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Seeing the number 43 always gives me (slightly idealized) flashbacks to the lovely C 43 convertible I reviewed years ago. Being one of the last Mercedes AMG models equipped with a V6, and not having a particle filter, the soundtrack was nothing short of music. These memories embody the visceral feel of a petrol-powered car for me, perhaps even a bit beyond what is professionally responsible.

So understandably my first urge when the EQ BEVs also got an AMG sauce, and thus created 43 and 53 variants, was to steer clear from corrupting those cherished memories of the top-tier C-Class convertible. So what changed my mind and made me test the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43? Well, honestly, have you seen how Mercedes-Benz specced this thing? It alone was enough to draw me in.

So what does Mercedes-AMG's first generation of BEVs equate to?

For the largest part, the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 offers the same AMG experience as we're used to: a balanced mix of luxury and power. In terms of exterior dimensions, there's also nothing out of the ordinary. At 4,946mm long, 1,920mm wide, and 1,445mm tall, the EQE is a midsize sedan. And the price tag is also what we’re used to, being 110.110 € (BE) it is genuinely premium priced. But then things start to differ from what we know from AMG.

It weighs around 2,500 kg, which is heavy for an electric vehicle, but the 43's potent electric motors more than makeup for it. Speaking of power, the entry-level Mercedes-AMG EQE is no slouch. The EQE 43 4MATIC+ model has dual electric motors that produce a combined output of 350kW (476 horsepower) and 858Nm of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. Increased weight and the switch powertrain represent a significant departure from the traditional driving experience. So let's dive into what Mercedes-AMG has done to stay true to its roots.

Looks

The Affalterbach BEV has an increased sporty exterior design that sets it apart from the standard EQE. The front grille is more pronounced, featuring the distinct AMG insert and the signature AMG badge. The front bumper has also been redesigned, featuring more oversized air intakes and a more aggressive look. Additionally, the car features unique 20-inch alloy wheels with a distinctive multi-spoke design, the side skirts have been extended, and the rear diffuser has been redesigned.

Interior of the future

The interior of the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 is a captivating display of luxury and technology. The optional Hyperscreen dominates the dashboard, seamlessly integrating three OLED displays into one continuous surface. This creates a sleek, futuristic look that is sure to impress.

The red seatbelts add a bold accent to the otherwise understated black interior. Comfort is also a top priority in the EQE 43. The seats are supportive and plush, providing a comfortable ride even on long drives. The leather upholstery is of high quality, adding a touch of elegance to the interior. During spirited driving, the seats perform admirably, providing ample support and keeping passengers in place through sharp turns and sudden movements. But as with the EQS, the seating position in the back is too upright.

Chassis Changes

The Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 sets itself apart from the regular EQE models with a range of chassis upgrades. The suspension system has been retuned to be stiffer and more responsive, providing a more engaging and agile ride. The brakes have also been upgraded, with larger discs and more powerful calipers, to provide the stopping power necessary for the car's high-performance capabilities. The front brakes measure 400 mm in diameter and have 6-piston calipers, while the rear brakes are 360mm in diameter with 1-piston calipers. During normal commuting the regenerative braking was more than enough tough, it was only when I sped up that the brakes came into play.

The AMG EQE 43 also features larger, wider tires for increased grip and handling. The front tires are 245/45 R20, while the rear tires are 275/40 R20. These wider tires not only provide better handling but also add to the car's sporty and aggressive appearance.

Additionally, the AMG EQE 43 features a lowered ride height compared to the regular EQE models, giving it a more planted and athletic stance on the road. This not only improves the car's appearance but also lowers its center of gravity, which noticeably adds handling and stability during high-speed driving. Despite the car weighing an absurd 2.5 tonnes, the car always felt very predictable.

Feels

All-wheel-drive systems from AMG, or any other performance brand, are something we have gotten used to in the past years, so nothing new on that front. Nor in the way the EQE 43 delivers its power. The entry-level Mercedes-AMG EQE has a rear-biased all-wheel drive system, meaning that more torque is sent to the rear wheels than the front wheels. In normal driving conditions, the EQE 43's torque split is around 31% to the front wheels and 69% to the rear wheels.

However, the torque split can vary based on driving conditions and driver input. For example, during spirited driving or when the car detects slip, the torque split can shift to provide more power to the wheels with better traction. This ensures that the car maintains optimal grip and stability in all driving situations. Despite the obvious safety advantage of an AWD system, the rear-biased all-wheel drive system in the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 also provides a sporty driving experience when you want. Despite not being able to push all the torque backward, a slightly playful rear is present in the car.

Comfort Versus Sport

In Comfort mode, the EQE 43 provides a smooth and comfortable ride with only 85% of power available, with more emphasis on comfort and refinement than on performance. The suspension is tuned to be softer, providing a more comfortable ride over bumps and uneven surfaces on offer on Belgium roads. The steering is also lighter, making the car easier to maneuver at lower speeds.

On the other hand, Sport mode is designed for more spirited driving. The suspension is stiffer, providing a more responsive and agile ride. The steering is also heavier, providing more feedback and allowing for more precise control of the car. Additionally there’s now 90% of the power available. Only in Sport+ does the EQE offer 100% of its power.

First Step

The Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 is a promising first step into the world of high-performance electric vehicles. While it may be heavier than most electric cars, it more than makes up for it with its powerful electric motors and AMG-tuned chassis. The exterior design is striking and sporty, while the interior is a technological marvel that exudes luxury and comfort.

The driving experience is also top-notch, with the car delivering plenty of power and agility. The rear-biased all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability, while the retuned suspension and upgraded brakes make the car a joy to drive on twisty roads.

Overall, the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 manages to successfully blend the traditional AMG driving experience with the latest electric vehicle technology. It may not be the C-Class convertible with the V6 engine that I fell in love with, but it certainly lives up to the AMG name and provides a glimpse into the future of performance cars.

Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 | AMG's Electric Dawn