MANAMA: The first all-electric car from the Mercedes-Benz stable is a potent combination of luxury, performance and cutting-edge green tech.
Developed entirely in-house, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ seeks to appeal to and win over a new clientele for the German marque.
As the first battery-electric AMG production model, the new EQS 53 is based on the Mercedes EQ architecture for luxury and executive-class vehicles.
The GDN got an exclusive first-look at the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS variant of car which boasts maximum output of a whopping 560 kW (761 hp) in ‘RACE START’ mode with boost function and maximum motor torque of up to 1020Nm.
Feeding off an ultra-light and direct cooled 400-volt lithium-ion battery, two electromotors propel the car from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, provided the battery charge level is at least 80 per cent.
“The powerful electric powertrain with one motor each at the front and rear axles has fully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, which optimally transmits the drive power to the asphalt in all driving conditions,” says Hussain Nader, product expert at Al Haddad Motors, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Bahrain.
Al Haddad had the car on display for five days last week as part of a regional roadshow, generating strong buyer interest.
“Typically the most expensive and highest-performing variant of each Mercedes-Benz class, AMG models not only have more power and speed but also better handling and stability,” said Mr Nader.
Naturally, the car has all the advantages that you would expect in a high-end electric vehicle including zero emissions, low noise and low maintenance but that Mr Nader says is a given as is the fact that as an S-class – the flagship of the marque – it delivers best-in-class traction control, safety, control and comfort.
Responding to the question that any electric car buyer would want answers to, he said “charging the battery for eight hours makes the car go for a minimum of 460kms, whereas a quick-charge of 20 minutes can take you 56kms.
“We have seen that charging the car for a full 11 hours can keep it going for nearly a week in Bahrain. Thanks to the onboard charger, the electrified AMG can be conveniently charged at home or at public charging stations.”
The official said all major car dealers in the country are working with the government to have more electric charging stations set-up across the country by the end of the year and is confident that nearly all the new hotels, shopping malls and public parks will have the facility built-in.
Mercedes says the new generation of batteries that the EQS uses are characterised by a significantly higher energy density compared to previous developments.
They also have a higher charging capacity and significantly shorter charging times.
According to Mr Nader, the vehicle sound has always been an important part of the hallmark AMG driving experience.
“The EQS 53 4MATIC+ brings a new, powerfully sonorous sound to electric driving. Its sound system uses special loudspeakers, shakers and a sound generator to create a special sound experience,” he explains.
Another key feature, asserts the expert is intelligent recuperation when braking for efficient energy recovery.
The recuperation output is up to 300kW, the car-maker claims.
“The AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is the first all-electric ambassador in the performance segment, made in Affalterbach. It is tailor-made for car enthusiasts who are looking for a combination of innovative electric mobility in a luxurious ambience, coupled with sportiness and agile driving dynamics,” says Mercedes AMG chairman Philipp Schiemer in a Press release.
“With our first all-electric AMG vehicle, we will undoubtedly appeal to and win over a new clientele for Mercedes-AMG. In addition, the EQS 53 is further proof that Mercedes-Benz is consistently driving electrification forward in all of its brands as well. Further all-electric AMG models will follow in the not too distant future, also on our AMG.EA platform developed entirely in-house,” he adds.
Declining to reveal an exact price tag as there were many variables yet to be finalised, Mr Nader said the EQS 53 is estimated to cost around BD60,000-70,000 in Bahrain.
Deliveries can be expected in Q4-2022 at the earliest, he concluded.
avinash@gdn.com.bh
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