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Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde as soon as stated, “Moderation is a deadly factor, nothing succeeds like extra”, and maybe at present, you’ll be able to by no means have an excessive amount of wealth, too many homes or an excessive amount of edible gold in your meals.
So long as you have got the cash, our trendy society will present you how you can spend it!
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+, to provide it its full title, takes a daily EQS, should you can name it that, and offers it extra energy, sportier appears to be like, and sharper dealing with – should you so need that extra.
Additionally learn: 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ launched in Malaysia, from RM 798k, 658 PS/950 Nm
Primarily, the idea will not be new. Mercedes-Benz has an extended lineage of highly effective, uber-luxury limousines stretching again to the Mercedes-Benz 600 ‘Grosser’ of the early-60s. And within the years that adopted, with icons such because the (W140) S600, and plenty of different V8- and V12-powered beasts which have led to the EQS 53 – a flagship full-sized sedan for the electrified age.
Nevertheless, historically at the very least, Merc’s big-power limos used that energy to raise the expertise by offering easy tempo and stability, while enveloped in luxurious. In the identical vein, does EQS 53 present the identical heightened luxurious expertise, or does extra of energy, generally develop into pointless? Let’s drive.
Overview
The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+, was launched alongside the smaller Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ in June 2023.
Totally imported (CBU) from Germany, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ is priced at RM 798,888 inclusive of the AMG Dynamic Bundle. The EQS 53 carries a circa RM 150k premium over the common locally-assembled (CKD) Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4Matic which begins from RM 648,888.
Additionally learn: For RM 150k greater than the EQS 500, what do you get on the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53?
Headlining the Affalterbach (AMG) upgrades are a pair of extra highly effective completely excited synchronous motors (PSM) on the entrance and rear axle respectively that produce a whopping 761 PS and 1,020 Nm (with the AMG Dynamic Bundle) some 312 PS and 192 Nm extra than the EQS 500.
The bottom EQS 53 variant, with out the Dynamic Bundle outputs 658 PS and 950 Nm however take observe this variant will not be offered in Malaysia.
| Overview: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 53 4Matic+ EV | ||
|---|---|---|
| Worth | RM 798,888 | |
| Section | Full-size luxurious | |
| Powertrain | Twin-motor AWD | |
| Battery capability | 108.4 kWh | |
| Charging | 11 kW AC, 200 kW DC (CCS2) | |
| Vary | As much as 571 km | |
| `Energy | 761 PS | |
| Torque | 1,020 Nm | |
| 0-100 Km/h | 3.40 seconds (as examined) | |
| Origin | CBU, Germany | |
Alongside, the EQS 53 receives the totally variable AMG Efficiency 4Matic+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system, AMG Journey Management+ air suspension system, high-performance composite braking system, and the AMG Sound Expertise which emits a “highly effective, sonorous sound” on this in any other case, whisper quiet EV.
Juicing up the potent EQS is a 400-volt lithium-ion battery with a usable content material of 108.4 kWh (up 0.4 kWh over the EQS 500). Mercedes claims the EQS 53 will take 31 minutes cost to cost from 10- to 80 % through a 200 kW DC quick charger. Beneath the WLTP cycle, the EQS 53 has a spread of as much as 571 km from a full cost.
Additionally learn: Assessment: Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4Matic: Shut however no cigar
Aesthetically, the EQS 53 ups the ante with the AMG exterior package deal consisting of reprofiled entrance splitter components with air curtains, a brand new rear apron with longitudinal fins, and a bigger rear spoiler. Elsewhere, the EQS 53 additionally will get 21-inch AMG cross-spoke gentle alloy wheels and red-painted brake callipers.
The AMG additions proceed inside with AMG sports activities seats made out of Artico leather-based, a Nappa leather-based flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel, sports activities pedals, in addition to AMG ground mats and door sill trims.
Rivals
On the EQS 53’s circa-RM 800k pricetag, there’s an possibility from each German secure:
- BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport: 544 PS/795 Nm, RM 729,800
- Porsche Taycan GTS: 598 PS/850 Nm, RM 765,000
- Audi RS E-Tron GT: 598 PS/830 Nm, RM 793,790
Thus, in case you are wanting massive govt EV sedan, there isn’t a scarcity of choices, however observe the EQS 53 is well probably the most highly effective of this lot and with a claimed vary of 571 km, it’s second greatest behind the BMW i7 which claims a most 615 km on a full cost.
Additionally learn: Report: Future Mercedes-Benz EVs won’t be referred to as EQ anymore
The RS E-Tron GT and Taycan GTS supply a max driving vary of 495 km and 504 km respectively.
Exterior – Stellar wanting and it is available in black
The expression ‘appears to be like like one million bucks’ couldn’t be extra apt for the EQS 53.
