Mercedes-Benz charts an aggressive electric strategy for India; launches the first ever all-electric performance luxury AMG

Mercedes-Benz to introduce three all-electric luxury EVs, starting with the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ performance luxury saloon

Mercedes-Benz India will set-up the largest ‘Ultra-fast charging network’ by a luxury carmaker, covering 80% of India by end of 2022 | Investment of Rs. 15 cr+ with Franchise Partners, for creating this ‘Ultra-fast fast-charging network’

‘Ultra–fast charging network’ will be exclusive to Mercedes-Benz customers round the clock; customers can avail this network free of cost for the first year only

India debut of MBUX Hyperscreen: Largest infotainment screen ever mounted in a series-built car, measuring 56 inch, extending A-Pillar to A-Pillar:

8 CPU cores, 24-gigabyte RAM, 46.4 GB per second RAM memory, 7 individual profiles, 2,432.11 cm2 viewing area, Zero Layer concept

AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE: An exclusive, emotional AMG sound spectrum that offers unique driving experience matching driver’s current driving status

• Combined WLTP power consumption: 23.4–1 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined, WLTP: 0 g/km; electric range, WLTP: 529–586 km
• With the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package as standard, maximum output increases up to 560 kW (761 hp) in RACE START mode with boost function and maximum motor torque is up to 1020 Nm
• 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds (battery charge level of at least 75 percent) and a top speed of 250 km/h
• Rear Axle steering as standard with steering angle of up to 9 degrees
• Intelligent recuperation for efficient energy recovery with recuperation output up to 300 kW
• First-in-the-industry service interval of two years or 30,000 kms; battery warranty of 10 years (8 years + 2 years) or 250,000 kms
• Service package price starts at 1,15,000 INR (compact package) and Advance Assurance price starts at 2,50,000 INR
• Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and priced at INR 2.45 crores upwards (all India ex-showroom prices)

Mumbai: The country’s largest luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz today charted an aggressive luxury EV roadmap for the Indian market, by introducing the top-end all-electric luxury electric saloon built on a dedicated modular architecture. The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is the first of the three new luxury EVs lined-up for Indian market debut in 2022.

This first all-electric AMG production model based on Mercedes EQ architecture for luxury and executive-class vehicles, seamlessly fits into the Group-wide electric strategy pursued by Mercedes-Benz. The launch of the first electric AMG also underpins Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to introduce electrification in the luxury performance segment in India, and to transition to a climate neutral car fleet in future.

The new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ based on performance-oriented drive concept, features an impressive 107.8kWh battery. The powerful electric powertrain with one motor each at the front and rear axles has fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, which optimally transmits the drive power to the asphalt in all driving conditions.

With the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package, which is available as a standard, the maximum output of the car is up to 560 kW (761 hp) in RACE START mode with boost function. In this case, the luxury saloon can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds with a battery charge level of at least 75 percent and can achieve a top speed of 250 km/h.

Speaking on the occasion, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “We are charting an aggressive EV roadmap for the Indian market and the AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is the first all-electric luxury performance saloon, kick-starting our EV offensive.

With this luxury performance saloon, we are confident of winning over new customers seeking innovative electric mobility, sportiness and agile driving dynamics, all in a luxurious ambience. AMG EQS 53 customers will enjoy a dynamic and emotional driving experience with AMG-specific solutions in the drive system, suspension, brakes and above all an emotive sound spectrum.”

“In addition to launching this luxury performance saloon, as part of our customer commitment, Mercedes-Benz is creating the largest fast charging network across the country with 60 kW super-fast DC chargers and 180 kW ultra-fast DC chargers. Our fast charging network will be the largest from any luxury carmaker and will cover 80% of the entire country, by end of this year. Together with our Franchise Partners, we are investing substantially in creating this comprehensive charging network, which customers can exclusively avail round the clock. We are confident these end-to-end solutions will not only strengthen the EV ecosystem of the market but also play a significant role in advancing the tipping point for EV adoption in the segment.” Schwenk further added.

Top highlights of the new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+:

Hyperscreen with AMG-specific functions and displays for the MBUX infotainment system

The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is equipped with the innovative MBUX Hyperscreen as standard.

With the MBUX Hyperscreen (standard equipment in the EQS 580 4MATIC), three displays merge almost seamlessly into one another to create an impressive screen band over 56-inch wide: driver display (screen diagonal: 12.3 inch), central display (17.7 inch) and front passenger display (12.3 inch) appear as one visual unit.

