Mercedes-Benz expands EV lineup with AMG EQE

Mercedes-Benz is expanding its electric vehicle lineup with a new high-performance model.

Early next year, the German luxury marque will bring the AMG treatment to its planned EQE midsize sedan.

The 677-hp Mercedes-AMG EQE is equipped with a 90.6-kilowatt-hour next-generation battery that can deliver an estimated 515 kilometres, based on European testing standards.

Mercedes-Benz is taking a dual-pronged strategy to electrify the performance subbrand — with plug-in hybrids and all-electric models — as the luxury automaker targets lower emissions.

"These are based on AMG.EA, our new, completely in-house-developed platform," Mercedes-AMG global boss Philipp Schiemer noted.

The EQE will be the first of up to four Mercedes EV nameplates planned for the United States in 2022 as the automaker looks to undercut Tesla's lead while challenging traditional rivals that are also rapidly electrifying.

The AMG EQE is powered by a next-generation battery that Mercedes claims is more energy-dense and faster charging. The battery can add 112 miles (180 kilometres) of range in 15 minutes, the automaker said.

It's also greener, featuring new cell chemistry that reduces the cobalt content to 10 per cent.

Meanwhile, the battery management system is tuned for AMG. In the Sport and Sport+ drive programs, the focus is on performance, and in the Comfort drive program, the focus is on driving range.

The dual-motor, AMG EQE features permanently excited synchronous motors on the front and rear axles. The AMG-specific electric motors use adapted windings and laminations, higher currents and a specific inverter to deliver more power, which is especially noticeable during acceleration and at top speed, Mercedes claimed.

Mercedes used special materials, including high-performance ceramics, and other innovations to keep the system cool — allowing for repeated 0 to 60 mph sprints without a performance loss.

The AMG EQE features variable all-wheel drive, continuously distributing drive torque between the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation. Compared with a mechanical all-wheel-drive system, the electric-specific system ensures a significantly faster response.

Rear-axle steering up to 3.6 degrees improves the sedan's handling.

The EQE has a slightly shorter wheelbase and more-recessed flanks than the top-of-the-line EQS sedan, which went on sale last summer. The EQE's exterior dimensions are comparable to those of the CLS midsize coupe, while the interior is roomier than the traditional E-Class, Mercedes said.

The AMG EQE continues Mercedes' one-bow line and cab-forward design language, embellished at the front with an AMG-specific black panel grille with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome, integrated Mercedes star and AMG lettering. The headlamps feature a specific AMG projection when opening and closing the vehicle. The front bumper, air diffusers and side sill panels are painted in high-gloss black.

The sporty interior features the AMG Performance steering wheel with a flattened bottom, twin-spoke design and integrated buttons. Like the EQS flagship sedan's, the EQE cockpit is anchored by the optional MBUX Hyperscreen.

The 56-inch curved screen stretches the width of the cabin and combines several displays, including the instrument cluster and infotainment screens. The Hyperscreen is part of the next generation of the brand's MBUX infotainment system, which uses artificial intelligence software to serve up information based on the user's past actions and the vehicle's surroundings.