Mercedes-AMG introduces 2 new battery-electric performance models

MANILA: Mercedes-AMG continuously moves forward with the so-called "Future of Driving Performance" by adding battery-electric performance models to its lineup.

It recently unveiled the EQE 43 4Matic and the EQE 53 4Matic+ which are based on the electric-exclusive Mercedes architecture of the luxury and premium class (EVA2). A dynamic and intuitively appealing driving experience is guaranteed by AMG-specific solutions, particularly in the areas of drive, suspension, brakes, sound, exterior and interior design, and equipment.

In a statement, Mercedes-AMG GmbH Board of Management Chairman Philipp Schiemer said, “With two new models, we are expanding our range with purely electrically powered performance vehicles and are thus addressing additional target groups. The EQE 43 4Matic is the entry-level model for electric Driving Performance from Mercedes-AMG. The EQE 53 4Matic+, on the other hand, focuses on even more sportiness and greater driving dynamics. And that's not the end of our Future of Driving Performance: After performance hybrids and all-electric AMG derivatives based on EVA2, stand-alone AMG electric vehicles will follow in the not too distant future. These are based on AMG.EA, our new, completely in-house-developed platform.”

With two electric motors, the new Mercedes-AMG EQE models have a performance-oriented drive concept. With a motor on each axle, the powerful electric drivetrain (eARS) also has fully variable all-wheel drive, which ensures that the drive power is properly transmitted to the road in all driving situations. With the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package and boost function, the power output ranges from 476hp in the EQE 4Matic to 687hp in the EQE 53 4Matic+. The peak torque ranges from 858 to 1,000Nm.

Mercedes-AMG models have long been associated with emotions. Even with all-electric AMG Performance models, vehicle sound has always been an integral aspect of the AMG driving experience. With the help of special speakers, a bass actuator, and a sound generator, the sound system delivers a one-of-a-kind sound experience. There are the “Authentic” and optional “Performance” programs. Both come in three available variants: “Balanced,” “Sport,” and “Powerful.” The timber and intensity of this exclusive AMG Sound Experience are tailored to the current driving situation, the selected drive program, or the driver’s preference, both inside and out.

“The compact format of the EQE forms the perfect starting point for realizing a highly agile and very emotional driving experience with our AMG-specific solutions. This applies in particular to the areas of drive, chassis, brakes, and, above all, sound. This ensures that our customers can also look forward to our brand's hallmark Driving Performance in our second all-electric model series,” Mercedes-AMG GmbH Chief Technical Officer Jochen Hermann stated.

The AMG-specific electric motors at the front and rear axles are permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM). The power output and torque figures show the strong focus on performance. Furthermore, the electric motors have a perfect blend of power increase, efficiency, and noise comfort. The electric motors in the EQE 43 4Matic have AMG-specific tuning and controlling. Meanwhile, the EQE 53 4Matic+ uses AMG-specific electric motors with customized windings and laminations, greater currents, and a unique inverter. This allows for faster engine speeds and more power, which is particularly apparent during acceleration and at top speed.

The six-phase design of the electric motor on the rear axle, which is made up of two windings with three phases each, makes it extremely powerful. A very strong magnetic field is ensured by the stator with pull-in winding.

Additionally, the thermal concept is highly durable, allowing for repeated acceleration maneuvers with consistently good performance. The so-called water lance in the rotor shaft is the focal point of the innovative design. Other AMG-specific cooling features in the cooling circuit include special ribs on the stator and the needle-shaped pin-fin structure on the inverter, both made of high-performance ceramics. There is also a transmission oil heat exchanger, which cools the oil and preheats it during cold starts to improve efficiency.

The new Mercedes-AMG EQE models come with a powerful 328-volt high-performance drive battery made with cutting-edge lithium-ion technology. It comprises of 10 modules with a total of 360 pouch cells and has a usable energy content of 90.6 kWh. The EQE 53’s battery management system was also specifically developed for AMG. Performance is prioritized in the Sport and Sport+ drive modes, while operational range is the focus on the Comfort drive program. The new battery generation has a high energy density and high charging capacity. Another new feature is the ability to install battery management system upgrades over-the-air for continuous improvement throughout the life cycle. The AMG-specific wiring harness on the EQE 53 4Matic+ helps enhance performance capability. The cell chemistry has made a significant step forward in terms of sustainability: the cobalt content has been lowered to 10%. The optimized active material is composed of nickel, cobalt, and manganese in an 8:1:1 ratio.

The new battery generation also enables short charging times. Fast charging stations with direct current can charge the energy storage system with up to 170kW. In this case, electricity for 180 km may be recharged in just 15 minutes. The electrified AMG can be charged at home or at public charging stations with 11kW of alternating current using the onboard charger. Bidirectional charging will also be possible in Japan. Furthermore, intelligent charging programs can be initiated automatically, depending on the location.

