2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS53 4MATIC+

AMG’s typical recipe for tuning Mercedes vehicles has typically started with the largest displacement engine of a certain model range. After that, add bigger turbos, bigger boost, louder exhaust systems finished with quad exhaust tips.

None of these exist with electric vehicles, of course, so the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS53 breaks new ground as far as the AMG formula is concerned.

With the “S” in EQS representing S-Class, Mercedes had intended for the EQS to be the first all-electric S-Class. The engineers being given a clean slate on which to create a flagship luxury car using their knowledge gained from years of having the luxury sedan that entrepreneurs, tycoons, and presidents want to be seen riding in.

The reality though, is that the EQS isn’t exactly seen as being on-par with an S-Class. While it has its own bespoke platform with the latest that Mercedes has to offer on battery and motor technology, Mercedes engineers have essentially redefined the luxury performance sedan car with the EQS.

What is it?

With the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS53, Mercedes has applied the electric treatment to their S-Class format, then left the tweaking to the AMG division.

What is on offer then, is the most powerful EQS derivative, with two permanently excited synchronous electric motors putting out a whopping 649 horsepower and 700 lbs-ft of torque. This is significantly more than the standard EQS580’s 516 horsepower and 611 lbs-ft.

The AMG Dynamic Plus package, on overboost, bumps these numbers to 751 horsepower and 752 lb ft for boost and launch control mode starts. This is good enough to launch the near 6,000 pound bullet from 0 to 100 km/hr in 3.8 seconds.

These numbers are awfully close to the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL63 4matic+ convertible that I recently tested, and right on par with BMW’s flagship i7 M70 sedan, which is even more expensive than the Mercedes-AMG EQS53.

Take it or leave it styling

With its massive Mercedes-Benz logo, equally massive 22” turbine wheels, the Panamericana grille, a rear spoiler, the Mercedes-AMG EQS looks more distinctiv and certainly more interesting than the standard-issue EQS.

While I happen to like the EQS’ futuristic curvaceous styling, there has been a fair amount of controversy from both the motoring press and Mercedes-Benz customers on Mercedes’ decision to give the EQS a totally different style versus the S-Class sedan.

Some say that the look, being neither three-box sedan or a liftback, lacks the presence of a flagship Mercedes. They’re not wrong. For those who are looking for a sumptuous, roomy, luxury electric sedan that avoids ostentation, this may be the ticket.

Perhaps part of the issue is that at a distance, it is difficult to tell the difference between the EQS and its less expensive EQE sibling. At this price range, most customers seem to want a distinct identity for their car, if anything for bragging rights at the local golf and country club.

Like other electric vehicles though, there’s method behind the design “madness”, to eek out as much range from the battery as possible. Since the EQS has been designed to be considerably more slippery through the air, it is therefore more efficient than an S-Class.

In fact, according to the company, the Mercedes-AMG EQS is the world’s most aerodynamic car at an amazing 0.20 drag coefficient.

Technological powerhouse

At first approach, it will be clear to anyone that technology is never far away from the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS53’s experience.

Upon unlocking, the EQS53 can be configured to play a futuristic sound effect and the LED headlamps project one of two different light patterns ahead. The hidden door handles then present themselves as you get closer to the car. These little bits of pantomime do help to justify the price of the vehicle.

Open the frameless doors and you’ll be greeted by a glamorous cabin with more than 90 standard equipment luxury, tech, performance, and safety features fitted to every AMG EQS. There is even a fingerprint scanner that can be used to activate individual driver profiles.

My top-of-the-range press vehicle was equipped with a very expensive 56-inch glass-panel Hyperscreen, spanning from the driver’s side instrument display to the front passenger screen. Part of the Hyperscreen is the sizeable 17.7-inch centre touchscreen which dominates the dashboard. It is through this setup that the entire car functions, eradicating as many hard nbuttons as possible.

