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Not so long ago, if a Three-Pointed Star wore an AMG badge, it had an angry, rumbling V8 under the hood. But here we are with the all-electric AMG. It is the second car under the EQ sub-brand, and the EQS is Mercedes-Benz’s way of showing the world what our ‘electric future’ is capable of.
How the W124 500E was a benchmark back in its day, the AMG EQS 53 sets a new standard of what a fast, high-performance, luxury sedan can be. One that forges three realms – electric, ultra-luxury, and performance – together in an out-worldly manner. But does the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 set the benchmark for what we could expect from fast, luxurious, EVs? Let us dive deeper to find out.
Three screens! So basically, all it has are screens for a dashboard. Occupying the centre space is the largest of the three with all the physical buttons pushed near the armrest on the centre console. Boasting the latest MBUX interface, there are controls on the steering wheel which are no different to operate from what you get in, say, the new C-Class. An interesting feature about the third screen on the dash is that it gets activated only when someone is sitting in the front passenger seat. This touchscreen also has the same interface that you get in the middle. Meanwhile, the driver’s display comes with a plethora of configurations.
Although it’s quite low-slung, the AMG EQS is still an easy car to get in and out of. We were also surprised to see how easy the EQS is to manoeuvre around town and it’s not intimidating to drive either, but more on that later. It’s an AMG and hence with the familiar-looking steering wheel (familiar because it's the same as on the C300d) comes two circular dials for drive modes, like the ones you get on AMG GT. Plus, everything inside is wrapped in rich Nappa leather. Behind the wheel, the rear visibility isn’t good and you can neither see the end of the sloping bonnet over the tall dashboard. Now, with the lack of a physical gearbox, the centre console looks like it is floating in the air with a large spacious compartment below it. Even the centre console has two cup holders, a wireless charger, and more space for knick-knacks.
For rear seat passengers, there’s ample legroom and just about enough headroom. The two seats also get an electronic recline along with a heated and cooling function. But the raised floor and limited under-thigh support don’t make for an opulent place if you prefer to be chauffeured around more often. Then, there’s not much vanity either. You do get a removable tablet in the folding centre armrest (for music, cabin light, and AC controls), a wireless charger, and a panoramic sunroof, but there are no entertainment screen or fancy front seat reclines that you get in the S-Class. However, the 710 Burmester sound system with 15 speakers makes even the boring radio station sound like an acoustic masterpiece.
And if you ever decide to move a house in the EQS AMG, you can easily do so. For the notchback opens up to a whopping boot space of 650 litres, and that’s before electrically folding down the split seats.
The EQS is underpinned by the new EVA2 electric platform (the EQC was EVA1). In terms of numbers, the AMG EQS 53 has a 400volt, 107kWh battery pack that powers two electric motors – one on each axle – with specific variations to also make it qualify as AMG’s 4Matic system. The combined output of the two motors comes to 560kW (around 762bhp). Then, it is capable of catapulting to 100kmph from a standstill in 3.4 seconds, provided the battery is over 70 per cent, with the top speed clocked at 250kmph.
No matter how many times you do the acceleration run in the AMG EQS it will always be comical and you can never get used to it. Or get enough of it. After all, it’s an AMG GT4-Door Coupe on multiple doses of steroids. As with any other electric car, you get all the available torque right from the word go. And here we have tectonic-shifting 1,020Nm of it, so dab the throttle pedal and you can feel the blood reaching the inner craniums of your brain. Calling the acceleration surreal would be an understatement. On our tested VBox run it was – 3.7 seconds. That’s like rearranging your guts in the time it takes you to sneeze.
Yet, the AMG EQS is a perfectly liveable (and likeable) super saloon. There are four drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual – which alter the throttle response and steering. In a typical AMG fashion, these modes can be switched through the rotary dials on the steering. In the Comfort mode, the acceleration is quick but not as gut-wrenching and is best suited for everyday usability. Even the ride quality becomes more absorbent and pliant even for not-so-perfectly-paved road surfaces despite its 21-inch wheels. In fact, this aero-wheel is wrapped in special EV-compatible Michelin tyres of 275/40 profile.
In the other modes, the ride does stiffen but isn’t unbearable, all thanks to the air suspension. Another advantage of the air suspension is the ride-height increase which can be done on the go if you spot a bad road patch or unduly speed breaker ahead. Now, the EQS is a pretty long car. But helped by rear-wheel steering, it wraps around tight spaces decently and you never feel its 5.2m length to be an issue when driving or while parking it in the city confines. Even those tight U-turns don’t give you the jitters.
