Just because it’s electric, doesn’t mean the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS 4Matic+ Sedan doesn’t deserve the go-fast AMG treatment. While it comes at a premium price over the standard EQS, if you prioritize power, exclusivity, and head-turning looks, this spacious, swift, and serene four-door may be the perfect electric sedan for you.
Mercedes’ AMG division has embraced the flagship electric sedan and significantly enhanced its power and performance. The tweaked motors deliver an impressive 649 horsepower, and climbs further to 751 hp when you engage the optional boost mode. Other enhancements include a stiffer suspension and additional driving modes, while the 107.8 kWh battery pack remains unchanged.
As you’d anticipate, the AMG EQS comes at a substantial premium compared to the non-AMG EQS. Starting at a six-figure price point, this high-performance EV doesn’t come cheap, and an extensive array of customization options can further escalate the overall cost. However, given the remarkable performance it offers and its elevated price, the AMG EQS positions itself as a contender to compete with other swift luxury electric sedans like the Audi RS e-tron GT, the Porsche Taycan, and the high-performance Tesla Model S Plaid.
The AMG EQS shares a similar configuration to the standard EQS, featuring an electric motor on the front axle and a second motor on the rear, resulting in all-wheel-drive. It delivers 649 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque — a substantial increase over the EQS 580’s 516 hp and 631 lb-ft — and opting for the AMG Dynamic Plus package adds a boost function that temporarily turns up the wick to 751 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque.
The AMG-branded EQS accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in an impressive 3.4 seconds. In terms of handling, it maintains stability and stays composed in corners, exhibiting better body control than the non-AMG model. It also retains the smooth ride quality of the standard EQS, but despite the suspension enhancements and rear axle steering, the AMG EQS doesn’t quite match the Taycan’s agility.
It may share the same 107.8 kWh battery pack as the standard EQS, but the AMG’s increased power leads to a slight decrease in efficiency. Transport Canada estimates a range of 466 kilometres per charge, compared to 547 km for the lesser EQS 580. In our testing, we recorded a real-world range of about 350 kilometres. On charging, Mercedes makes similar claims for the AMG EQS as it does for the standard model: through their partnership with FLO, you can find charging stations and activate sessions through the Mercedes Me app.
Mercedes has been emphatic about maintaining the same level of luxury in its EVs as we’ve come to expect in its gas-powered cars, but the AMG EQS is hit-and-miss in this regard. On the tech front, it incorporates the same 56-inch Hyperscreen arrangement we’ve seen in other EQS models, encompassing a three screens under one glossy panel that spans the entire dashboard. Our main gripe was that this arrangement felt like an information overload, but this seems to be a common theme in most other modern Mercedes-Benzes we’ve tested lately. As well, we also noted some material choices, fit-and-finish, and build quality issues that felt unbecoming of a flagship vehicle.
Notable distinctions inside the AMG EQS include additional performance-oriented driving modes and specialized displays tailored for performance. Mercedes also provides a broader array of trim choices, including carbon fibre and aluminum. Furthermore, the AMG model also introduces artificial sounds into the cabin, aimed at infusing some auditory excitement into the otherwise quiet acceleration. While we personally found these sounds to be somewhat quirky, it’s possible some may enjoy these synthetic, robotic noises.
Given its price point and prestigious lineage, the Mercedes-AMG EQS will inevitably draw comparisons with the BMW i7, Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and Lucid Air. However, the EQS distinguishes itself from each of these contenders. It forgoes the conventional aesthetics of the BMW, eschews the intensity of the Porsche, doesn’t quite embrace the cult following of the Model S, and promises a higher degree of recognition than the Air — for many buyers, being seen in a luxury car holds as much significance as driving one. Even if the EQS isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing among the group, it certainly becomes more appealing when you’re willing to spring for the AMG version.
In essence, what this lengthy explanation boils down to is that this finest iteration of the EQS is the most expensive. Our tester came in at a grand total of $198,085, which is pretty much as the base configuration aside from 22-inch turbine wheels. However, it’s safe to say you’re not considering the AMG as a “value” proposition.
That’s because, simply put, the value proposition of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS 4Matic+ Sedan can simply and succinctly be described as non-existent. Yes, it’s undeniably swift, advanced, and carries the prestigious Mercedes badge, but these individual qualities don’t inherently translate to exceptional value. The AMG EQS’ value is perhaps more significant to Mercedes itself, as it now possesses a competitive powertrain even if the overall package isn’t fully refined yet. On account of the handful of build quality issues we noticed on this tester, Mercedes still has some work to do.