Fortunately, there are still some controls on the steering wheel, and Mercedes has seen fit to allow for a row of hard buttons along the bottom of the centre screen for the most commonly used features

Those familiar with Mercedes’ MBUX interface should be able to adapt to the EQS rather quickly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as expected, as do wireless charging pads for both front and rear passengers. There are a total of six USB-C ports for those looking to hook-up mobile devices in a more traditional format.

Over-the-Air updates have allowed for additional features, such as Dolby Atmos audio, and more viewing options for the front passenger’s screen.

As you’d expect, there is a highly configurable active ambient lighting system, which can be set to actively display whether the vehicle is accelerating, regenerating, or just cruising. It’s truly a sight to behold when riding or driving in the AMG EQS.

One of my favourite other functions is the available heads-up display with an augmented reality function which will literally project street names and turn-by-turn arrows onto a map displayed superimposed ahead of you.

With a wheelbase of over 3 metres, all passengers are spoilt for legroom and comfort. However, due to the massive 107.8kWh (usable) battery and low seat cushions, the non-adjustable rear seatback is a bit more upright than expected. I really did enjoy the soft rear headrest pillows though, which help to increase comfort levels even more

Thanks to the liftback design, there is easy access to the absolutely massive cargo area.

How does it drive?

While it’s not as agile as a Porsche Taycan, the AMG EQS sedan adds an impressive dash of speed and power to the already powerful EQS.

It certain feels and drives like a sportier S-Class should, but the Airmatic air suspension doesn’t provide the cushy pillowness that one might find in an S-Class. Still, the luxury sedan delivers enough of a quiet and silken ride that one would expect of an electric Mercedes flagship sedan. Almost every external noise is subdued, even with the massively wide tires and wheels.

As the AMG EQS is marginally stiffer and heavier versus a standard gas powered car, there is some body control when pushed hard. Still the car drives smaller than its curb weight may suggest. This is aided by the standard four wheel steering system which allows for a stunning amount of maneuverability from a 5 metre (207.3 inches) long car, whether when making U-turns or in lower speed parking situations. Indeed, did you know that the EQS is just three inches shorter than a full-sized Chevy Tahoe?

If there is a niggle to be pointed out, it is that during regeneration mode, the brake pedal automatically sinks down to mimic the braking action. To the uninitiated, this can be slightly alarming at first when you stamp on the brake pedal in a panic, only to find that the braking action feels a bit wooden.

Fortunately, the car’s regenerative system can be controlled by the steering wheel pedals, with three distinctive levels of assist, so that you can set the controls as you wish.

Mercedes says that for 2024 EQS models, there is an all-new braking system with new generative software which is supposed to deliver a more confident brake feel.

As mentioned, all EQS models feature a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of 107.8 kWH. Mercedes says that this is good for a range of 446 kms. I achieved an average of 420 kms (at 100 per cent charge) in my real world testing. As always, your mileage will vary depending on ambient temperature and a few other conditions.

With 200-kW level 3 fast charging, every EQS is supposed to be able to replenish its battery from 10 to 80 per cent in about 31 mins. For the more commonly used 240 volt Level 2 chargers, I found that it took a long 11.5 hours to charge from 10 to 100 per cent due to the size of the battery.

Final thoughts

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS53 rides well, handles well, and mostly has the interior fittings and technology as befits the Mercedes nameplate.

However, there are a couple of issues with it chiefly amongst which is its price. Offered at $195,000 to start though, the EQS53 faces stiff competition from similarly quick, equally powerful, and less expensive vehicles such as the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Lucid Air Grand Touring. Even Porsche’s Taycan GTS is about $55,000 cheaper and has a similar 0-100 km/hr time.

If you really want a big, fast, and powerful Mercedes, what’s wrong with a Mercedes-AMG E63S 4Matic+ that starts at $139,000? The $56,000 difference in price will sure buy you a lot of gasoline.

But if it’s a large luxury EV sedan that you want, an AMG that you aspired to own, there is only one choice and the EQS53 may be it.