That said, it has three levels of brake recuperation – zero, normal, and high. In the third and highest setting, the EQS can be driven in one-pedal mode. Moreover, there are a host of driver aids as well like auto braking, blind spot alert, lane assist, and evasive steering. And all of them work phenomenally well to keep you from a very expensive insurance claim.
Lastly, the claimed range of the EQS 53 AMG is between 530-580km, which is achievable up to 80 per cent in real-world conditions, given its massive battery pack. No range anxiety there. But charging the ginormous 107.8kWh battery pack would be a task if you don’t have the 200kW fast charger access.
Talking about price point, this EQS in 53 AMG spec sets you back by Rs 2.45 crore, ex-showroom. But Mercedes has brought these to our shore in limited numbers, and all of them have already been sold out. Nonetheless, Mercedes is trying to show us the future of electric luxury cars with this one. But if you are interested still, the locally-assembled versions of the EQS, which will go by the 450+ and 580 guises, will go on sale shortly after this review is published.
To round things off, consider this, if the current EV scenario is a food chain, the EQS AMG sits at the very apex of it. It is fast. It looks fitting for an AMG badged rocketship. And yet it can be your daily driver. Especially for those who want to be a part of the zero-emission brigade, they can consider the EQS instead of the other offerings on this food chain, namely the Porsche Taycan S, Tesla Model S, BMW i7 and the Audi E-Tron GT RS.
Pictures by Kapil Angane
Engine & Transmission
Time the car takes to reach 100kmph from a standstill
Timely services will keep a motor efficient and in top shape.
The official title given by the manufacturer in terms of the name of the engine, the displacement and the number of cylinders.
A bigger displacement and more than four-cylinders generally indicate a performance-oriented engine.
All cars in India either run on petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG or electric power.
The time it takes for the electric motor equipped car to reach higher speeds from a standstill
Approximate maximum number of kilometers which can be traveled on a full tank of fuel or fully charged battery
Cars come with different drivetrain configurations depending on the segment.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is most common in mainstream cars while expensive cars or SUVs come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Type of transmission used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels
A manually operated transmission is the most popular type, thanks to its simplicity and low cost. Varied types of automatic transmissions are also available.
Keeping the battery terminals free of corrosion prevents starting trouble
Tests reveal that electric cars are substantially more efficient than internal combustion engines.
Dimensions & Weight
The length of the car decides its segment. In India, cars that are less than 4 metres in length enjoy reduced excise duties.
Longer length results in more cabin space. It also adds to straight line stability.
A car's width is defined as its widest point without its mirrors.
Although more width gives you more lateral space inside the cabin, it makes the car more difficult to park in narrow spots.
The height of the car denotes the highest point of the vehicle from the ground.
Taller the car, the more headroom there is on offer inside the cabin. However, a tall boy stance also affect the car’s centre of gravity which can cause more body roll.
The space between the center of the front and rear wheels.
The longer the wheelbase, the more space there is inside the cabin.
The total weight of the vehicle with all the standard equipment and all the required fluids.
A lightweight car will always be more efficient and easier to manoeuvre whereas a heavy car would give you a sense of solidity while driving.
Capacity
The number of doors define the category of car. For example – four door means sedan, two-door means coupe while five-doors usually refer to a hatchback, MPV or an SUV.
The number of people that can be seated comfortably in the car, which has also been mandated by the car manufacturer.
Smaller cars usually have two rows which can seat five, but some SUVs and MPVs have three rows and can seat around 7-8 passengers.
Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres
Almost all cars in India use an independent front suspension which is usually the MacPherson Strut type.
The rear suspension can either be non-independent or independent.
Most of the budget cars have non-independent suspension while the more expensive ones get independent rear suspension which offers better bump absorption.
Most of the vehicles sold in India get ventilated or non-ventilated disc brakes upfront.
- The ventilated discs are more popular thanks to them providing better stopping power and it also works well in hot conditions.
In affordable cars, drums brakes are fitted at the rear as they are cost effective.
Disc setup at the rear is now getting more popular as cars are getting faster in the real world.
The official kerb-to-kerb minimum radius a car takes to complete a 180-degree turn.
Shorter the turning radius, the lesser space you need to make a tight turn or to take a U-turn.
Almost all steering systems in cars today have an assist to help park them better at low speeds - these can be hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or electric.
The wheels used on cars are either steel rims with plastic wheel cover hub or alloy wheels on higher spec models or expensive cars.