The selected display style is shown uniformly on all screens; and the brightness is homogeneously adapted to the lighting conditions in the interior. The control panels for the automatic climate control system are located in the lower area of the central display. These remain permanently displayed so that the driver and front passenger can directly adjust the temperature and ventilation.

The central and front passenger displays also provide haptic feedback. When a finger touches certain spots on the touch screen, actuators (eight in the central display, four in the front passenger display) trigger a perceptible vibration of the cover glass. The user thus feels pulses on the smooth surface, which give the impression of a mechanical switch.

With adaptive software, MBUX adapts completely to its user and offers personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort, and vehicle functions. With the so-called zero layer, the most important applications are always displayed situationally and contextually on the top level in the field of vision. Unrestricted viewing of films, text messages, or presentations, plus internet surfing, are therefore possible. This is made possible by the “blanking function”, which prevents the driver from seeing the content.

MBUX in the EQS 53 4MATIC+ offers a range of additional functions that emphasise the high-performance character of the sporty top model. This is particularly true of the distinctive displays in the instrument cluster, as well as the multimedia display and the head-up display. Quick access to the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes can be availed by corresponding direct-entry button in the centre console. Passengers can also enjoy games such as Sudoku, Shuffle pack etc. to kill time during traffic.

AMG-specific electric motors for perfectly balanced Driving Performance

The AMG-specific electric motors at the front and rear axles are permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM). The decided emphasis on performance is already evident in the output and torque values. In addition, the Mercedes-AMG electric motors are characterised by an optimum balance of enhanced power, efficiency, and noise comfort. Among other things, this is ensured by new windings, stronger currents, and new actuation via inverters with specially developed software. This allows higher rotational speeds and thus more power, setting standards, especially in acceleration and top speed.

Intelligent recuperation for efficient energy recovery

The new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ sets standards not only with its highly dynamic power delivery when accelerating, but also with efficient energy recuperation when braking. The recuperation output is up to 300 kW. The driver can adjust the level of recuperation in three stages via switches on the steering wheel and receive situation-related support from the ECO Assistant. Combined braking can take place until standstill. With the help of the optional DRIVE PILOT, deceleration is automatic in response for detected vehicles ahead until they come to a standstill. For example: At traffic lights.

New battery generation with a capacity of 107.8 kWh

The new Mercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ is equipped with a powerful 400-volt battery manufactured using the latest lithium-ion technology. A major advancement in sustainability has been achieved in cell chemistry: The cobalt content is reduced to ten percent, the optimised active material consists of nickel, cobalt, and manganese in a ratio of 8:1:1.

The high-voltage battery has a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh. The battery management system is also configured specifically for AMG. In the Sport and Sport+ driving modes the focus is on performance, in Comfort mode on operating range. The new generation of batteries is characterised by a significantly higher energy density compared to previous developments. It also has a higher charging capacity. Another new feature is the possibility to install updates for the battery management system over the air.

Fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive

The power of the battery-powered motors is brought to the road by the standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive system. The system continuously distributes the drive torques between the front and rear axles, depending on the driving situation: compared to a mechanical all-wheel drive system, the electro-specific system ensures a significantly faster response. The torque is checked 160 times per second and adjusted, if necessary. The torque distribution depends on the selected driving mode: in “Comfort” mode the focus is on maximum efficiency, while in “Sport” and “Sport+” the torque is more rear-biased in the interests of greater lateral dynamics.

Shorter charging times thanks to intelligent thermal management 

Another advantage of the new battery generation is the significantly shorter charging times. The battery can be charged with up to 200 kW at quick-charging stations with direct current. In this case, power for up to another 300 kilometres (WLTP) can be “topped up” in just over 19 minutes. Thanks to the onboard charger, the electrified AMG can be conveniently charged at home or at public charging stations with up to 22 kW of alternating current. Functions such as battery-friendly charging make charging even more efficient.

The efficient thermal management also plays a part in shortening charging times. If the intelligent navigation with Electric Intelligence is activated, the battery is preheated or cooled as needed while driving, to reach the optimum temperature for fast charging at the charging point. The desired temperature range of the battery is achieved with the aid of the cooling circuit and a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) booster heater integrated into it.

