Mercedes-Benz expands EV lineup with AMG EQE

Mercedes-Benz is expanding its electric vehicle lineup with high-performance models of the EQE full-electric midsize sedan under the Mercedes-AMG brand.

There will be two versions, the EQE 43 4MATIC with an output of 350 kilowatts (469 hp), and the 53 4MATIC+, with up to 505 kw (677 hp). Both models have dual electric motors, all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering, along with other AMG performance and trim enhancements, Mercedes said in a news release Wednesday.

The automaker did not release prices or say when the models would be available. The EQE, in non-AMG form, will launch globally starting in the middle of this year.

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.

The EQE, like the larger EQS, is based on Mercedes' EQA2 electric platform. Future AMG models will be based on the AMG.EA platform, and are likely to use high-performance axial flux electric motors.

The EQE will be the first a number of new Mercedes EV nameplates planned as the automaker looks to undercut Tesla's lead while challenging traditional rivals that are also rapidly electrifying. Crossover/SUV versions of the EQS and EQE are expected to be revealed shortly.

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

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

Mercedes says it has tuned the battery management system 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 accelerations 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, shown at the Munich auto show in September, 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.