[TEST DRIVE] Mercedes proves EVs can compete on the track

Mercedes-Benz is rapidly moving toward a fully electric lineup, but the automaker isn’t leaving enthusiasts behind along the way.

Mercedes-AMG EQEs, the first two, and EQS on track [MERCEDES-BENZ KOREA]

YONGIN, Gyeonggi — Mercedes-Benz is rapidly moving toward a fully electric lineup, but the automaker isn’t leaving enthusiasts behind along the way.

For car fanatics who can't live without the dynamic driving experience that comes from the purr of the engine, the German carmaker gave the new EQE and EQS electric sedans the AMG badge, its high-performance line.

Engines growled and the smell of burnt rubber rose from the AMG Speedway recently as Mercedes rolled out the AMG EQE 53 4 Matic+ and EQS 53 4 Matic+ to the Korean press for circuit driving.

This reporter used to believe electric vehicles (EVs) could not compete with sports cars on the track. But that prejudice evaporated immediately as soon as she took the wheel of the AMG EQE for her first test drive and tapped the accelerator.

EVs are known to shake at high speeds due to suspension issues.

However, the EQE was powerful yet stable on the track.

Having driven gasoline-powered AMG models a few months ago, this reporter can say nothing was lost in terms of handling.

Making turns, accelerating and slamming on the brakes was definitely Mercedes-esque.

Interior of the Mercedes-AMG EQE sedan [MERCEDES-BENZ KOREA]

Enjoying the speed, this reporter checked the dashboard and was surprised that what felt like 80 kilometers per hour (49 miles per hour) in an ordinary car was actually 160 kilometers per hour.

The AMG EQE is the fastest EV Mercedes offering to date, going from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.5 seconds.

With 90.6 kilowatt-hours of battery power, the AMG EQE boasts a maximum of 626 horsepower and 96.9 kilogram-meters of torque. It can run 354 kilometers on a single charge.

The EQE’s AMG-dedicated air suspension comforted the ride throughout the circuit as it automatically adapted the car’s suspension to driving conditions and speed.

The interior exudes a futuristic vibe, with the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system allowing drivers to control everything via the touch screen, including the navigation system, sound volume and the conditioner.

A test drive of the AMG EQS followed.

The car seemingly differed little from the EQE in terms of design, at least at first.

However, a dramatic difference emerged as this reporter pushed the car past 200 kilometers per hour.

The EQE was quick and light until 170 kilometers per hour, but at extremely high speeds like 200 kilometers per hour, there was a bit of shake.

Mercedes-AMG EQE, left, and EQS on track [MERCEDES-BENZ KOREA]

Not so with the EQS. This reporter felt no shaking, even as she maxed out the speedometer.

Cornering was especially satisfying, producing no feelings of dizziness. This reporter felt a bit of motion sickness when driving the EQE on the curved track.

Powered by a 107.8-kilowatt-hour battery, the EQS AMG needs 3.8 seconds to go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour. It can drive 397 kilometers on a single charge.

The sticker price of the EQE AMG starts from 143.8 million won ($112,600), while the price of the EQS AMG begins from 213 million won. Neither one qualifies for subsidies from the Korean government.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]