Razor cut, or diamond cut alloy wheel design are not getting more popular. Manufacturers usually offer these in top-end trim of their car models.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the front wheels.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the rear wheels.
Safety
Mandatory safety system for cars sold in India, a single beep is emitted after 80kmph and continuous ones after 120kmph
This function detects when the car is drifting out of its lane and cautions the driver through audio/visual alerts
The brake lights flash in a quick intermittent fashion to indicate to the following vehicles to slow down quicker than usual
These enable users to repair a puncture effortlessly, saving the time/effort involved in replacing it with the spare wheel
Avoid driving on a flat/deflated wheel too long as it can cause expensive repairs
The driver is warned of an impending crash due to stopped/slowing vehicles ahead of them
This system automatically stops the car if it senses an obstacle where the driver fails to take action
It is imperative to pay attention while driving and rely less on such systems
This feature spots oncoming vehicles at night to shift the headlight between high and low beam
The official crash test safety rating given to a car by one of the many testing agencies around the world
Blind Spot Detection systems use sensors to detect and alert the driver of any sudden movements in his/her blind spot
This feature automatically steers the car to prevent it from moving out of the lane when there is no driver input
An assistance feature that alerts the driver who is backing out of a parking space if another vehicle is approaching
One must always be cautious of pedestrians, children and other obstacles when backing up.
Safer three-point seatbelts for passengers seated in the middle of the second row of seats.
Budget cars are usually fitted with more economical lap belts for the middle-occupant.
A headrest for the middle occupant of the second-row of seats.
Budget cars are usually not offered with headrests for the middle occupant of the second-row to save on costs. Headrests are instrumental in reducing whiplash injuries in case of an accident
A digital gauge that provides the live status of the air pressure in every tyre of a car.
For accurate readings, ensure that the sensors on the rim are not tampered with during any wheel/tyre repairs
Anchor points or strap systems built into car seats to keep child seats in place, especially during a crash
ISOFIX is an international standard for child seat anchor points, but not all car manufacturers follow this standard
Mandatory fitment in cars sold in India, emits loud beeps when it detects that occupants are not wearing their seatbelts.
Seat belt warning is mandatory for front-seat occupants, but it is recommended that all occupants wear seat belts.
Braking & Traction
An electronic system that prevents the tyres from locking and skidding in emergency braking situations by pulsing the brakes (quickly releasing and reapplying the brakes)
ABS is a great accident prevention technology, allowing drivers to steer while braking hard
An electronic system that redirects braking forces among the four brakes to stop the car as quickly and stably as possible
A system that increases brake pressure to help the car stop quicker
Even when emergency braking, it is observed that drivers don’t apply maximum brake pressure through the pedal, the BA system provides additional pressure to help stop the car quicker
System designed to improve car stability and control, especially when the car is accelerating.
ESP or ESC cannot increase traction but rather improve control or help regain control in slippery conditions.
A system that sends the car's power to all the four wheels at the same time
A feature that prevents the car from rolling backwards when stopped on a slope
This system cuts power to those wheels that are spinning without grip/traction
Given the option, keep traction control on all the time.
A feature that allows the user to alter the ride height of the car
Be it driving over tall obstacles or unloading heavy baggage from the boot; a helpful feature indeed
A feature that limits the car's speed without any driver input while traversing down descents
This function prevents wheelspin and maximises traction by shuffling torque between wheels
It is also a nifty safety feature since it offers more control over a vehicle's power delivery
Locks & Security
A security device that prevents the engine from being started unless the key is present
This feature let's one unlock all the doors remotely or with a key
This feature automatically locks the car's doors when it reaches a preset speed
A convenient feature for those who can't remember to lock the doors
Such locks are built into the rear doors to prevent rear seat occupants from opening the doors
Comfort & Convenience
Used to improve the air quality within the cabin by removing contaminants
The different types of air-conditioning systems used to cool the cabin
Maintaining the lowest temperature and first blower speed offers the best results.
This feature allows warm air to pass through the air-con vents for heating the cabin
Compact mirrors fitted to the inside of the sunvisor
The option of being able to access the boot space while sitting inside the car
These mirrors negate the glare from headlight beams of cars behind you
Since a large chunk of people love driving around in their high beam, these mirrors come in handy
A feature that aids drivers park with ease and greater precision using sensors/cameras
It comes as a boon for drivers who are not used to parking in tight spots
Sensors that are usually located on the bumpers of a car to assist/alert the driver while parking
It takes the stress out of manoeuvring in confined spaces
A system that automatically controls the speed of the car
An alert that warns one from leaving the car with the headlight and ignition switched on
When fitted, this system allows the car to be switched on without removing the key from the driver’s pocket or vicinity.
