Audi e-tron GT 2023 review
It's Audi's punchiest production car ever, but is it destined to live in the shadow of the Porsche Taycan?
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Mercedes-Benz has committed to its electric future, with plans to have eight EVs on sale in Australia by the end of 2023. And performance division AMG will play a major role in that future.
While the brand may be best known for its wild and powerful internal combustion engines, the AMG of the future will rely on electric power.
In fact, so does the AMG of the present, with the AMG EQE53 4Matic+ now available in Australia.
Priced from $214,900 (plus on-road costs) the EQE 53 is an electric alternative to the likes of the AMG E63 and even BMW M5. It gets a potent dual-motor powertrain that makes 460kW/950Nm, enough to launch the car from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
Power is drawn from a 90kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides the EQE 53 with a range of 435km. Energy usage is rated at 21.8kWh/100km, but expect to see that figure rise if you enjoy its full performance potential. Charging is via a Type 2 CCS plug and the EQE 53 can take a 200kW DC or 11kW AC charge.
While not a cheap EV, the EQE53 is well-equipped for its price and position in the line-up. There’s an Mercedes-AMG interior treatment complete with an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and AMG shortcut buttons. The AMG sports seats are heated and ventilated and finished in Nappa leather. There are some key mechanical changes too, including Airmatic air suspension and rear-axle steering, plus red-painted brake callipers.
There’s plenty of safety features too, including 10 airbags, a 360-degree parking camera, 'Active Parking Assist' and 'Traffic Sign Assist', as well as 'Active Distance Assist Distronic', 'Active Brake Assist' with cross-traffic function, 'Active Lane Change Assist', 'Active Blind Spot Assist', 'Active Lane Keeping Assist', 'Evasive Steering Assist' and 'Route Based Speed Adaptation'.
One advantage it has over a petrol-powered alternative is its interior space. Because it’s built on Mercedes’ EVA2 platform designed specifically for EVs it has more interior room (80mm of extra length and 27mm of extra shoulder room), so it can carry four adults in comfort.
While a departure from Mercedes-AMG’s usual procedures, the EQE53 4Matic+ is a worthy addition to the line-up.
Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
---|---|---|---|
4Matic+ | —, Electric, 1 SP AUTO | $165,990 – 190,850 | 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQE53 2022 4Matic+ Pricing and Specs |
$165,990
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data