The Mercedes EQS is the latest EV by the storied luxury automaker that’s surely going to bring some much-needed competition to Tesla. The newest sub-brand under the Mercedes umbrella, Mercedes-EQ, focuses on creating pure electric vehicles. Those will, of course, come to include electrified SUVs, such as the EQB that recently debuted online. The Mercedes EQS looks totally different from any other Mercedes saloon on sale. Rather than a long flat bonnet and a rounded roofline like an S-Class, the whole car looks like one great big curve – especially from the side, and the pop-out door handles really add to this smooth look. However, that S at the end does mean that it is the brand’s equivalent of the legendary Mercedes S-Class in terms of luxury and its position within the model hierarchy. Two models will be coming to the U.S. market: the EQS 450+ and the more potent EQS 580 4MATIC.
The EQS 450+ features an electric motor mounted on its rear axle that generates 329 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The EQS580 4Matic has an electric motor on each axle, which translates to an all-wheel drive and a total system output of 516 horsepower and 611 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes estimates the rear-drive variant will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Opting for the more powerful all-wheel-drive model is said to drop the zero-to-60-mph time to 4.1 seconds.
Both EQS models get their power supply from a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of 107.8 kWh. While Mercedes hasn't released the sedan's EPA-rated driving range, the automaker estimates it'll be good for about 478 miles based on the less-taxing European WLTP test cycle. We expect the more conservative EPA-rated number to exceed 300 miles of range. Along with the ability to charge the battery from 10 to 100 per cent in approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes using a 240-volt (Level 2) charger.
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 new EQS is a smidge longer and a bit taller than the S-Class, too. So it should feel even roomier inside – even more so with the optional panoramic glass roof fitted. You can choose from a range of eight different colour combinations for the interior, and there are 190 customisable LEDs dotted around the cabin for you to play with.
The 2022 EQS will be available in two different trim levels, Mercedes hasn't announced pricing for either one yet. The expected starting price will align with the S-class lineup and open just below the six-figure mark, but that's educated speculation until there is some official information, which will be out before the EQS goes on sale this fall.
