The EQS is the first all-electric luxury sedan from Mercedes-EQ. With it, Mercedes-EQ is redefining this vehicle segment. The EQS is also the first model to be based on the modular architecture for luxury and executive-class electric vehicles. Fusing technology, design, functionality and connectivity, the EQS is designed to delight both drivers and passengers. The first models being introduced to the U.S. market will be the EQS 450+ with 329 hp and the EQS 580 4MATIC with 516 hp.
As part of its 2039 initiative, Mercedes-Benz is working on offering a carbon-neutral new car fleet within 20 years from now. By the end of the decade, Mercedes wants more than half the cars it sells to be either fully electric or plug-in hybrids. The new EQS is designed with sustainability in mind. The vehicles are produced in a carbon-neutral manner, with resource-saving materials such as carpets made from recycled yarn.
The EQS the most aerodynamic production car in the world with a cd of 0.202. The operating range particularly benefits from this. It is also among the best in terms of quiet running thanks to the decreased wind noise level. With ranges up to 770 kilometers (with the 108 kWh battery pack) and an output of up to 516 hp, the powertrain of the EQS meets every expectation of a progressive sedan in the S-Class segment. An AMG performance version with up to 630 hp is being planned.
The EQS can be charged with up to 200 kW at fast charging stations with direct current. This will allow owners to add 300 kilometers of charge in just 15 minutes. At home, the EQS can be conveniently charged with AC using the on-board charger. Mercedes plans to add a Tesla style plug and play charging experience, where driver can simply drive to the appropriate charging station, open the flap, plug in and the current starts flowing.
Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors and reacts dynamically to traffic jams or a change in driving style, for example. A new feature of the EQS is a visualization in the infotainment system (MBUX Mercedes-Benz User Experience) showing whether the available battery capacity is sufficient to return to the starting point without charging. Charging stations along the route that have been favorited are given preference in the route calculation while certain charging stations can be excluded, if selected by the driver. Additionally, the estimated charging costs per charging stop are calculated for the driver.
Although the EQS is a close relative of the new S-Class, it is built on an all-electric architecture. This completely new concept made a Purpose Design possible: with its one-bow lines and cab-forward design with fastback, the EQS is clearly distinguishable from vehicles with combustion engines, even at first glance. The design philosophy of Sensual Purity, combined with Progressive Luxury, is reflected in generously sculpted surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions.
The EQS is the first Mercedes to offer the option of activating completely new vehicle functions via over-the- air updates in many functional areas. Available from launch: two special driving programs, games and the demo program “The Best or Nothing”. This means that, following the purchase and the initial new-car configuration, some of the features of the EQS can be adapted according to personal preferences. It will also be possible to unlock the rear axle steering with the larger steering angle of ten degrees. In addition to the classic purchase of individual functions, subscriptions, temporary activations and free test phases are also planned. In other words, Mercedes is trying to out Tesla, Tesla.
Those of us coming from the Tesla Model X will love the EQS automatic comfort doors at the front and rear. When the driver approaches the car, the door handles extend, then as they approach further, the driver’s door opens automatically. Once the brake pedal is depressed the driver’s door then close automatically. Using MBUX, the driver is also able to open the passenger and rear doors, for example, to let in children in front of school.
The standard rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees contributes to the agile and dynamic impression of the EQS. Alternatively, rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to ten degrees can be ordered or subsequently activated via an over the air upgrade. This enables a turning circle of 35.7 feet for the EQS, which is over 16 feet long. This is equivalent to the turning circle of many models in the compact class. The respective rear-axle angles and trajectories are shown in the driving mode menu in the central display.
The MBUX Hyperscreen is the absolute highlight in the interior. This large, curved screen unit sweeps almost from A-pillar to A-pillar. Three screens appear to merge into one as they sit under a single glass cover. The 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger gives them their own display and control area. The entertainment functions are only available while the car is being driven in accordance with the country- specific legal regulations. Mercedes-EQ relies on an intelligent, camera-based locking logic: if the camera detects that the driver is looking at the front passenger display, it is automatically dimmed to prevent driver distraction.
With adaptive software, MBUX adapts completely to its user and makes personalized suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. With the zero layer, the most important applications are always offered on the top level within the field of vision, according to situation and context.
The latest generation of driver assistance systems includes numerous driver support functions. New, for example, is the additional microsleep warning from ATTENTION ASSIST. It analyzes the driver’s eyelid movements through a camera on the driver’s display. The assistance display within the driver’s display shows the operation of the driving assistance systems in a comprehensible full-screen view.