With the launch of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ in Malaysia earlier today, that's one more competitor in the EV space. However at RM 649,888, it's significantly more expensive than a regular Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ which starts from RM 419,888.

What exactly then are you getting for so much extra dosh? We explore...

Performance figures

Pretty obvious whenever AMG's brought up. The AMG EQE comes with two motors (front and back, for all-wheel drive), which makes a blistering 625 PS/950 Nm of torque. Plus, our AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ comes with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package that boosts peak torque to 1,000 Nm.

That's good enough to dispatch the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds, before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 240 km/h.

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

On the other hand the regular EQE is rear-wheel drive only, and power output is a still-heady 292 PS/565 Nm. 0-100 km/h then is done in 6.4 seconds, while top speed is rated at 210 km/h.

That's before you get into the details, like how the AMG EQE's motors with its additional cooling are bespoke to the model, for instance.

Range

The only thing that's similar here is the 90.6 kWh lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery. All that extra power in the EQE 53 is taxed in the form of range, and the WLTP rates the AMG EQE to net between 458 to 527 km on a full charge.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ launched in Malaysia, RM 419k, 292 PS/565 Nm, RWD

More long-legged is the regular EQE, which gives a WLTP-rated range of up to 669 km.

Ultimately though both share the same 400-Volt electrical architecture, so both cars' onboard chargers allows up to 11 kW AC charging while maximum DC charging is rated at 170 kW.

Suspension

The AMG EQE comes with AMG Ride Control+ adaptive damping air suspension, which in itself features stiffer bearings with reduced clearances to match its AMG-tailored tuning. 

Meanwhile the more pedestrian stablemate comes with conventional passive Comfort suspension, geared towards making your journeys smooth rather than all-out race pace. 

Exterior

The AMG EQE has standard LED Digital Light up front, and the familiar AMG-look front apron...

...which are also what the regular EQE has, thanks to the AMG Line kit it wears. The key difference between them then is the grille (panel?), at least that's on the front end. Note the one on the AMG EQE has chrome strakes running vertical, compared to the regular car's rather plain black panel.

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

On the rearside, the AMG EQE benefits from a different diffuser and a larger rear spoiler, and in place on the regular EQE is a subtler bootlid piece.

Rounding off the look are the wheels. Lightweight, AMG-specific units are fitted to the AMG EQS, while the 19-inch units on the normal EQE are more common twin five-spoke wheels.

Interior

Perhaps the biggest differentiator between these two is the presence of Hyperscreen on the AMG EQE; the triple-screen setup dominating the view up front. Preloaded with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) suite, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, it's a spectacle in itself.

Also of note: the AMG EQE comes with AMG-specific functions within its MBUX interface, and is also preloaded with the Performance Sound package.

Also read: Mercedes-AMG EQE in Malaysia: Why only one variant, and should you wait for the CKD version?

Though the connectivity options in the regular EQE is no less diverse, there's just two screens to carry the entire packing: a 12.3-inch digital driver's display supplemented by a 12.8-inch infotainment screen.

As a whole, both their interiors come with AMG cues which include Artico synthetic leather, sports pedals, floor mats, door sill trims, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the differences between the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ and the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+. Performance is where the bulk of the money goes, as well as a smattering of extra features here and there.

Most notably however, your aftersales package is kept intact no matter which model you choose. Both of these EQE cars come with the standard 4-year warranty, while the high-voltage battery has a 10-year/250,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia on track for more EV models, further infrastructure support incoming