Overview
The AMG performance division is turning its attention to the Mercedes EQS flagship luxury sedan, imbuing it with extra power and presence. The AMG EQS will be the first fully electric AMG model, and its specs sounds 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. When we get a chance to test the EQS, we’ll update this story with details.
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 won’t be an exception. It will offer 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 will also likely have a wider range of trim options available, including carbon-fiber and aluminum.
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 should come 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
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
