The EQS is the first all-electric luxury saloon from Mercedes-EQ and offers a range of up to 770km. Pricing will be announced in the summer closer to the launch date.
The EQS is also the first model to be based on the modular architecture for luxury and executive-class electric vehicles.
First models on the market will be the EQS 450+ with 245 kW and the EQS 580 4MATIC with 385 kW.
As part of its Ambition 2039 initiative, Mercedes-Benz is working on offering a carbon-neutral new car fleet within 20 years from now. By as early as 2030, the company wants more than half the cars it sells to feature electric drive systems - this includes fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
In many areas, Mercedes is already thinking about tomorrow today: the new EQS is designed to be correspondingly sustainable. The vehicles are produced in a carbon-neutral manner, and resource-saving materials such as carpets made from recycled yarn are used.
Aerodynamicists, in close cooperation with the designers, were able to achieve a new cd best value of 0.20. This makes the EQS the most aerodynamic production car in the world. The operating range particularly benefits from this. It is also among the best in terms of quiet running. The very low wind noise level contributes significantly to this.
The EQS also currently sets a very good value for recuperation: Of the maximum deceleration in the DAuto recuperation program of 5 m/s², up to 3 m/s² is achieved by recuperation (2 m/s² by the wheel brakes).
This allows decelerating to a standstill without using the brake pedal, while at the same time the range benefits from this recuperation strategy and the high recuperation power (up to 290 kW.
Deceleration is also applied to detected vehicles ahead until they come to a standstill, for example at traffic lights. Intelligent energy recovery is situation-optimised with the aid of ECO Assist and acts with foresight, taking into account traffic conditions or topography, among other things. The driver also can set three energy recovery levels and the coast function via paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
With ranges up to 770km (WLTP) and an output of up to 385 kW the powertrain of the EQS also meets expectation of a progressive saloon in the S-Class segment. A performance version with up to 560 kW is being planned.
All EQS models have an electric powertrain (eATS) at the rear axle, while the versions with 4MATIC also have an eATS at the front axle.
The EQS marks the launch of a new generation of batteries with significantly higher energy density.
The larger of the two batteries has a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh. That is around 26 percent more than the EQC.
The innovative battery management software, developed in-house, allows updates over the air (OTA). In this way, the energy management system remains up to date throughout the life cycle. In terms of the cell chemistry, the cobalt content of the cathodes has been reduced to ten percent.
The EQS can be charged with up to 200 kW at fast charging stations with direct current. Power for up to another 300 kilometres (WLTP) is recharged in just 15 minutes.
At home or at public charging stations, the EQS can be charged with up to 22 kW with AC using the on-board charger. In Japan, bidirectional charging with the EQS will also be possible, i.e. charging in both directions.
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 visualisation 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 added manually are given preference in the route calculation. Proposed charging stations can be excluded. The estimated charging costs per charging stop are calculated.
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 rigorous 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 (seamless design).
The front is combined into a 'Black Panel' unit. Innovative headlights connected by a light band and the deep black radiator grille (Black Panel) form the distinctive face.
The exclusive look of the Black Panel radiator grille with central Mercedes star can be enhanced still further: as an optional extra, they are also available with a three-dimensional star pattern. This so-called Mercedes-Benz pattern is available in conjunction with AMG Line Exterior or Electric Art Exterior. The design picks up on the original star of the Daimler-Motorengesellschaft, which was registered as a trademark in 1911.
The EQS is the first Mercedes to offer the option of activating completely new vehicle functions via over-the-air updates (OTA) in many functional areas.
Available from launch: two special driving programs for young drivers and service staff, some little 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.
With ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL PLUS, Mercedes-Benz is taking a comprehensive approach to air quality in the EQS. The system is based on filtration, sensors, a display concept and air conditioning. The HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter has a very high filtration level that enables it to trap fine particles, micro-particles, pollen and other substances that enter with the outside air. Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and odours are also reduced thanks to an activated charcoal coating.
As an option, the EQS has automatic comfort doors at the front and rear. When the driver approaches the car, first of all the door handles extend. As he or she approaches further, the driver's door opens automatically. Using MBUX, the driver is also able to open the rear doors, for example, to let in children in front of the school.
The EQS has up to 350 sensors, depending on the equipment. These record distances, speeds and accelerations, lighting conditions, precipitation and temperatures, seat occupancy as well as the driver's blink of an eye or the passengers' speech.
The standard rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees contributes to the handy 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 by an upgrade over the air (OTA).
Thanks to powerful sensors that monitor the vehicle's surroundings, the parking systems can help the driver with manoeuvring in many areas. The driver can park and unpark the car via smartphone using Remote Parking Assist.
The revolutionary DIGITAL LIGHT headlamp technology (standard from Advanced Plus equipment level) enables guide markings or warning symbols to be projected onto the road.
With the optional DRIVE PILOT, the EQS will be able to drive in conditionally automated mode at up to 60 km/h where traffic density is high or in tailbacks on suitable motorway sections, initially in Germany. By relieving the pressure on the driver, the system enables him or her to undertake secondary activities[8] such as browsing on the internet or dealing with emails in the In-Car Office, and so gain extra time.
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 sit under a cover glass and appear to merge into one. The 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger gives him or her their own display and control area. The entertainment functions are only available there 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.
The latest generation of driver assistance systems includes numerous driver support functions. New, for example, is the additional microsleep warning from ATTENTION ASSIST. It analyses the driver's eyelid movements through a camera on the driver's display (only in conjunction with MBUX Hyperscreen). The assistance display within the driver's display shows the operation of the driving assistance systems in a comprehensible full-screen view.
Like all other Mercedes, the EQS features a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and state-of-the-art restraint systems. PRE-SAFE® is standard. The fact that the EQS is based on an all-electric architecture also opened up new design possibilities for its safety concept.
It meant, for example, that a favourable location could be chosen for the installation of the battery, in a crash-protected area in the underbody. And because there is no large engine block on board, the behaviour in a frontal crash could be modelled even better. In addition to the standard crash tests, the car's performance in various additional load situations was verified and extensive component tests carried out at the Vehicle Safety Technology Centre (TFS).