The efficient thermal management also helps in shortening charging times. If Navigation with Electric Intelligence is turned on, the battery is preheated or cooled while driving to the ideal temperature for quick charging at the charging point. The desired temperature range of the battery is attained with the help of a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) booster heater inserted into the cooling circuit.

The battery design is created to maintain the optimal battery operating temperature under all conditions. The coolant travels through designated chambers in the battery frame’s aluminum extrusions. Overall, intelligent temperature and charging management guarantees that high charging currents can be sustained for a long period of time.

The battery is also notable for its longer lifespan. The Eco Charging features helps a lot with this – the intelligent control reduces the battery load when charging, which slows down the battery’s natural aging process. Customers can also take advantage of the “charging interruption” feature that allows the charging process to be interrupted at any moment so they can use cheaper off-peak electricity at a later time. The battery certificate attests to the high-voltage batteries’ long service life. It is valid for up to 10 years or 250,000 km.

The battery can also be charged through recuperation, which is an efficient energy recovery method. Up to 260 kW of recuperation power can be achieved. The driver can regulate the level of recuperation in three stages using the steering wheel switches and receive situation-specific support from Eco Assist. In recuperation levels D and D-, one-pedal driving and combined braking to a standstill are possible. Up to 5 m/s² is possible in D^Auto, with 3 m/s² due to recuperation and 2 m/s² due to AMG high-performance brake system. With the optional Drive Pilot, deceleration to detected vehicles ahead is automatic until they come to a stop, such as at traffic lights.

The standard AMG Performance 4Matic (EQE 43) or 4Matic+ (EQE 53) fully variable all-wheel drive transfers the engines' power to the road. In contrast to past usage, the "+" in 4MATIC+ refers not just to the fully variable all-wheel drive, but also to the EQE 53's overall performance and dynamism. In both models, the system continuously transfers drive torque between the front and rear axles depending on the situation — the electric-specific system delivers a substantially faster response than a mechanical all-wheel drive system. The torque is monitored 160 times per second and adjusted if necessary. The torque distribution depends on the selected drive program. Comfort mode focuses on maximum efficiency, while Sport and Sport+ is more rear-biased in order to improve lateral dynamics.

The new EQE models stand out from conventional vehicles because of their one-bow lines and cab-forward design with fastback. The richly sculpted surfaces, reduced joints, and seamless transitions reflect the design philosophy, AMG’s signature elements are also incorporated into the exterior design.

The front view is defined by the AMG-specific black panel grille with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome, an integrated Mercedes star, and “AMG” lettering. When the car is opened and closed, the standard Digital Light headlamps provide a distinct AMG projection. The front bumper, which is painted in the vehicle’s color, preserves the distinctive style. The front apron, which is coated in high-gloss black and incorporates chrome trim, contrasts with the usual AMG A-wing design. The front splitter, which is finished in high-gloss black with chrome trim and flics and fins on the optical air intakes, has the same aesthetic. Furthermore, there are high-gloss black air diffusers on the left and right for the Air Curtain effect. The high-gloss black AMG side sill panels, the body-color rear apron with an aerodynamically optimized diffuser, and the large rear spoiler complete the dynamic look. The improvements enhance driving dynamics and efficiency by lowering rear lift without affecting drag appreciably.

The cabin is also dominated by AMG features that define the car’s flair. AMG seats with individual graphics and special seat covers in Artico man-made leather give the new vehicles a sporty feel. Optional nappa leather seat upholstery is also available, along with AMG-specific seat graphics. AMG badges are also seen on the backrests of the front seats and embossed AMG emblems on the front headrests.

The instrument panel and beltlines are also finished in space grey Artico man-made leather with Neotex grain and red topstitching. The cockpit also features the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather, with silver aluminum paddles.

The innovative MBUX Hyperscreen is available as an option for both models. This huge, curved screen unit extends from A-pillar to A-pillar. With adaptive software, MBUX precisely adapts to its user and provides personalized suggestions for infotainment, comfort, and vehicle functions. The most relevant applications are always shown situationally on the top level in the field of vision.

With Mercedes Me Charge, customers can be assured of “green” charging at every public charging station across Europe. In the first three years after the purchase, there is no base fee for Mercedes me Charge for customers. Another benefit is Ionity Unlimited, which gives all European EQE customers free access to the Ionity feast charging network for a year via Mercedes me Charge. The AMG EQE can be charged with ease, thanks to the new Plug & Charge feature.

Mercedes me Charge is the world’s largest charging network, with over 500,000 AC and DC charging points in 31 countries, including over 200,000 in Europe. This also includes the 336 fast-charging stations of the Ionity network, which Mercedes-Benz co-founded. Moreover, the functionality of Mercedes me Charge in MBUX has been improved to incorporate features such as filtering and forecasting the availability of charging stations.

Photos from Mercedes-AMG

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