Priced from RM 650k, Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ launched in Malaysia: Reduced range but gets 686 PS/1000 Nm

Drama comes to the luxury-EV sphere as the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE sedan has just been launched in Malaysia. The all-electric, hyperactive version of the E-Class is fully-imported (CBU Germany), and priced from RM 649,888 (OTR without insurance)

Sitting on the same EVA2 platform as the AMG EQS (launched simultaneously, article here), the AMG EQE is also built with 100% recycled steel.

Specs

It's all about the big numbers for the EQE – the front and rear electric (eATS) motors, which work together to create an electric all-wheel drive system – develop a combined 686 PS and 950 Nm, with the included AMG Dynamic Plus package able to boost peak torque to 1000 Nm. 0-100 km/h then is settled in 3.3 seconds, before reaching an electronically-limited top-speed of 240 km/h.

Note too that it isn't merely a car that has dialled-up performance figures. Lots of it is bespoke, as you'll read, and it starts with the crafted electric motors which incorporate additional cooling technologies to keep it running at its peak as you mash the throttle.

Also read: No need to wait for Tesla, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is the EV you want

With Affalterbach's finest having got their gloved hands on it, the model also gains bespoke battery management system tuning, and an AMG-specific wiring harness to better, um, harness all that power.

Updates for the battery management system can also be installed over-the-air (OTA).

On the floor is a large, 90.6 kWh lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, which Mercedes-Benz says is that much more sustainable courtesy of it using considerably less cobalt (just 10 percent of the construction). Provisional range per the WLTP test standards is 458 to 527 km on a full charge.

AC charging goes up to 11 kW, while DC fast charging can be done at 170 kW. In this case, electricity for 180 km (WLTP) can be topped up in just 15 minutes.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz says battery EVs still superior, not interested in e-fuels

Backing up its performance chops is its set of AMG Ride Control+ adaptive damping air suspension. Set up to accomodate the AMG EQE – no easy task, considering it tips the scales at 2,525 kg – the suspension comes with stiffer bearings and reduced beari,ng clearance to match its tailored tuning.

Rear-axle steering comes standard, and the AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ is also bundled with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, which provides a launch boost in 'Race Start' mode, and the AMG Sound Experience.

Capping all the on-road certification is AMG's high-performance brakes; six-piston calipers clamping down on 415 mm discs up front, single-piston calipers and 378 mm discs doing the job at the back. 

Exterior and interior features

External cues to show that you paid AMG money is the special black grille up front (lined by chrome strakes), standard LED Digital Light with AMG projection, as well as the AMG-family look front apron.

Round the back there's a set of bespoke items: the rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler. With the AMG Night Package (which ours comes with), buyers get a set of 21-inch light-alloy wheels fitted, in two-tone black and silver.

Also read: Review: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ EV - When an iX is too in-your-face

The interior takes after more AMG cues, coming with special seat covers in Artico synthetic leather with red decorative stitching completed by Microcut black/grey microfibre. Alternatively, you can also have your seats finished in Nappa leather.

AMG kit, in the form of sports pedals, floor mats, door sill trims, and performance steering wheel come as standard. Carbon fibre trim and centre consoles enhances the look.

Whereas the regular EQE makes do with the standard dual-screen setup, the AMG EQE is furnished with the triple-display Hyperscreen setup, replete head-up display (HUD) to. The Premium Plus package provides the vehicle with Burmester 3D surround sound system, active ambient lighting, and Thermotronic automatic climate control.

Similar to the AMG EQS, the AMG EQE has AMG Track Pace that permanently records more than 80 vehicle-specific data. The Mercedes-Benz (MBUX) software is bundled in (with augmented reality), so is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, as well as additional AMG-specific functions.

Safety

The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ comes with the Driving Assistance Plus Package that includes:

• Active Distance Assist Distronic
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Steering Assist
• Extended automatic re-start in traffic jams
• Evasive manoeuvre support
• Pre-Safe impulse side
• Rear sensors for the lane departure assistant

It also features the Parking Package with 360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist.

Warranty package

The Mercedes-AMG EQE comes with the standard 4-year warranty, while the high-voltage battery has a 10-year/250,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.

Also read: Complete your Mercedes-Benz ownership experience with this star-branded metal credit card