The inventor of the modern automobile revealed a new, battery powered luxury saloon yesterday, called the Mercedes-Benz EQS. This is the very first of its kind and sets the tone for all others that wish to compete at this end of the market. According to a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz South Africa the earliest we can expect the see the new models locally will be the very end of 2022.

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Sleek and stylish

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the latest model to join the EQ family of all-electric vehicles on offer from the Three-Pointed Star. We’ve already covered the small EQA250 SUV and the larger EQC400. 

This latest EQ is a sleek saloon in the same mold as the S-Class saloon. It is based on a completely new platform that will be used in future all-electric models. It has been designed to be battery powered from the get-go, which helps to explain the sleek profile. Aerodynamicists and designers have achieved a cd value of 0,20. This makes the EQS the most aerodynamic production car in the world. 

High-tech interior

The modern, high-tech approach continues into the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz EQS. From the front seats occupants are faced with the (optional) hyperscreen. A cabin-wide piece of glass covers three OLED displays: a 12,3-inch instrument cluster, a 17,7-inch centre screen, and a 12,3-inch display for the passenger. 

Autonomous driving (in certain markets) at speeds of up to 60 km/h is one of the key new features being rolled out with the EQS saloons. An intelligent on-board computer plots routes based on real-time traffic conditions and topography, among other things to maximise battery charge as well as to recuperate energy from the braking system. Speaking of energy…

Electric power

Mercedes-Benz EQS powertrain

At the time of introduction there will be two Mercedes-Benz EQS derivatives called the EQS450+ and EQS580 4Matic. Both feature an electric motor on the rear axle while the 580 version adds another for the front wheels, making it all-wheel-drive.

The 450+ has 245 kW and 568 N.m of torque which allows it to accelerate from rest to standstill in 6,2 seconds. The range-leader has a combined power output of 385 kW with 855 N.m of twist effort. It can dispatch the benchmark sprint in 4,3 seconds. Both cars are limited to a top speed of 210 km/h. Mercedes’ press info says the cars have a maximum range of up to 770 km on a single charge. A performance version of the EQS, probably with an AMG badge will have up to 560 kW. 

A standard rear-axle steering system has up to 4.5 degrees of rear-wheel steer to make the over-five-metre long EQS feel more nimble and manoeuvrable. An optional system allows up to ten degrees of angle on the rear wheels enabling a turning circle of 10,9 metres for the EQS, which is about the same as a C-Class.

Optional extras

As you can probably imagine, Mercedes-Benz EQS models have an extensive options list. Among these are doors that open and close electronically, an “Executive Rear Seat Package” with massaging seats and a tablet. gesture control that lets you do things like close the doors by waving your hands. The list goes on and on.

Learn more about the Mercedes-Benz EQS in the video below.