Cars like the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV make me feel sorry for everyday people to wrap their heads around the current automotive landscape.
After all, how do you explain a luxurious, egg-shaped, all-electric family SUV that slams down 1000Nm of torque and comes with full-width interior screens?
Not that it really matters though, as this $200,000 performance EV isn’t exactly targeted at the masses.
The EQE 53 SUV has flown under the radar since landing in Australia last year and, as 2024 approaches its end, we’ve just had our first chance to properly see what it’s all about.
With impressive specifications and AMG badging, the EQE 53 talks a big game. And until recently its rivals were in short supply.
Large performance electric SUV competitors on sale here now include the Audi SQ8, BMW iX M60 and Lotus Eletre, and there are several more on the way.
Then there’s the questionable styling of the EQE, which an AMG makeover has hardly remedied.
However, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, and you definitely shouldn’t judge a car by its specifications.
So, up against frightful weather conditions along Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, does the EQE 53 sink or swim?
How much does the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV cost?
The list price of the EQE 53 SUV has risen by $2000 since the sports/luxury EV arrived in Australia last year, tipping it over the $200,000 barrier once on-road costs are factored in.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2025 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV | $191,900 |
To see how the AMG EQE 53 SUV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
What is the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV like on the inside?
The EQE 53 impresses more as a premium SUV than a performance model, and that’s true of its interior too.
While the AMG influence is equally sparing and subtle, the cabin is otherwise luxurious with a combination of top materials, breathtaking tech and practicality.
Of those three, the tech immediately catches the eye.
This top-spec EQE comes standard with the otherwise optional MBUX Hyperscreen, a trio of digital displays spanning the width of the dashboard.
It’s simultaneously intimidating and breathtaking, however, things become more straightforward once you dive into the system.
The screen is split into three sections – an instrument display for the driver and two separate infotainment displays for the driver and passenger, respectively. Each screen presents with AMG-specific graphics to remind you that you’re in ‘the sporty one’.
Each infotainment screen has a familiar app grid layout, and both displays share similar functionality with integrated audio, navigation, performance data, phone connectivity, and vehicle settings functionality.
Both also share crisp graphics and commendable responsiveness to touch, so they’re a pleasure to use. As you’d expect in a car of this ilk, smartphone mirroring is wireless and there’s a grand total of six USB-C outlets on offer to keep devices charged.
Other tech highlights include highly-customisable ambient lighting, an immersive Burmeister sound system, and the motorsport-inspired ‘Track Pace’ driving data screen with an acceleration timer, telemetry, and track maps.
While the tech is well-executed overall, I wasn’t a fan of the haptic steering wheel controls that can be fiddly and imprecise when you’re on the move.
Aside from a fancy lap timer, material upgrades also justify the existence of this EQE 53 as an AMG.
The performance flagship gains an AMG steering wheel and sports seats, as well as suede and alcantara door panels.
It reads like a compelling suite of upgrades on paper, but the EQE 53 doesn’t feel hugely special. The alcantara is a nice touch, but for the most part the AMG model feels more luxury yacht than speedboat.
Firm leather padding covers the armrest, while the steering wheel is also trimmed in a mix of smooth and perforated leather.
All the major points of contact pass the touch test, and the panels feel well put together.
The Nappa leather-clad seats lack bolstering but offer heating, ventilation, electric adjustment and Mercedes-Benz’s bizarre ‘kinetic seat’ function, which tilts the seat around like it’s the world’s slowest rollercoaster.
It’s a comfortable place to spend time once you get your head around all the features.
You won’t be cramped for space either, with plenty of storage on offer. The door bins, centre console and glovebox are all deep, and there’s an expansive tray in place of an absent transmission tunnel.
Moving into the second row, the EQE 53 ticks all the important boxes as a family hauler.
The rear seats offer ample legroom, with enough space to sit four or even five long-limbed adults without requiring any contortion.