Predictive route planning and efficient driving with Electric Intelligence

Predictive & Electric Intelligence plans a fast and comfortable route in advance, including charging stops, based on numerous factors such as the calculated energy demand. The system includes all relevant data in the calculation, from topography and route to driving speed and heating and cooling requirements.

With Electric Intelligence, the EQS 53 also reacts dynamically to the traffic situation on the planned route. The vehicle records traffic tailbacks and road closures, as well as changes in energy demand. The system uses information from the cloud and combines with onboard data.

The planned route can be edited individually. For example, the customer can set the additional reserve at the destination and at the charging station (SoC, State of Charge) – ten percent SoC is standard. If the “Charge at destination” function is selected, the set reserve may be undercut until the destination is reached. MBUX indicates whether the available battery capacity is sufficient to drive back to the starting point without charging.

HEPA filter against airborne pollutants

99.65% of fine dust, micro particles, pollen and other substances stay outside the car with HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) that cleans the incoming outside air at its very high filtration level. In recirculation mode, the interior air filter of the automatic climate control system filters the air. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as well as odors are also reduced thanks to the activated charcoal coating on the HEPA filter and the interior air filter.

The HEPA filter is part of the ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL Plus feature and uses the space under the front bonnet of the EQS. It carries the “OFI CERT” ZG 250-1 certification in the area of viruses and bacteria.

Tyres developed specifically for the higher performance level

The high driving-dynamics potential and the performance-oriented character of the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is also taken into account by the tyres developed together with MICHELIN. In order to do this the teams of developers at Mercedes-AMG and the French tyre manufacturer tailored the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV specially designed for sports cars with electric drive to the requirements of the first all-electric AMG series model in a targeted manner. The profile and the rubber mix are geared to the high torque and the powerful acceleration forces to ensure a long life. The tyre received top marks and the coveted A-Label for its low rolling resistance (important for a long-range) and very good wet adhesion properties. In terms of comfort: a polyurethane foam, which is integrated into the tyres considerably, reduces driving noise.

AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with adaptive adjustable damping 

The suspension of the new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ features a four-link axle at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear. AMG engineers have specifically improved the components and configured them to meet the special requirements of AMG customers.

This applies to ride comfort as well as driving dynamics. The AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension is an air suspension system combined with adaptive, electronically controlled adjustable damping together with rear-axle steering as standard.

Rear-axle steering as standard

The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is equipped with rear-axle steering as standard. The steering angle of up to 9 degrees greatly enhances the agile handling of the large saloon. The turning circle is

11.5 meters, which is equivalent to the turning radius of compact-class car.

The interaction between front-axle and rear-axle steering is designed to achieve agile responses with little steering effort when driving in town or on highway roads. At speeds below 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This makes the AMG EQS highly maneuverable, light-footed, and nimble. The effect is particularly positive when turning off, changing direction quickly, and maneuvering slowly.

For an individual driving experience: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes

The driving characteristics of the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ can be altered by the driver at the touch of a button, to suit the situation or personal preferences. This is possible by the four AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual”. The driving modes cover a wide spectrum, from high comfort to pronounced sportiness. Important parameters such as drive and performance characteristics, suspension settings, steering, AMG Dynamics, and AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE are modified to suit the selected driving mode. The maximum drive power can be called up in the Sport+ driving mode (or with kick-down).

The driver can also pre-select the basic suspension setup via the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes: at the touch of a button, the driving behaviour varies from maximum dynamics in “Sport+” mode to smooth gliding in the “Comfort” setting, for example. In addition, the tuning can be adjusted in three stages independently of the driving modes via a dedicated button.

Exterior design with characteristic AMG features 

With its one-bow lines and cab-forward design with hatchback, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is clearly distinguishable from vehicles with combustion engines at first glance. The exterior design also picks up on characteristic AMG features and transfers them into the all-electric age.

The front view with DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps as standard is characterised by the AMG-specific black panel grille with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome, integrated Mercedes star, and “AMG” lettering.

The distinctive design idiom continues in the front bumper, painted in the vehicle colour. The front apron in the typical AMG A-wing design, painted in high-gloss black, contrasts this and features chrome trim.

