Yes, the time has finally arrived. AMG has finally made their first-ever electric car. Now, traditional AMG enthusiasts will hate this car, but is it really that bad? It has 751hp and around 700 pound-feet of torque, this is of course with the plus package. Without the Plus package, the EQS 53 has 649hp and the same figure of torques. Both cars do a 0-60 in under 4 seconds, with the top plus model doing it in 3.4 seconds. The 0-60 figures for the non-plus model have not been released yet.
Now, the EQS may not be the best-looking electric car out there. It sort of looks like a blob on wheels, but it is the most aerodynamic car in the world. Function over design then hey? The 53 model gets a Panamericanstyle faux grille on the front end to try to make the car look more aggressive. The alloys have also been changed to these larger 21-inch multi spokes, which do look quite nice. The rear of the car includes a small ducktail spoiler, which aims to give the car a sportier look. The cosmetic upgrades in comparison to the standard EQS are very minimal and subtle, but they are definitely noticeable.
So why 53 and not 63 then? Well, that’s a good question. The 53 models in the AMG lineup tend to be the more “lightweight” AMG cars, as in they’re not the fastest or top models. These lower-end 35 and 53 models tend to use standard Mercedes engines that have been tuned by AMG. In this scenario, the EQS53 is the equivalent of a Tesla P90D or the current Model S Long Range model. It’s fast, but it isn’t the top model.
The 53 model leaves AMG enough room to bring out an all singing all dancing EQS63 model, which will look more aggressive and obviously be a lot faster. Exciting stuff indeed, and that car may have over 900hp.
Is The EQS53 a Taycan Rival?
The Porsche Taycan is one of the fastest accelerating cars on the planet. It’s also one of the best-looking EV’s on sale right now, but is the EQS53 a true Taycan rival? A base EQS will cost you at least $100,000 whilst the base Taycan starts at just under $80,000.
The EQS53 is way faster than a Taycan 4S, but what about the Taycan Turbo? That’s a car that starts at almost $151,000 and does a 0-60 of 3 seconds. That is 0.4 seconds faster than the EQS53 which is a lot. The EQS53 will probably be similarly priced, but it offers more luxury.
The EQS53 is a larger car than the Taycan. Inside, it has more room and the interior is of higher quality. The tech is also better, with the large hyper screen. The EQS53 isn’t as sporty as the Taycan at all, but it still is a pretty quick car that will give the Taycan a run for its money.
In all honesty, though, I think the EQS53 is ultimately not a major Taycan rival. The EQS is more of a Lucid Air rival due to size, interior space, and performance.
EQS53 or GT63 S AMG E-Performance
If you have been following the news, you may know that Mercedes has also released another eco-friendly AMG car. The GT63 S AMG E-Performance has a stupidly long name. This was meant to be the GT73 AMG, but due to trademarks of the “73” name, they couldn’t call it that.
Nevertheless, the E-Performance has 831hp and 1082 pound-feet of torque. A heck of a lot more than the EQS 53 AMG. In fact, this is the most powerful AMG vehicle currently on sale today. It hits 60 in just 2.9 seconds, and flat out this car will probably do over 200 mph. A fantastic car.
However, this is a car that would probably cost over $200,000. A heck of a lot more in comparison to the EQS53. Yes, it sounds better, looks better, is faster, etc. However, can the average person really justify spending the extra dosh on a car that costs more to run and will be heavily taxed in the future? I don’t think so.
The EQS53 is fast enough for anybody. It kicks the GT63 when it comes to technology and interior space. The EQS53 is a car that will wow you in different ways. It looks more futuristic and things like the rear-wheel steering will get many people talking. In all honesty, the GT looks a little old next to the EQS53.
The EQS53 AMG is a car for Mercedes enthusiasts who care a lot about things like technology. It’s more of a business car. The GT is more old-school and is a car that wouldn’t really appeal to tech-heads. In my opinion, despite the hybrid tech, the GT is more of a proper AMG due to how ludicrous it is.
EQS53 or the Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is a car that has stolen many Mercedes customers over the years. In fact, the interior of the Model S utilizes Mercedes parts. The latest Model S is full of new tech including a large 17-inch landscape screen, and it still is one of the best-looking cars on sale today for sure. The interior quality of the Model S has also improved.
However, the EQS53 is far nicer inside than the Tesla Model S. In fact, the EQS probably has the best interior of all the EV cars out there. When it comes to looks though, Tesla wins it there.
How about range though? The EQS53 does not disappoint with 360 miles of range, but it is 120 less than the top EQs 580. The basic Model S, the long-range has a range of 405 miles which is around 45 miles more than the EQS53. Not a massive increase, but it is the equivalent of maybe a drive to work and back.
The Model S Long Range is also cheaper at just under $90,000 which is $60,000 less than the Mercedes. A lot indeed. If you’re a current S-Class owner, it will be a very hard decision to make. EQS or Model S? In all honesty, the Model S just seems like a better value car. Both badges are very prestige and the Model S Long Range is far cheaper than any EQS model, yet it is faster, has a better range, and just as much tech.
To Conclude.
The first-ever electric AMG is something that we have been waiting for. It hasn’t disappointed at all, but it hasn’t set anybody’s heart on fire. It’s a car that people won’t really talk about in comparison to a Taycan Turbo or Model S. Mercedes should have launched something more special as their first electric AMG.
If Mercedes had launched an EQS63 model first and the EQS53 model after, things may have been more exciting. When Porsche launched their first electric car, they released the faster Turbo model first which of course brought up masses of excitement. Mercedes should have followed suit by launching their faster model first rather than the slower more understated car.
For the money, there are better cars out there. I can see why people would love the EQS53 due to futuristic looks, etc but ultimately I would rather have a Taycan Turbo.