Despite the presence of a panoramic sunroof, there’s also enough headroom for taller individuals pushing six-four. The aforementioned sunroof ensures that cabin remains light and airy, even though it’s kitted out with dark-coloured materials.
However, the rear seats are on the firm side with a pronounced bulge where your lower back rests, so comfort over long periods could be questionable.
Amenities are in strong supply – the centre armrest contains retractable cupholders, while larger drink bottles can be stored in deep door bins. Further storage is available in the form of map pockets.
Two USB-C outlets are located behind centre console, and each passenger has the freedom to choose their own fan and temperature settings. And to top it off, the ceiling is fitted with handy reading lights.
Boot space in the EQE 53 measures 520 litres, which expands to 1675L with the rear bench folded down. The tailgate is powered, and the aperture is both wide and square, enabling easy loading of bulky items.
| Dimensions | Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV |
|---|---|
| Length | 4881mm |
| Width | 1940mm |
| Height | 1672mm |
| Wheelbase | 3030mm |
| Cargo capacity | 520L/1675L |
To see how the AMG EQE 53 SUV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
The AMG EQE 53 SUV features a 90.6kWh battery and a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, with total system outputs of 460kW of power and 950Nm of torque.
Buyers can choose to equip the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package, which increases those outputs to 505kW and 1000Nm, and drops the 0-100km/h acceleration time to 3.5 seconds.
Over several hours of wet-weather driving on open roads, we were able to match the energy consumption claim quoted by Mercedes-Benz.
| Specifications | Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor electric |
| Battery | 90.6kWh lithium-ion |
| Power | 460kW (505kW with AMG Dynamic Plus Package) |
| Torque | 950Nm (1000Nm with AMG Dynamic Plus Package) |
| Driven wheels | All-wheel drive |
| Weight (tare) | 2678kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 3.7s (3.5s with AMG Dynamic Plus Package) |
| Energy consumption (claimed) | 23.0-25.6kWh/100km |
| Energy consumption (as tested) | 25.0kWh/100km |
| Claimed range (NEDC) | 485km |
| Max AC charge rate | 11kW |
| Max DC charge rate | 170kW |
To see how the AMG EQE 53 SUV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
How does the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV drive?
Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division seems to be having a bit of an identity crisis. First came the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid C63, and now the EQE 53 SUV is also caught right in the middle of it.
Don’t get me wrong, this go-fast EV is an absolute pleasure to drive… but just not in the way that you’d expect.
To preface my driving impressions, our day with the EQE 53 SUV was spent battling a fearsome weather system that hit parts of greater Melbourne with more than 50mm of rain.
The conditions were the worst I have ever experienced when reviewing a new car, with standing water and poor visibility contributing to a challenging day on the road.
Nevertheless, the show must go on, and the EQE was a more than willing participant.
In the face of countless environmental obstacles, I was blown away by how composed the EQE 53 remained with its trick all-wheel drive system, wide tyres and compliant ride.
Regardless of which mode it’s set to, the air suspension system fitted to the flagship EQE 53 is resolved and comfortable.
Comfort mode is truly plush with just the right amount of float, while Sport+ is a bit firmer but not as hardcore as I expected, which brings me to my opening contention.
From a handling perspective, the EQE 53 doesn’t quite feel sporty enough for an AMG variant, but then it is very heavy for an AMG and it doesn’t wear a 63 badge.
Sure, you don’t want a luxury SUV to be crashing over bumps and potholes, but it shouldn’t be numb either.
The EQE 53 is essentially a supersonic magic carpet. With no less than 460kW and 950Nm on tap, and a 0-100km/h time in the threes, it possesses the face-melting acceleration that we’ve come to expect from performance EVs.
And, to the credit of the AMG tech department, the accompanying V8-inspired synthetic engine note is among the most sonorous I’ve heard to date.
However, it’s all just a little soulless. Plenty of affordable modern EVs can provide the same sickening straight-line shove, so more is required to imbue an electric performance car with personality.
Aside from the tuneful engine simulator, the EQE 53 doesn’t have a heap to offer in this regard. It’s so well damped that you barely notice changes in the road surface, and the cabin is deathly quiet in the absence of road and wind noise.