Maximum aerodynamic efficiency with a Cd value from 0.23

The EQS 53 4MATIC+ achieves a very good wind resistance value from 0.23. finishing aerodynamic touch ensures maximum efficiency, especially during dynamic driving at a high speed. To achieve this, AMG’s aero-specialists carried out a large number of wind tunnel and flow tests and optimised both the basic shape and certain design features. These include:

• Front splitter in high-gloss black with chrome trim and also flics and fins on the air intakes, with AIR CURTAINS on the left and right in high-gloss black with chrome trim
• AMG side sill panels in high-gloss black
• Rear apron in the body colour with aerodynamically optimised diffuser with six longitudinal fins
• Larger rear spoiler (compared to AMG Line), to improve driving dynamics: Rear lift is reduced without increasing drag
• 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in Aero or Heritage design, all aerodynamically optimized

Interior design with a particularly sporty touch 

The interior is also dominated by style-defining AMG features. Here the EQS 53 4MATIC+ offers a sporty ambience, thanks to AMG seats with individual graphics and special seat covers in red contrasting topstitching. Alternatively, seat upholstery in Nappa leather is optionally available, also with AMG-specific seat graphics.

In addition, there are numerous other features that underline the distinctive style of the interior:

• Instrument panel and beltlines in space grey ARTICO man-made leather with NEOTEX grain and red topstitching
• Door centre panels and also transition from centre console to dashboard in black MICROCUT microfibre with red topstitching
• AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, with flattened lower section, perforated in the grip area with silver-colored aluminium paddles for setting various recuperation levels, in addition to standard AMG steering wheel buttons
• AMG sports pedals
• AMG floor mats and door sill trims with “AMG” lettering (illuminated with interchangeable cover)

AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE: emotional sound spectrum for a unique driving experience Mercedes-AMG models stands for emotions. The vehicle sound has always been an important part of the typical AMG driving experience. This will continue to be the case in the future.

The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ brings a new, powerfully sonorous sound to electric driving. Its sound system uses special speakers, a bass actuator, and a sound generator to create a special sound experience in two versions: “Authentic” or, as an option, “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.

AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package with dynamic driving extras

The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package, available as a standard, combines dynamic driving extras -including the powerful boost for RACE START and the increase in maximum speed to 250 km/h -with the emotional AMG sound experience “Performance”. The Mercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ takes just 3.4 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. Onboard bass actuators and speakers make the power of the electric motors clear even when stationary, and provide an emotionally charged sound backdrop to the high acceleration. The AMG-specific graphics in the displays also visually underscore the driving performance. The AMG sound experience can also be deactivated at any time via the settings of the multimedia system, and separately for the exterior and interior.

Further options for even more dynamism

Numerous AMG options enhance the dynamic impression if required. These include design features such as red brake calipers, AMG carbon trim elements, and AMG seat covers in Nappa leather with specific seat graphics. AMG TRACK PACE, the virtual race engineer, is also available as standard: the software is part of the MBUX infotainment system and permanently records more than 80 vehicle-specific data (e.g. speed, acceleration), for example, while driving on a racetrack. On top of this, lap and sector times are displayed, as well as the respective difference from a reference time.

Mercedes me App: easy operation on smartphone and tablet

The Mercedes me App offers many improved and new functions since the last revision. These include a filter option that allows the charging points to be sorted according to criteria such as availability or charging capacity. The app now also shows how busy the respective charging station is likely to be during the course of the day, based on a probability calculation.

Comprehensive safety concept: Battery is crash-protected in the underbody

The battery sits in a crash-protected area in the underbody, embedded in the body shell structure including an extruded aluminium profile on the side. The multi-stage protection concept of the high-voltage (HV) system has already proven itself in the other Mercedes-EQ models. In case of danger, it

can be automatically switched off and disconnected from the battery. In addition, there is a separate, multi-level safety system for everyday operation.

This includes, for example, temperature, voltage, or insulation monitoring as a continuously monitoring safety system. If a fault occurs, the battery switches off. Crash monitoring when stationary (during DC charging) is also standard.

The only desirable luxury is sustainable luxury

Mercedes-Benz EQS is putting real solutions for zero-emission mobility, intelligent resource-conserving features, and a responsible circular economy concept on the road. The components in the EQS, which are manufactured resource-efficiently using recycled and renewable raw materials, weigh more than 80 kilograms. The steel processed for the EQS at the Mercedes-Benz pressing plants consists largely of recycled steel scrap and the EQS has over 80%-recycled steel in its bones. The floor coverings are made of fishing nets and carpet scraps.

Key technical data