The new Mercedes EQS luxury saloon is the most premium electric model from the three-pointed star and shows that an electric future is not just imminent, it’s coming in live and across segments.
The Mercedes-EQ sub-brand has been steadily gaining momentum with the EQC SUV, EQV, EQA SUV, and EQS Sedan, which was soon followed by the EQB SUV as well, with an EQS SUV, EQE Saloon and SUV, EQT and EQG also in the pipeline. The new Mercedes EQS, however, has now been shown in production form in two guises to begin with: 450+ and 580 4MATIC.
Mercedes EQS
A full-bodied luxury saloon, the Mercedes EQS has a swooping four-door coupé silhouette that, belying its proportions, offers a whole host of comforts and technical wizardry within. This S-Class of electric vehicles has a drag coefficient of 0.20, making it the world’s most aerodynamic production car. The EQS measures 5.2 metres long and 1.9 metres wide, allowing for a spacious interior. Inside, it brings several Mercedes-firsts with it, including the new MBUX Hyperscreen that revolutionizes the in-car experience with intuitive assistance.
New MBUX Hyperscreen interface
Some of the EQS’ many features include optional automatic comfort doors. The driver may choose to open the rear doors remotely via MBUX. The EQS gets standard rear-axle steering for improved manoeuvrability and cornering. It also gets advanced packages that bring keyless go, ultrasound sensors, and a 360° view, among other goodies. Inside, the ambient lighting, advanced HEPA cabin filtration, and Burmester premium sound are among the several features present.
Coming to the powertrains, the initial EQS 450+ sees a 90-kWh battery pack powering a rear-mounted 245-kW electric motor. The output of 333 hp and 568 Nm is delivered to the rear wheels. The range on offer is up to 770 kilometres. The more powerful, all-wheel-drive EQS 580 4MATIC packs a larger battery pack with 107.8 kWh usable. With a motor each at the front and the rear, good for a combined 385 kW (523 hp) and 885 Nm, the EQS 580 4MATIC should make for effortless motoring. Furthermore, Mercedes announced a high-performance — perhaps an AMG-ed EQ — with up to 560 kW (761 hp). Clearly, they have the Porsche Taycan Turbo S in their sights with that one.
The Mercedes EQS is among the most stunning examples of what electric mobility can truly be. With a network of Ionity chargers, long range, and the growing high-speed connectivity network making the Internet of Things (IoT) a reality, the future is clearly still taking shape.