When the road gets twisty, you’ll find that the steering is direct and responsive to driver inputs. But once again, it’s relatively light.
The all-wheel drive system does an excellent job of disguising the EQE 53’s heft, combining with the chunky tyres to provide supreme grip and minimise body roll through corners.
Despite that, this spiced up electric SUV is better enjoyed in commuting and cruising situations, rather than spirited driving.
The same can be said for the rest of the EQE range, which leads me to believe that AMG needs to find a way to imbue its electric range with more character, on top of the racy interior materials and boosted outputs.
Around town, EQE 53 is easy to steer and impressively manouevrable, thanks in part to the fitment of rear-wheel steering. In tight city laneways and narrow streets the EQE can turn on a dime, which can’t be said of all family-sized SUVs.
It’s equipped with sufficient parking tools too, with both sensors and a suite of cameras.
Out of town, a plethora of configurable drive modes transforms the EQE 53 into a silent, cushy luxury machine at the push of a button – perfect for extended highway stints and time spent in peak hour traffic.
What do you get?
The EQE 53 SUV sits at the top of the EQE range, featuring a suite of AMG performance features in addition to the standard equipment of lower model grades.
Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV highlights:
- Digital Light LED headlights
- Adaptive high-beam
- Illuminated aluminium-look running boards
- Panoramic sliding sunroof
- Head-up display
- 64-colour adjustable ambient lighting
- Keyless entry and start
- Power tailgate
- MBUX Hyperscreen
- Satellite navigation with augmented reality
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless phone charger
- Dual-zone climate control
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Burmeister 3D sound system
- Eight-metre domestic charging cable
- Five-metre public AC charging cable
- Transparent bonnet view
- Rear-axle steering
- AMG Active Ride Control air suspension
- 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system
- Nappa leather-wrapped AMG steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- AMG Night Package
- 22-inch alloy wheels
- Red-painted brake calipers
- Guard 360° Vehicle Protection Plus package
Is the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV safe?
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, although the standard EQE SUV was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2023.
All EQE SUV models come standard with the following safety equipment:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Turning manoeuvre function
- Congestion emergency braking function
- Intersection start-off function
- Blind-spot assist
- Front and rear cross-traffic assist
- Driver attention alert
- Active Steering Assist
- Lane-keep assist
- Active emergency stop assist
- Safe exit warning
- Speed limit assist
- Surround-view camera
- 10 airbags
How much does the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV cost to run?
Mercedes-Benz backs its EQE range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and provides a 10-year, 250,000km warranty for the high-voltage battery.
A three-year Service Plan is offered as standard, which can be extended up to a total of five years.
| Running costs | Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres – vehicle 10 years, 250,000km – high-voltage battery |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 25,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | Up to 5 years (Service Plan) |
| Total capped-price service cost | $4085 (5 years) |
To see how the AMG EQE 53 SUV lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
CarExpert’s Take on the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV is a bit of a confused beast, with a personality that belies its name.
While this flagship electric SUV wears AMG badging, its more of a comfy family EV with the lot.
There’s no arguing with its straight-line performance, and the AMG interior upgrades give the space a sporty feel, but I most enjoyed the EQE 53 when stuck in traffic or cruising on the highway.
So, if you’re after a premium commuter that can win just about any traffic light drag race, then the EQE 53 is a solid option.
It’s not without rivals, though. The BMW iX is equally polarising in the looks department, but offers many of the same qualities.
Looking ahead, the new Porsche Macan is on the way with a range of electric-only powertrains. The Lotus Eletre is another interesting electric SUV proposition, too.
If you’re not ready to go electric, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadriofoglio is a performance SUV brimming with character and street appeal.
But if you’re set on an electric SUV with three-pointed star badging, it might be worth settling for a lower-spec EQE with 90 per cent of the mod-cons for less money, as the extra performance of the AMG isn’t really necessary.
Interested in buying a Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
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