AMG EQS

Segment
Sedan

If anything is going to replace the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the future, what better car for the job than the Mercedes EQS? Essentially the brand's electric flagship sedan, the EQS was revealed earlier this year in EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4Matic trim levels. Of course, the big talking point was its spectacular MBUX Hyperscreen. Now, the automaker has revealed the high-performance AMG EQS.

It has the honor of being the first battery-electric AMG production model and it doesn't disappoint with up to 751 horsepower when using its boost function. Power comes from two electric motors, one at each axle. Of course, more AMG-badged EQ models are on the way in the future.

The fully-variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system is standard, providing maximum traction. As standard, outputs are 649 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque but the standard AMG Dynamic Plus package increases outputs to 751 hp and 752 lb-ft when using the Race Start mode and its boost function. The AMG EQS can launch itself from 0-60 mph in only 3.4 seconds and will continue to a top speed of 155 mph. The 0-60 time makes it nearly as quick as the gas-powered E63 S sedan. Although the AMG EQS can't hope to replicate the E63's booming V8 soundtrack, it does come with the AMG Sound Experience with a Performance mode to complement aggressive driving.

The AMG EQS has a 400-volt battery with a capacity of 107.8 kWh. The battery management system can be updated over the air, which is a new feature. In Sport and Sport+ driving modes, the AMG-configured battery prioritizes performance, whereas Comfort prioritizes range. With a 15-minute charge, Mercedes says you can add around 186 miles of range, although this is based on the WLTP cycle.

In case you doubted that any electric model is worthy of the AMG badge, the AMG EQS gets standard rear-axle steering, the aforementioned Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, and two pressure relief valves for the air suspension; these valves are also found on the AMG GT 4-door coupe.

It also utilizes the AMG Dynamic Select system with various driving modes. The AMG high-performance compound braking system features six-piston calipers in front, and if that's not enough to slow you down from illegal speeds, the available AMG ceramic brakes should suffice.

Like other AMG products, the AMG EQS is distinguished from its less powerful siblings inside and out. The EQS 53 pictured here appears to be a European model. It rides on 21-inch AMG alloy wheels and gets an AMG-specific black panel grille with vertical chrome struts. Inside, the AMG EQS gets MB-Tex upholstery with microfiber and contrast stitching in red.

The AMG Performance steering wheel is finished in Nappa leather and has a flat-bottom design. There are also AMG sports pedals and AMG lettering on the door sill trim. The standard MBUX Hyperscreen has a 56-inch curved glass surface. It consists of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch OLED central touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display.

The driver can activate their profile via a fingerprint sensor, although facial recognition is offered too. Standard features are too many to list in detail but the highlights include an augmented reality head-up display, massaging/heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a Burmester 3D sound system, and a panorama roof.

As expected, Merc's full suite of safety technologies makes it into the AMG EQS. Features here include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assist, and a surround-view camera system.

"The AMG EQS is the first all-electric ambassador in the performance segment, made in Affalterbach," said Philipp Schiemer from Mercedes-AMG. "With our first all-electric AMG vehicle, we will undoubtedly appeal to and win over a new clientele for Mercedes-AMG."

The AMG EQS will begin arriving at US dealers early next year. Pricing is still to be confirmed.