Mercedes-AMG EQS article highlights:

• AMG turns the 2022 Mercedes EQS into its first EV and its most powerful road car yet
• The 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS isn’t just faster than the regular model—it handles like a true sports sedan
• With an estimated $150,000 starting price, the AMG EQS is considerably more expensive, but the extra performance and standard features might be worth it

AMG’s internal-combustion cull has kicked off with its cheapest model, the A35. But though Mercedes-Benz’s performance division is transitioning away from pure ICE cars, it’s replacing them with electrified ones. And with rivals like the Porsche Taycan GTS coming in, AMG’s EVs can’t afford to mess around. However, if the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS is anything to go by, the brand’s fans have nothing to worry about.

The 2022 Mercedes EQS is the first EV to get the AMG performance treatment

It’s here: AMG’s first pure production EV, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS. At first glance, it seems little different than the regular EQS models, minus some aero aids and new wheels. It has the same usable battery capacity, 107.8 kWh, too. And like the EQS 580, dual electric motors, and AWD. However, AMG upgraded quite a bit underneath the Mercedes EQS’s skin.

Firstly, the Mercedes-AMG EQS has different motors than the other two models, with unique internals and software, Roadshow reports. As a result, this isn’t just AMG’s first all-electric sports sedan, it’s the tuner’s most powerful road car ever. With launch control, it makes 31 more horsepower than the bonkers AMG GT Black Series.

Secondly, while it has a single-speed transmission like the EQS 450 and 580, the AMG version has a taller gear ratio. So, it tops out at 155 mph rather than 130 mph, MotorTrend explains. Also, while its battery pack is the same size, the AMG EQS’s pack has a different management system and wiring setup. As a result, it can discharge and recharge faster and handle more regenerative braking energy.

And those are just the electric powertrain-specific upgrades.

AMG made sure the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS can stop, turn, and luxury as well as it sprints

The Mercedes-AMG EQS has bigger front brakes and offers optional carbon-ceramic ones. Those bigger brakes are housed in larger wheels wrapped in performance tires. Furthermore, while the AMG EQS has AWD like the EQS 580, AMG re-tuned it, as well as the standard rear-wheel steering system.

In addition, AMG tweaked “every component” of the adaptive air suspension, from the shocks to the control arms, Roadshow adds. It also ditched the EQS 450’s and 580’s Eco driving mode. But it added two more in its place: Slipper and Sport+.

Inside, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS only differs from the standard models in a few minor areas. The luxury electric sports sedan gets a Nappa-leather-trimmed AMG steering wheel, well-bolstered sport seats, and some extra performance displays. But considering how luxurious the regular EQS is, the performance model didn’t exactly need to add much else.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS is an electrifying sports sedan that lives up to its badge

Given that it’s noticeably more powerful than the regular EQS, you’d expect the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS to be faster. And it is, especially if you’re in one of the Sport modes and use the ‘Race Start’ launch control. However, you expect savage acceleration from an AMG production. What’s “really surprising,” Roadshow says, is what happens once the road turns twisty.

Admittedly, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS doesn’t feel quite as nimble as the Lucid Air with the latter’s lower seats and “airier greenhouse,” MotorTrend reports. But considering the hot-rod EQS weighs almost three tons, it’s incredibly nimble. And though it rides somewhat firmly, it’s only in Sport+ mode that it starts feeling brittle. Otherwise, it’s just as compliant as the Rolls-Royce-like EQS 580 and 450, though with the added benefit of less body roll. Plus, it feels just as stable and substantial as AMG’s past products.

Something the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS could do without is the EQS’s regen-level-linked moving brake pedal. However, the brakes themselves are strong, and the system seamlessly balances the hand-off point between friction and regeneration. Also, the AMG EV has more brake-pedal feedback than the regular one, MotorTrend adds.

Furthermore, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS does ambiance just as well, if not better than the standard EQS. AMG gave its version of the luxury sedan different door lock, indicator, and ambient-noise ‘soundscape’ sounds. One of the latter options, fittingly called ‘Powerful,’ makes the sports sedan sound like “an Imperial landspeeder from Star Wars,” Roadshow reports.

Finally, because it’s basically an electric S-Class, the AMG EQS feels appropriately luxurious inside. Being the highest EQS trim, it’s loaded with standard options. Those sport seats are heated, ventilated, and massaging, for one. The electric sports sedan also gets heated rear seats, a full ADAS suite, a Burmester 3D audio system, and the EQS’s 56” Hyperscreen system with augmented-reality MBUX infotainment and navigation.

Is it worth getting the AMG version over the regular one?

As of this writing, Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing details for the 2022 AMG EQS. However, MotorTrend and Roadshow estimate a starting price of about $150,000. For comparison, the 2022 EQS 450 starts at $102,310.

Considering how good the regular Mercedes-Benz EQS is, spending an extra $45,000-$50,000 is arguably unnecessary. Though to be fair, part of the extra cash goes to standard features that are otherwise optional, Roadshow notes. And there are other premium EVs that offer similar levels of performance for less money, such as the Taycan and Lucid Air.

As with any other AMG car, the value proposition question is best answered by putting your foot on the gas pedal. And keep in mind, much like BMW doesn’t do an M 7 Series, AMG doesn’t make a hot-rod S-Class. Or at least, it didn’t until now. It might not burn gas, but the 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS proves that the tuner can make electric speed just as exhilarating.

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