Keyless entry and start/stop (KESS) systems in some cars also include operation via a smartphone.
A function where the steering wheel moves up/down, in/out as per the driver's requirement
When both rake and reach adjustments are incorporated, it makes for a tailormade driving position
This socket provides current to a cigarette lighter style 12 volt plug
It helps charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, rechargeable batteries and other USB chargers. It also powers a compressor that inflates tyres and the humble cigarette lighter!
Mobile App Features
An app based feature that allows one to find where their car is located/parked
The requisite app will provide information regarding various functions such as speed and fuel alerts
A service that triggers actions like notifications and security alerts when a car enters/leaves a set location
A call that's made automatically by the car to the local emergency services in the event of a crash
Similar to how smartphones receive updates, a vehicle too (if equipped with connected car features) receives updates over the air via a cellular or WiFi connection
Timely installation of updates keeps the system up-to-date
The smartphone app turns on the car's AC to attain the required cabin temperature even before one boards it
More so comes in handy when cabin temperatures are extreme before you board the vehicle
The smartphone app allows one to remotely lock/unlock the car's doors from just about anywhere
This function is helpful when the key fob isn't working properly
The smartphone app lets you remotely open/close the sunroof of your car
This function saves valuable time by not having to be physically present to shut the sunroof, which could otherwise result in the interiors getting damaged by rain/intruders.
The smartphone app sounds the horn and flashes the headlights of your car so that you can locate it
Alexa is a virtual assistant technology that allows voice interaction to perform various tasks
An invaluable function that allows the driver to keep their eyes on the road
Seats & Upholstery
Rear seat adjustments make for an enlarged luggage space when there's lots of baggage to haul.
When it's time to replace, use a fabric that grips and are inherently cool to the touch
Leather not only grips your palms well, but it also offers a premium feel
The armrest located between the front passengers which helps comfort the driver's arm while driving
Cooled air from the AC system passes through the perforations on the seat to comfort the occupant
Depicts if the cabin comes with a single or dual-tone colour scheme
The various color shades used within the cabin
Some rear seats have the option to be be folded to offer more practicality
Sections of the rear seat are capable of being folded down separately
This function bumps up practicality as the boot space increases when required.
The pockets behind the front seats which help rear seat occupants store their stuff
The portion extending from or fixed to the seat that supports the head
Storage
The storage space within the armrest that's located between the front passengers
A feature where cool air from the air-conditioner is diverted to the glovebox
Doors, Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
Mirrors that are placed on the car's exterior, around the door, to aid the driver see behind the vehicle
Placing/sticking wide-angle mirrors on the ORVMs can enhance the rear view tremendously.
This is fitted where the door meets the frame to protect it from scratches and dust
Not using scuff plates may result in the door sill giving away prematurely.
When the car's windows can be raised/lowered by pressing a button/switch
In emergencies where the power window electronics have jammed, exit the vehicle by kicking out the windscreen
This feature allows a user to roll down the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
This feature allows a user to roll up the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
Different ways of adjusting the door mirror to suit the driver's requirement
Tremendously aids driving judgement in a variety of tight situations.
Turn indicators are fitted to the door mirrors for improved visibility
A feature that removes condensed water droplets from the rear windscreen to improve visibility
Turning air recirculation off helps gain faster results.
Although a seemingly minuscule feature, it negates the hatchback's/SUV's inherent ability to retain dirt/water on the rear windscreen.
When the system detects water droplets on the windshield, it activates the wipers to improve driver visibility
This feature can be intrusive especially while you are negotiating a tricky bend at a higher speed
These protective shields keep the sun's rays from affecting the occupants
With restrictions on darker sun films, these blinds are a huge relief on sunny days.
The various methods of opening the boot lid
A manually/electrically operated, usually translucent, screen designed to reduce the sunlight filtering into the cabin through the rear windshield to improve rear-cabin comfort and privacy
Exterior
Ensure the sunroof is closed before exiting the vehicle to prevent dirt/rain from entering the cabin
The compactness of the roof-mounted antenna prevents its damage in certain situations
Having parking sensors will save your bumper paint if it brushes by obstacles
Functional or purely aesthetic parts added to the car's body such as side skirts and roof/bonnet scoops
A strip of rubber fitted to the sides of the car's doors or bumpers to prevent dents and dings
Opt for quality strips because the cheaper ones tend to come off too soon/look shabby.
