Mercedes-Benz is known for its luxury and performance, but also for its conservative and traditional design. However, the German automaker is changing its tune with its new EQS electric sedan, which aims to challenge the likes of Tesla and Lucid with a sleek and futuristic shape.
The EQS is the first to use Mercedes’ electric platform, enabling flexibility and efficiency in packaging and aerodynamics.
Unlike the company’s previous EVs, such as the EQC crossover and the EQA hatchback, which were based on existing internal combustion models and had to compromise on space and weight, the EQS is designed from the ground up as an electric car.
This means that the EQS can have a lower and longer profile, a shorter front overhang, a larger wheelbase, and a spacious and luxurious interior. The EQS also boasts a drag coefficient of 0.20, which Mercedes claims is the lowest of any production car in the world. This helps to reduce wind resistance and improve range and performance.
The EQS is expected to offer two battery options, with capacities of 90 kWh and 107.8 kWh, and a range of up to 478 miles on the European WLTP cycle. The power output will vary depending on the configuration, but the most potent version will have 516 horsepower and 611 pound-feet of torque, and will be able to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The EQS will also support fast charging of up to 200 kW, which can add 186 miles of range in 15 minutes.
The EQS is not only a technological marvel, but also a stylistic statement.
Mercedes has ditched the conventional grille and headlights for a sleek and seamless front fascia, with a black panel that houses a digital light system and a three-pointed star logo. The side profile is smooth and elegant, with a coupe-like roofline and flush door handles. The rear end is equally striking, with a full-width LED light bar and a sculpted trunk lid.
The EQS interior is impressive with a futuristic design and a huge 56-inch hyperscreen.
It includes three OLED displays for various functions, a head-up display, a Burmester sound system, a sunroof, and a fragrance dispenser. The EQS is also loaded with advanced features and technologies, such as the MBUX voice assistant, the augmented reality navigation, the adaptive air suspension, the rear-wheel steering, the active noise cancellation, and the level 3 autonomous driving capability. It also has a range of safety and driver assistance systems, such as the blind spot assist, the lane keeping assist, the adaptive cruise control, the emergency braking assist, and the surround view camera.
The EQS will launch in the U.S. this year, priced at $100,000. It will rival luxury electric sedans like the Tesla Model S, Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, and Audi e-tron GT. Mercedes is making a bold move with the EQS, showing their commitment to innovation and excellence.
Related posts:
Mercedes Doesn’t Want Its EVs to Be Shaped Like Eggs Anymore
Mercedes’ new EQS looks a lot more like an S-Class (engadget.com)
What’s Ahead for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS (caranddriver.com)
