Drivers who like fast and powerful cars from Germany but want to be kind to the environment so far can only really choose between the Audi e-Tron GT and the Porsche Taycan. Now, there’s a third contender entering the game, and it’s called the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+. Behind that mouthful of a name hides the first production car of the Mercedes performance division. Meant to be the flagship model of the EQS lineup, it promises explosive performance figures and total luxury in one planet-friendly and sleek-looking package.

Fitted with two motors—one at the front and one at the rear axle—the EQS 53 puts down 649hp and 950Nm in its basic version. But there’s also an optional AMG Dynamic Plus package that can temporarily boost output to 751hp and 1,020Nm. That’s enough for a 0-100km/h time of just 3.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. To make sure buyers don’t feel like they’re floating silently through space, the Germans have also developed a “Sound Experience” that comes with Authentic and Performance modes. It uses special speakers, shakers and a sound generator to produce the right noises for futuristic performance driving.

Power is stored in a 107.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and careful drivers will be able to cover up to 580km between charging stops. Fast charging can be done at up to 200kW, and recuperation takes places at up to 300kW in three selectable modes, ensuring the quick Merc should never really run out of juice.

Owners can also make use of the “Mercedes me Charge” network that promises over 500,000 AC and DC charging points in 31 countries, and 336 Ionity fast-charging stations—all of which can be found through a built-in app in the MBUX system. To maximize range, the car also uses what the firm calls “Electric Intelligence,” a feature that, for example, will choose the most efficient route to a destination and even anticipate energy demand based on the terrain it is likely to encounter.

Driving comfort is maintained thanks to AMG’s Ride Control+ air suspension that uses electronically controlled active dampers and rear-axle steering. An optional ceramic high-performance compound brake system can be fitted to make sure sufficient stopping power is guaranteed even when things get a bit quicker. On the subject of which, drivers with a heavy right foot can make use of the optional AMG Track Pace feature that records all sorts of vehicle-specific data points and also lap times, letting you feel like a real racing driver on the circuit or shave precious seconds off your commute.

This being a Mercedes, it goes without saying that plenty of safety features and functions are also onboard, including crash protection for the underfloor battery pack, plenty of airbags, and all the usual driver-assistance systems. The battery itself is also using some clever charging tech that not only ensures it doesn’t overheat, but also prolongs its life up to a guaranteed 250,000km.

Inside, passengers can enjoy animal-friendly materials such as man-made leather called Artico and Microcut microfiber, while huge 21- and 22-inch wheels make sure the sleek performance limo also cuts a good figure from the outside. The AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ will hit the roads in 2022, and while prices have not been confirmed, it is estimated that the high-performance world of AMG-powered electrification will start around the €150,000 (P8.89-million) mark.