Huge Mercs simply look stunning in black and with the tasteful styling additions, most noticeably, the deep entrance air inlets on the edges of the bumper vertical slats on the entrance grille. Subsequent up are the technical-looking 21-inch wheels which give the EQS 53 a dominant look.
General, the styling bits courtesy of the AMG styling package deal are delicate but purposeful, so it largely retains the pure magnificence of the EQS’ flowing bodylines while nonetheless managing to look extra aggressive than the EQS 500.
Additionally Learn: Assessment: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ in Malaysia – The very best luxurious EV but
Around the again, the marginally bigger spoiler and mannequin emblems are the one inform tales of the ability that hides beneath.
Given the EQS has already been round some time, its “cab-forward fastback design”, it’s secure to say it has aged fantastically and the EQS 53 must be no completely different.
Personally, the EQS 53 and Audi RS E-Tron GT are on the very prime totem pole by way of styling for me, providing real exclusivity and showstopping presence wherever they go, albeit while arriving quietly.
Inside – Costlier, however not higher than the EQS 500
After we examined the EQS 450 final 12 months, we totally beloved its stunning design total execution, and stylish know-how choices. We even stated that it presumably is probably the most stunning inside we’ve reviewed all 12 months. So, for starters, it set a really excessive benchmark to beat.
Beginning with the positives, the inside stays beautiful – the general ergonomics are spot on, and courtesy of the AMG sports activities seats, you’re instantly sat low inside the cabin, behind the attractive and purposeful AMG steering wheel.
Although suffering from management buttons, all the pieces is inside straightforward attain, and with paddle shifters simply behind (for brake recuperation settings) and the drive mode selector on the decrease left facet, all driving controls are proper the place you want them.
Being a bonafide AMG mannequin, the EQS 53 receives carbon trim across the cabin, in addition to crimson stitching on the seats, dashboard and door panels. Past giving the inside a sporty look, I recognize it’s tastefully finished, and does not look too cheesy.
Elsewhere, the MBUX Hyperscreen, stretching from A-pillar to A-pillar, stays a elegant occasion piece. Now with AMG-specific shows within the EQS 53, the three OLED shows merge to create an outstanding interactive expertise for passengers courtesy of easy-to-navigate UI with nice graphics.
Now on the downsides, properly they aren’t a lot downsides, simply that I consider the EQS 500 simply does it higher; and this ties in with the overarching theme of whether or not the EQS 53 is the correct automotive for you.
Now courtesy of the AMG inside package deal, you get body-hugging and sculptured seats up entrance, which look stellar, however they aren’t as snug as these of the EQS 500, plus, you additionally lose out on these supple neck pillows which completely take seating consolation to the subsequent stage.
Around the again, it’s a lot the identical with laborious seat padding, and upright backrests which put a pressure in your decrease again on longer journeys. Now there’s possible not a lot distinction within the seat angle with the EQS 500, however the extra comfort-oriented non-AMG seats are supple and mushy, so you’re enveloped in larger consolation over longer intervals.
Then there’s the truth that you lose out on the rear leisure screens and pill controller within the centre armrest. So, you acquire sporty seats and carbon bits from the AMG pack however lose out on fairly a little bit of the top-shelf gear that the EQS 500 affords.
Thus sadly, while the EQS 53 is costlier, the EQS 500 feels extra particular, and splendid on the within.
Given it is a Mercedes-Benz, by way of cabin insulation, the EQS 53 delivers library ranges of refinement that are nearly an identical to the EQS 500.
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 53 – Cabin noise stage | ||
|---|---|---|
| 60 km/h | 53 dB | |
| 90 km/h | 57 dB | |
| 110 km/h | 61 dB | |
Though the EQS 53 has the next drag coefficient, at 0.23 cd versus the EQS 500’s 0.20 cd – it nonetheless dices by means of the air, thus there’s nigh-on zero wind noise even at freeway speeds.
We did observe, nevertheless, some tyre noise trickling in above speeds of 110 km/h however for probably the most half, it is unintrusive.
Driving Expertise – Bonafide Bahnstormer, however within the corners…
With 761 PS and sufficient torque to maneuver a small island, you’d assume it straightforward to find out the EQS 53 to be a stellar driving machine, or at the very least higher than the EQS 500, merely on account of its energy.
Nevertheless, for it to be a real AMG, it is about how the sum of elements come collectively to create a cohesive and exhilarating driving expertise, which is why the EQS 53 is a little bit of a combined bag.
Additionally learn: Tengku Zafrul: 15% of TIV for electrified autos by 2030, extra EV-related incentives to return
Now, make no mistake, the EQS 53 is blisteringly fast. Throughout our inner exams, the EQS delivered a greatest time of 3.4 seconds for the century dash, tying it with the Mercedes-AMG E63S and Audi RS E-Tron GT because the three quickest instances ever recorded by WapCar.
