The Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic and EQE 53 4Matic+ won’t be joined by an all-out EQE 63 version, according to the model line’s lead engineer.
Speaking with media at the international launch drive for the AMG EQE in France, development lead Jens Hüser said the performance brand isn’t planning a hotter 63 version of the new EQE, as this badge will be reserved for vehicles suitable for track use.
“There will be 63-badged electric vehicles in the future,” he said, “but there won’t be one [for EQE]”.
Mr Hüser explained AMG 63-badged models are expected to be track-capable, and that the EQE 53 4Matic+ will serve as the pinnacle of the model line for now as the company doesn’t feel it’s suitable for that use.
The distinction between AMG 43/53 and AMG 63 models with regards to track driving is a similar strategy to arch-rival BMW, which has M Performance models better-suited for everyday use, with M vehicles honed for the circuit.
The AMG EQE 53 quotes some serious performance numbers, even if it hasn’t been engineered to tear up a weekend track day.
Fitted with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package (whether this ends up standard Australia is TBC), the AMG EQE 4Matic+ develops a monstrous 505kW and 1000Nm from its dual-motor electric drivetrain, good for a 3.3-second 0-100 dash and a top speed of 240km/h.
By comparison, the current Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ makes 450kW and 850Nm from its 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, good for a 3.4-second sprint to triple figures, and an optional top speed of 270km/h. An electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h is standard.
Given we’ve only seen the EQE and EQS receive the AMG treatment thus far, both maxing out at 53-badged models, it’s unclear when we might see an all-electric AMG 63.
Our best clue yet would be the Vision AMG concept shown a month ago, taking the form of a rakish four-door coupe based on the upcoming AMG.EA electric vehicle platform.
Mercedes-AMG didn’t share technical specifications such as outputs, battery capacity or range, though it did divulge that the concept’s drivetrain components had been developed from scratch.
Beyond the concept, which likely previews a dedicated model serving as the all-electric successor to the current AMG GT 4-Door coupe, it’s likely we’ll need to wait for upcoming Mercedes EQ-badged models to get the AMG treatment to see which get a 63 model.
It’s only a matter of time before we see an electric AMG 63, given Mercedes-Benz (and its performance subsidiary) plans to go all-electric by 2030 “where market conditions allow”.
From 2025 Daimler the company will launch three all-electric architectures. The main platform will be MB.EA, which will underpin all medium to large vehicles.
This will be complemented by AMG.EA for performance cars, and VAN.EA that will form the basis for vans and light commercial vehicles. It’s unclear what will happen with the MEA dedicated EV platform underpinning the current EQS and EQE.
Our guess is the next-generation EQC is a prime candidate, given the success of the AMG C63 family. Otherwise, it’s possible Mercedes-AMG will make a range of its own vehicles based on the AMG.EA platform that may feature a new, unique naming structure.
CarExpert has recently attended launch drives of both the AMG EQE 53 and AMG EQS 53, which will be published over the coming weeks.
We’re also expecting AMG versions of the new EQS SUV to debut soon, and the upcoming EQE SUV will almost certainly get a similar treatment.
In the meantime, the AMG 63 nameplate is set to be electrified in the form of E Performance plug-in hybrids, already seen in the AMG GT 63 E Performance 4-Door, and all but confirmed for the next-generation C63 and E63.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest.
