After electrifying most of its range, Mercedes has now let its AMG performance arm loose on the EQE - its mid-size EV saloon, that we first drove back in 2022.  

Outside, the EQE's cab-forward styling is toughened up with a lowered stance, more aggressive front bumper with splitter, and sealed grille with horizontal chrome trims. At the side there are 21in alloys finished in matt black on our Night Edition car, with gold brake callipers hidden behind, with an AMG-specific rear apron with splitter and a small boot spoiler finishing the look. The regular EQE isn't unattractive, but it doesn't stand out - this is not the case with the AMG version! Inside, the soft black leather trim on the sports seats, plus carbon and suede trim fitted to the AMG EQE 53, certainly adds to the feeling that you're driving a special and fast Mercedes. On top of the excellent 12.8in central touchscreen, running Mercedes' latest MBUX infotainment system, our car was fitted with the optional extra Hyperscreen on the passenger side. Frankly, we're not sure that the extra screen is useful enough to warrant this package's eye-watering £6,990 price. However, the Hyperscreen package also includes useful items such as the augmented navigation head-up display!  

Inside, apart from the 'AMG' logos, the seats are unchanged from the standard EQE, but they're supportive and can be heated or cooled. Elsewhere, the driving position is comfortable and multi-adjustable. Move to the back, and like with the regular EQE, legroom levels almost feel limo-like - with plenty of room for three adults, although the glass sunroof fitted to our test car robs headroom. With 430 litres of boot space, rivals such as the Tesla Model S are bigger - although it is a practical space.

The EQE 53 might use the same 90.6kWh battery as the EQE 350+, but that's where the similarities end, as the EQE 53 uses AMG-specific electric motors that can handle more current. Peak power depends on the mode this Mercedes is in, but starts at 308hp in 'Slippery,' then goes up to 493hp in 'Comfort,' and a frankly unbelievable 555hp in 'Sport,' with the full-fat 617hp only in Sport+. Unless you're going near a German autobahn, or a track, you'll only use about a quarter of this EQE's performance. At 3.4 seconds, 0-60mph acceleration is equally urgent, and entirely believable considering the way this takes off from a standstill. There's no engine noise, but in the higher performance modes, your senses are assaulted by synthetic sounds that add to the feel. This figure drops to 3.2 seconds when fitted with the Dynamic Plus Package (which our test car had), and the power increases further to 677hp, with an  overboost function.

Top speed is a licence-losing 155mph, but Mercedes claims a range of 280 miles. However, in everyday use, this was closer to 220 miles. Talking about charging, with rates up to 200kW, the EQE doesn't work that well with home charging. Yet, it's still possible to go from 10-80% charge in just 32 minutes, via a 170kW rapid public charger.  Behind the steering wheel, along with the chunky set of paddles for recuperation, the EQE 53 adds magnetos for selecting the different modes, feeling happiest in Comfort mode, where you can make the most of the impressively composed ride.

Talking about the ride, even with 21in alloy wheels as standard and a lowered stance, with standard air suspension the ride remains generally comfortable and composed - although it thumps on country roads. More impressive is the way the EQE 53 changes direction - which is precise and virtually without roll. Although the standard rear-wheel steer helps here. The ceramic brakes too, are impressively strong. 

The AMG makeover gives the EQE much-needed character. Elsewhere it impresses with high levels of refinement, comfort, and performance.

Mercedes AMG EQE 53