Mercedes-AMG EQE feels quick in MANUFAKTUR patagonia red

The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ is the German brand’s pinnacle of electric performance. It may not be as exhilarating as the LHD-only Tesla Model S Plaid or Lucid Air Sapphire, but it is a compelling all-rounder, pairing serious performance with the comfort and refinement expected of an executive saloon.

Recently, we got to spend time with the three-pointed star’s quickest EV in a special paint finish in a global-spec model, and here are some interesting observations we made:

Design

The Mercedes EQE’s quirky exterior has long been a subject of debate for design connoisseurs and loyal customers. Getting up close with the AMG 53 4MATIC+ variant, we also felt it didn’t possess the same aesthetic appeal as the brand’s conventional saloons. The MANUFAKTUR patagonia red metallic paint on this example certainly did make it enticing, though.

The faux grille with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome, the A-wing design of the front apron, the front splitter, and the faux side air intakes with two horizontal louvres aim to replicate the familiar styling of AMG cars with combustion engines.

We think the overall styling at the front is compelling enough, even though it’s not on the same level as an ICE-powered AMG.

The optional 21-inch AMG Y-spoke wheels in a combination of silver and black finishes offer a nice balance of sportiness and elegance. The optional red-coloured AMG brake callipers add to the performance-oriented styling, and they go well with the special red paint of the car. A larger rear spoiler and a faux rear diffuser complete the more expressive look.

Interior

The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ presents a distinctly futuristic cabin, dominated by the MBUX Hyperscreen, which integrates three displays beneath a single glass surface stretching from A-pillar to A-pillar. The gently curved panel appears to float above the dashboard, echoing the car’s sleek, aerodynamically driven exterior form.

That sense of flow continues in the dashboard design, which arcs seamlessly into the door panels to create a cocooning environment for front occupants. The result is a cabin that feels cohesive and immersive, with technology and form blended rather than layered on.

AMG-specific steering wheel, pedals, seats, floor mats, and door sill trims make the car’s performance positioning immediately apparent.

Specifications

Featuring a rear-biased all-wheel drive setup, the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ packs 460 kW (617 bhp) and 950 Nm (701 lb.-ft.) of torque. It takes just 3.5 seconds to reach 62 mph and achieves a top speed of 137 mph.

An optional package is available to increase the top speed to 155 mph. A 90.6 kWh NMC battery pack powers the motors and delivers a WLTP range of up to 327 miles. It supports charging at up to 22 kW (AC)/170 kW (DC).

Price

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In the UK, the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ is available in Night Edition and Night Edition Premium Plus grades, priced at GBP 105,995 and GBP 115,870, respectively. The former travels 306 miles on a single charge, and the latter covers a distance of 277 miles, both as per WLTP. The MANUFAKTUR patagonia red metallic paint costs GBP 695 extra.