With Mercedes-Benz pushing forwards towards embracing fully-electric vehicles (EVs), even its performance division is amping itself up. The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ is the first dedicated EV tuned by the masters at Affalterbach but it is not the only one.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has just launched the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ along with the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ at Zepp KL. However, in this article, we’ll just be comparing the two EQS variants offered in Malaysia.

Priced from RM 798,888, the fully imported from Germany (CBU) EQS 53 AMG is RM 150,000 more than the locally-assembled (CKD) EQS 500 which starts from RM 648,888. So, for around the price of a flagship X90, what extra features can be found on the EQS 53?

Also read: More power but at RM 50k lower price, CKD 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4Matic is launched in Malaysia - from RM 648,888

More power, of course

Being a dedicated AMG model, the EQS 53 has a significant power bump compared to the regular EQS. The jellybean-shaped performance EV is powered by a pair of permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM) on each axle that makes 658 PS and 950 Nm.

Also read: 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ launched in Malaysia, from RM 798k, 658 PS/950 Nm

Meanwhile, the CKD EQS 500 4Matic’s pair of electric motors make 449 PS/828 Nm which is itself more powerful than the CBU EQS 450 which makes 333 PS/565 Nm.

Less range

Both the EQS 53 and EQS 500 are juiced by the same 400-volt lithium-ion battery and both batteries have the same usable capacity, 108.4 kWh.

Claimed energy consumption is between 21.3-17.6 kWh/100 km on the EQS 500 while it is between 24.3-21.8 kWh/100 km for the EQS 53. In terms of range, the EQS 500 has 695 km of range while the EQS 53 has up to 571 km of range, both WLTP figures.

Both EVs support DC charging of up to 200 kW with 10-80% state of charge taking 31 minutes. Meanwhile, regular AC charging (10-100% state of charge) from an 11-kW source takes 10 hours on the EQS 500 while it’s 11 hours and 15 minutes on the EQS 53.

Also read: Review: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ in Malaysia - The best luxury EV yet

Sportier visuals

When the CKD EQS 500 was launched, it dropped the AMG Line styling package that was previously on the CBU EQS 450. Aside from losing out on the styling pack, the EQS 500’s wheel size is also reduced from 21 inches to 20 inches.

Those who miss the AMG Line style would definitely go for the proper AMG look on the EQS 53. At first glance, there isn’t much extreme visual distinction between both the AMG Line and the EQS AMG but there are some subtle add-ons.

Up front, the panel grille is painted black with chrome vertical struts for that AMG-style look instead of the dazzling three-pointed star coverage on the regular EQS. There is also a high-gloss black front apron with chrome trim which helps to aid in the EQS 53’s aerodynamic design.

Round the back, the EQS 53 gets an AMG spoiler lip that helps to improve driving dynamics and reduce rear lift without increasing drag as well as a rear apron with 6 longitudinal fins.

The EQS 53 is shod on 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and is fitted with a high-performance compound brake system. The system comprises 6-piston brake callipers and 415-mm brake discs in front as well as single-piston brake callipers and 378-mm brake discs in the rear.

Rear occupants lose out on some features

Step inside the EQS 53 and it all seems familiar to the EQS 500 with the massive MBUX Hyperscreen all over the dash. There are some AMG enhancements inside though including the Artico man-made leather upholstery and dedicated flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel but there is one feature completely removed on the EQS 53.

Join us now as we move to the back seat and while it feels the same as the regular EQS aside from the leather upholstery and AMG mats, there is no rear seat adjustment. The rear seat entertainment and tablet are also removed on the EQS 53 but the Burmester 3D surround sound system remains.

For an extra RM 150,000, you get a more performance-oriented EQS with more power and a few visual enhancements but you’ll have to sacrifice range as well as rear seat entertainment and adjustment. All things considered, that might not be much of a compromise for a performance EV sedan.

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