The new Mercedes-AMG EQE – AMG’s second all-electric model – has been caught on camera in minimal disguise.
This new performance variant of Mercedes’s mid-size electric saloon is expected to go on sale next year, as a new rival for the BMW i4 M50 and Tesla Model 3 Performance in the growing electric performance sedan market.
Mercedes hasn’t released any official information about the AMG EQE, but the company has filed trademarks for the EQE 43, 53 and 63 nameplates, suggesting that it could be available with a choice of three power outputs.
If Mercedes-AMG’s electric range follows the same pattern as its combustion-engined models, the outputs for each of these models will be shared across the line-up. No precedent has been set for this though, and while the AMG EQE 53 will likely share the same dual-motor powertrain as the recently launched AMG EQS 53, it may be detuned to a more suitable performance level for the EQE’s size and price.
The system in the AMG EQS 53 produces 484kW and 950Nm as standard, although buyers can choose to increase that output to 560kW and 1,020Nm with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package.
The EQE’s smaller dimensions and lower kerb weight mean it could provide similar performance to the AMG EQS’s 3.8-second 0–100km/h time with less power. To go head to head with BMW and Tesla, a power in the region of 373kW or more for the hottest EQE can be expected, given the M50 variant of the new i4 produces up to 400kW. Range will drop over the 660 kilometres claimed by the EQE 350, with its single 212kW electric motor.
Our spy shots give a clear view at the styling tweaks Mercedes has planned for the hot EQE. Key changes include a more aggressive front bumper, lower side skirts and a model-specific diffuser. There’s also a tiny ducktail spoiler mounted on the bootlid.
Behind this prototype’s larger alloy wheels, we can also spy a set of uprated brake calipers with cross-drilled discs on the front axle. The chassis will also get Mercedes-AMG’s Ride Control+ adaptive air suspension, along with some unique and slightly stiffer mounts for the subframes and electric motors.
We can’t make out much of the AMG EQE’s interior from these images, but we expect it’ll also get the same treatment as the EQS. Expect sports seats, some extra AMG badges and some exclusive graphics for the car’s digital instruments and 17.7-inch Hyperscreen infotainment system.
Luke Wilkinson