Navigating the Electric Era: Can AMG’s Legacy Survive in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV?

Exploring the Challenges Faced by AMG as it Adapts to the Electric Revolution

In the midst of my week-long exploration behind the wheel of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV, one question lingered persistently: What exactly does AMG signify in the burgeoning age of electric vehicles? The experience with this midsize electric crossover left me contemplating a fusion of increased power, reduced range, adorned with AMG badges, some sportier aesthetics, and a substantially higher price tag. A departure from the robust performance upgrades typical of the AMGs of yesteryears has me questioning how AMG retains its allure in the realm of electron-powered vehicles.

Electric Power, Limited Real-World Impact:
While the AMG EQE SUV boasts higher power than its standard counterparts, the enhancement appears more theoretical than practical. The boosted 617 horsepower and 701 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of upgraded electric motors, do little to revolutionize real-world performance. An optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package, for an additional $4,000, elevates power output to 677 hp and 738 lb-ft but only accessible in Race Start mode. However, this heightened power feels confined to controlled environments, contributing to a less-than-thrilling acceleration experience compared to electric rivals like Tesla, Lucid, and Rivian.

Braking Quandaries and Handling Nuances:
Despite brake upgrades, the AMG EQE SUV grapples with an unsettling regenerative braking system. The abrupt shift in pedal sensation and unpredictable engagement of friction braking pose challenges. Acknowledging these issues, Mercedes plans to revise the braking system in 2024 EQ models, although clarity on when this improvement will extend to AMG variants remains uncertain. The handling dynamics, while improved with a firmer suspension, fall short of the responsive feel associated with traditional AMG gas SUVs.

Visual Upgrades and Identity Challenges:
Identifying the AMG EQE SUV demands a discerning eye, with subtle changes like a distinctive grille and exclusive Y-spoke wheels. The absence of the trademark quad square exhaust tips reflects the departure from conventional AMG cues. Inside, the Hyperscreen digital dash dominates, combining multiple displays under a single glass pane. However, the emphasis on technology compromises the sporty ambiance, exemplified by the somewhat lackluster AMG sport seats and an interior design that feels halfway committed to performance aesthetics.

The AMG Formula Lost in Transition:
The shift to electric power seems to dilute the traditional AMG formula, evident in subdued power, unremarkable sportiness, and uninspiring performance specifications. With an EPA-rated range of only 235 miles and a price tag reaching $130,850 for the tested model, the AMG EQE SUV faces formidable competition from electric alternatives offering superior range and capabilities at a lower cost. The critical question persists: Can AMG’s legacy endure in an era where the iconic V-8’s fire and fury are replaced by electric efficiency?

As the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV grapples with identity challenges and strives to embody the spirit of AMG in an electric landscape, it becomes evident that the transition to electric power demands more than just the addition of an AMG badge.