2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS53 breaks cover in Germany as brand's first all-electric mass production model, confirmed for Australia to take on Porsche Taycan and Telsa Model S

Packing up to 560kW and 1020Nm, and sounding like nothing you’ve heard before, the Mercedes-AMG EQS53 4Matic+ is the very first mass market all-electric beast from the performance brand, and it’s just been revealed at the International Motor Show in Germany ahead of its early 2022 Aussie arrival.

The  EQS53 is based on Mercedes-Benz’s EQS flagship electric sedan which is expected to land in Australia before the end of the year, and as with all AMG versions of Benzs, buyers can be guaranteed of a big bump in performance over the regular model.

Powered by two electric motors (one at the front axle and the other at the rear) providing all-wheel drive, the AMG EQS53 will come in two tunes: an entry level 484kW/950Nm ‘Basic’ version or choose the AMG Dynamic Plus package and you’ll get up to 560kW and 1020Nm. Either way that’s earthmoving grunt and at least 100kW more than what the top grade EQS580 can muster.  

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Acceleration is also AMG worthy with 0-100km/h coming in at 3.4 seconds if you option Dynamic Plus or 3.8s for the standard form. That’s as long as you have at least 80 per cent battery charge.

That battery is an 400-volt lithium-ion unit with a usable energy content of 107.8kWh, and Mercedes-AMG says it provides up to 580km of driving range. A 200kW quick-charging station can top up the battery with 300km in 15 minutes according to the brand. 

Visually the EQS53 has the same svelte liftback profile of the regular EQS, but is kitted out with an AMG body kit and interior including AMG sports seats with Artico upholstery (Nappa leather is an option), AMG metallic pedals and AMG leather steering wheel.

A standout feature of the cabin is the brand’s ‘Hyperscreen’ display (but composed of three separate screens) which stretches the length of the dashboard from A-pillar to A-pillar. 

But there’s a burning question. Until now all Mercedes-AMG cars have had a distinctive sound - whether it’s the hi-po four-cylinder A45 or the C63 with its iconic V8. So, what will the EQS53 sound like, seeing as it’s purely electric? 

Mercedes-AMG says it has that covered.

“The vehicle sound has always been an important part of the hallmark AMG driving experience,” the brand said in its press release. 

“This will continue to be the case in the future. The EQS53 brings a new, powerfully sonorous sound to electric driving. Its sound system uses special loudspeakers, shakers and a sound generator to create a special sound experience in two versions: Authentic or Performance. This exclusive AMG Sound Experience is generated inside and out with a tonality and intensity to match the current driving status, the selected driving mode or the driver's wishes.”

How it actually sounds in real life will be the true test.

Mercedes-AMG isn’t the first performance brand to add fake sound to its electric cars. The Porsche Taycan comes with an artificial bark to match its bite, while BMW is said to have hired film composer Hans Zimmer to produce the sound of its future EVs.

While the EQS53 is the first electric Mercedes-AMG model, Mercedes-Benz already has the EQA and EQC in its regular line-up with the EQB to join them soon. We'll no doubt see AMG versions of these in the coming years, too.