km, we came up with 24.3 kWh/100 km during our test drive. When it comes to charging, the power Stromer offers rather conservative home cooking with a maximum direct current charging speed of 170 kW.
In the interior, the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 is largely convincing if you overlook the plastic air outlets. There is more than enough space and taller people don’t feel cramped in the rear either. The MBUX infotainment system with the hyperscreen still appeals to us. The operation is intuitive and the graphics on the large screens are pin-sharp. Speaking of which: the gaudy, spacey AMG graphics aren’t for everyone, but you can change the views. What is really great cinema, on the other hand, is the fact that the sound system in the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic SUV masters Dolby Atmos. You feel like you’re right in the middle of every Hollywood spectacle instead of just being there. However, at a handsome price of at least 124,920.25 euros.