Push that proper pedal down and the EQS 53 will surge out of the blocks with brutal effectiveness, and preserve accelerating properly into three-figure speeds. How briskly will it go? Properly, let’s simply say the claimed max velocity (of 220 km/h), is not actually the max velocity.
Plus, given the inside cocoons you from the surface world, most instances you’ll mistake 140 km/h for 110 km/h while on the freeway.
Pedal modulation is excellent, each on the accelerator and brakes, with ample pedal journey, it provides the driving force ease in extracting simply how a lot acceleration or deceleration is required regardless in case you are blasting down and B-road or simply ambling by means of visitors. Vitality recuperation is likewise well-modulated as properly.
Vitality Consumption – Eats up the miles, effectively
At 108.4 kWh, the EQS 53 affords one of many largest batteries of any EV on sale presently and claims a max vary of as much as 571 km.
On our typical power consumption take a look at, beginning with 80 % SOC, the EQS 53 lined 104 km with a common 50/50 break up between freeway and inner-city journey. It subsequently required 24.65 kWh to recharge to 80 % SOC, delivering a mean power effectivity of 23.70 kWh/100 km, figures which might be equalled that of the EQS 450 at 23.9 kWh/100 km.
Nevertheless, observe that driving situations have been completely different in the course of the latter’s take a look at. The EQS 53 was pushed throughout a vacation season with much less visitors, thus delivering higher outcomes. Although with extra enthusiastic driving, we famous figures nearer to 29-30 kWh/100 km from the automotive’s telemetry.
On a separate journey, the EQS 53 managed a one-way journey from Desaru to KL, on a single cost. Beginning with a 100% cost, the EQS 53 accomplished the 394 km journey with 30 % SOC left to spare. So while it’s massively highly effective, the EQS 53 can also be an EV that’s environment friendly.
That total effectivity (even given its weight), comes all the way down to how impressively the EQS 53 manages sustained freeway driving.
Additionally learn: Mercedes-Benz says battery EVs nonetheless superior, not occupied with e-fuels
In apply, most EVs flaunt large energy numbers, however throughout sustained high-speed driving; most begin to eat by means of the battery capability and really feel fatigued after some time – the EQS 53 simply feels proper at house.
Most of that is all the way down to the fantastically geared AMG-specific electrical motors on the entrance and rear axles. The rear motor specifically includes a distinctive stator design, fortified windings and stronger currents for extra energy. Elsewhere, it has upgraded thermal administration of the motor which includes a ‘water-lance’ that instantly cools the shaft of the rotor.
Thus, the EQS 53 is each bit the Bahn-stormer any AMG limo must be, however the place it falls off barely, is within the total driving expertise.
In brief, while we don’t subtract something from the elegant journey high quality, the EQS 53 nonetheless appears like a luxurious automotive that is been ‘roided-up’ to develop into a sports activities sedan.
At its core, the chassis nonetheless feels comfort-biased, with a number of compliance constructed into it, thus the physique is gradual to react to steering inputs, particularly throughout fast course modifications, plus there is no hiding the automotive’s circa 2.6-tonne kerb weight (sure, concerning the weight of a small lorry) going into a quick bend.
Choosing the Sport or Sport+ modes sharpens issues up significantly (and makes a cool synthesized sound too) however given the dimensions of the automobile, it is powerful to construct confidence with the automotive regardless of the spectacular grip ranges.
Thus, the more durable you push the EQS 53 right into a collection of corners, the extra it feels unnatural and contrived issues develop into, which subsequently makes you wish to dial issues down a notch.
With that stated, additionally it is unlikely that the majority EQS 53 homeowners might be blasting up Genting Highlands each Sunday morning, versus being valet-parked at Pavillion Bukit Bintang for a spot of espresso. Wherein case, why not simply get the EQS 500?
Conclusion – You probably have the cash, why not?
Given the stakes (and worth) of the EQS 53, maybe the last word query to reply is – is it really an AMG?
For probably the most half sure, it’s monstrous in a straight line, it appears to be like elegant, and is a technological powerhouse. I might even go so far as saying it is the very best long-distance EV given its vary and prowess at sustained high-speed cruising.
Nevertheless, in case you are on the lookout for extra targeted driving exhilaration, you would be higher off with the Porsche Taycan GTS or an Audi RS E-Tron GT for a similar cash.
Although each supply much less energy and fewer vary than the EQS 53, each function sensible chassis and 800V powertrains that are distinctive to drive as properly, particularly if a fast B-road blast or monitor day is your factor.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t low cost that the EQS 500 is completely positioned as an uber-luxury EV that gives extra vary, a surprising inside, and with 449 PS and 828 Nm, a powertrain that may hardly be referred to as gradual.
That stated, we nonetheless adore the EQS 53 for its idea and spirit of innovation that factors to the way forward for large, quick Mercs within the electrified age. Thus should you can blow cash on the EQS 53 anyway and reap the benefits of its tax free worth providing, then perhaps extra is true up your alley.
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