Overview
The AMG performance division has turned its attention to the Mercedes EQS flagship luxury sedan, imbuing it with extra power and presence. The AMG EQS is the first fully electric AMG model, and its specs are impressive. Mercedes has increased power to a whopping 751 horsepower thanks to beefier electric motors; that’s with the optional boost mode, while standard output sits at 649 hp. The suspension has also been tuned to be firmer and sportier, and the AMG gets some additional driving modes. The AMG model’s battery is the same as the base EQS, however, with 107.8 kWh of usable capacity, so driving range should be similar.
What’s New for 2022?
The EQS is a new model in Mercedes’ lineup, and the AMG version will arrive a few months after the base EQS450+ and EQS580 models.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
As you’d expect, Mercedes will slap the AMG EQS with a significant upcharge compared with the non-AMG EQS. With a starting price well into six-figure territory, this high-performance EV won’t come cheap, and a long list of personalization options can drive the cost even higher. But with this much performance and a price tag this high, the AMG EQS will be on-track to take on other speedy EV luxury sedans such as the Audi e-tron GT, the Porsche Taycan, and the high-performance Tesla Model S Plaid.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The AMG EQS has a similar setup as the standard EQS, with one electric motor on the front axle and a second motor on the rear axle, providing all-wheel drive. But there’s plenty of extra power on tap, with the standard AMG EQS providing 649 hp—significantly more than the EQS580’s 516 hp—and 700 pound-feet of torque. Opting for an AMG Dynamic Plus package pushes those numbers even higher, with a boost function able to provide 751 horsepower and 752 pound-feet. We thought the AMG version felt quicker than the standard EQS during our drive, and Mercedes claims the car gets to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds when using launch control mode. When we get a chance to test the EQS, we’ll update this story with details. In corners, the big and heavy EQS is stable and planted, with better body control than the non-AMG model. But despite AMG’s suspension tweaks and the rear-axle steering, it’s not as agile as other EV sedans such as the Taycan. Fortunately, the AMG model maintains the smooth ride of the standard EQS.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Because the AMG EQS has the same 107.8-kWh battery pack as the non-AMG model, we expect it to provide a similar amount of driving range on a charge. The AMG’s more powerful electric motors may decrease efficiency slightly, meaning that its EPA-rated range could be slightly lower, possibly just under 300 miles. Mercedes makes similar charging claims for the AMG EQS as the base model, as it has fast-charging capability.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released its fuel economy estimates for the AMG version of the EQS yet, but we expect it to post slightly lower MPGe figures than the regular Benz-branded model. When we get a chance, we’ll put the EQS through our 75-mph highway fuel economy test and update this story with results. For more information about the EQS’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Mercedes has made it clear that its EV models will feature the same sumptuousness as its gasoline-powered luxury cars, and the AMG EQS is no exception. It offers the same hyperscreen setup, with a massive screen stretching across the entire dashboard. The main differences are the additional performance driving modes and displays for the AMG; Mercedes also offers a wider range of trim options, including carbon-fiber and aluminum. The AMG model also features fake sounds piped into the cabin that attempt to add some auditory excitement to the otherwise quiet acceleration; we found them to be silly, but some might enjoy the robotic noises.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The EQS’s massive hyperscreen is unlike any other infotainment system we’ve seen. It uses Mercedes’ MBUX software and allows for a lot of customizable display options. There’s also an available head-up display with an augmented reality function. The hyperscreen also supports the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-mirroring functions.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The AMG EQS will have a driver-assistance package as standard, meaning it comes equipped with features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. For more information about the EQS’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
While Mercedes has yet to release detailed warranty information on the AMG EQS, we expect it to feature similar coverage as the non-AMG EQS, listed below.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for 10 years or 155,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
#MercedesAMG #EQS #Review #Pricing #Specs
Source link