Lighting
Such headlights automatically switch on and off when they sense bright or dark driving conditions
Keeping them switched on at all times gives the user the best results
The headlamps remain lit for sometime when the car is locked/unlocked to aid user visibility in dark surroundings
These lights turn left and right based on steering inputs to illuminate the sides of the car
Inspect tail lamp bulbs at periodic intervals for optimum safety.
Lights that automatically switch on during the day for increased visibility
A type of lamp that improves driver visibility while driving through fog
The yellow/amber fog lights are preferable as they are warm to the eyes and do not reflect from the fog.
Additional lighting apart from the roof-mounted courtesy/map lamps. These are added for a sense of style and luxury rather than utility.
Incorporated into the bottom section of a car's door mirrors, they light up the ground underneath the front door when the door is unlocked
A lamp that's located around the vanity mirror behind the sun visor
Allows adjustment to the height of the headlight beams via a switch on the dashboard
Instrumentation
It indicates how much fuel is being used that very instant your car is moving
A screen situated mostly behind the steering wheel displaying information and warning lights regarding the car's various vitals
The amount of fuel consumed by the engine (kmpl) is displayed on the instrument cluster in real time
A glance will help you maintain better fuel efficiency and save money
The total distance traveled divided by the time taken to cover that distance
The higher the average speed, the quicker you were on that journey/trip
The approximate distance a car will run with the amount of fuel remaining in the tank
This alert should be taken as a final warning to head straight to the fuel pump
A warning light that pops up on the instrument cluster when the doors are not shut properly
The brightness of the instrument cluster can be adjusted via controls
It comes in handy to improve instrumentation visibility between day and night by toggling brightness.
It notifies the driver about which gear the car is being driven in and can also suggest down- or upshifting to improve efficiency
Notifies the driver about the optimum instances to shift gears
It comes in handy to derive the best fuel efficiency and engine component longevity
This function allows specific data like 'speed' to reflect/project on the windscreen in the driver's line-of-sight
An instrument that measures engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (rpm)
Ideally, the tachometer helps a driver know when to shift gears in a manual gearbox.
Entertainment, Information & Communication
An Android feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the phone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
An Apple (iOS) feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the iPhone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
This function bumps up the safety quotient since the use of a smartphone while driving can be hazardous
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
The ability to recognise and interpret specific movements of the occupant to perform functions without any direct contact with any of the car's switches or buttons
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
The music player that comes factory fitted
Number of speaker units as part of a car’s surround-sound system
The widely-used controls are placed on the steering wheel to ease driver usage
When the car's system responds to the occupant's voice to perform certain features
A system that uses satellite signals to help the driver with directions to reach a destination
Allows devices with bluetooth functionality connect wirelessly to the car's infotainment system
Using Bluetooth functionality offers a cable-free experience
The car's music player can play tracks off a portable device via an aux cable
Bluetooth can make AUX cables look ancient, but unlike the former, there's hardly any loss in sound quality
Is the music system's capability of playing broadcasted radio channels
If radio signals are weak, one can stream music
When tracks can be played from a USB/pen drive
These pads can charge equipped smartphones without using a cable
Given the option, opt for fast wireless charging.
The size of the music system fitted to a car. Traditionally 1-DIN or 2-DIN, are being replaced by touchscreen units of varying sizes.
The storage device within the car's infotainment system
The capability of the infotainment system to play DVDs
Manufacturer Warranty
The number of years the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the years, the better
The number of kilometres the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the kilometres, the better
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
Variants | Price | Specifications | |
---|---|---|---|
Rs. 2.45 Crore | 5 Person, AWD, 2655 kg, 1 Gears, Two permanently agitated synchronous motors (PSM), Panoramic Sunroof, 526 km, No, Front & Rear, 3.4 seconds, 250 kmph, 107.8 kWh, 5 Star (Euro NCAP), 5223 mm, 1926 mm, 1514 mm, 3210 mm, Keyless, Yes (Automatic Four Zone), Front & Rear, 1, 360 Degree Camera, Wireless, Wireless, Yes, Adaptive, Torque-On-Demand, 9 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Knee, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side, 2 Rear Passenger Side), Yes, 1, Not Applicable, 4 Doors, Electric, Automatic | Get Offers from Dealers |
5.0/5
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase Not Purchased | Driven forDid a short drive once |
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase New | Driven forFew hundred kilometers |
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase Not Purchased | Driven forHaven't driven it |
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