Tesla-hunting is the plan for the three-pointed star.
The 2022 EQS will be Mercedes-Benz’s first luxury electric vehicle, nine years after the Tesla Model S proved that electric cars can be fashionable and desirable. The futuristic EQS, which will be available at US dealers in the fall, has an estimated WLTP range that is 770 km (478 miles), surpassing all other electric vehicles currently on sale here. The EQS is not a Mercedes-Benz in every metric.
The big Benz is more than just a headline-grabbing EV model. It also has a bold design statement and a highly technologically advanced interior. The full-size sedan is the company’s electric flagship and features a record-breaking 0.20 drag coefficient. The MBUX Hyperscreen is also first to be used in this large glass dashboard, which includes three information displays: an instrument cluster, center infotainment centre, and an auxiliary passenger-side touchscreen.
Running long distances
There are two versions of the 2022 Mercedes EQS. Both receive energy from a 108.7-kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery. Base model is the EQS 450+. It features a single motor on the rear axle that produces 329 horsepower and 406 pound feet (245 kilowatts, 550 newton meters). The EQS580 4MATIC is an all-wheel-drive model thanks to a front-mounted electric motor. The total system output is 516 horsepower and 611 lbft (385kW and 828Nm), which allows for a 4.1 second sprint to 60 mph. EPA Range Isn’t As Optimistic: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Gets 350-Mile EPA Range Rating
The EQS family’s range per battery is likely to be of greater interest to EV owners. Mercedes-Benz claims that it can expect 770 km (or 478 mi) using the WLTP standard. The Tesla Model S long range is 379 miles. The Benz’s outstanding aerodynamic efficiency and large battery help extend driving range between stops. The Mercedes EQS has the highest drag coefficient ever, 0.20. This is a remarkable achievement considering that it does not resort to wheel spats and winglets to glide through air.
The EQS can charge up to 10 to 80 percent in as little as 35 minutes using 110-kW DC fast charger. A 240-volt household wallbox can complete the task in just over 11 hours. This is ideal for an overnight power boost. Mercedes-Benz is likely to partner with a public charger before the EQS hits dealers. This will give potential owners a challenger to Tesla’s well-integrated Supercharging network.
Future-Proofing Designs
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS’s styling is a departure from all other products of the company. This deliberate choice establishes EQ products to be something unrivalled. Designers moved the hoodline and windshield forward to make the sedan’s all-electric design more aerodynamic. An arched roofline, liftback and rear quarter windows look like they were taken directly from the GLE Coupe – create Mercedes’ “one-bow” shape. This is created from a body line that extends from the front wheel arch to the tail of EQS.
Mercedes-Benz claims that “body creases” have been discarded by the company and the EV has a very clean design. The sedan’s clamshell hood extends to the wheels and a shoulder bulge runs the length of it. This helps keep the body from appearing flat-sided. The rocker panel has a subtle crease that adds visual interest. However, the body doesn’t have too many accents to distract from its “Progressive Luxe” design philosophy. Designers redid all their work by adding a distracting windshield washer fluid liquid door to the front left side fender. This is necessary because the hood stays in place unless it’s removed by Mercedes technicians.
A large Mercedes badge is located on the front. It’s engraved into the surfacing with three-pointed stars. The three tiny LED accents at each headlight call out the other Mercedes S family vehicles, the SClass sedan or GLS SUV. A full-width LED strip connects the headlamps to the hood’s leading edge. Mercedes claims that the taillights have a surprise-and-delight design with their helix design. This is based on the visible coils in an antique light bulb.
It’s a bit odd to see a one-box design on such a high-end vehicle. We wonder if consumers will not associate these proportions with the 2001 Chrysler Concorde. The EQS’ imposing dimensions, tapered greenhouse and muscular rear hips and frameless doors windows will set it apart from other cab-forward EVs and luxury EVs. We appreciate the fact that the company did not adhere to traditional internal-combustion design rules and used its electric vehicle platform for a large interior.
A rolling screening room
The EQS’ most distinctive trait will be its tech-forward cabin. The MBUX Hyperscreen, which measures 56 inches wide and houses three OLED displays, is the centerpiece of the experience. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is located in front of the driver. The 17.7-inch central touchscreen handles most infotainment tasks. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is also available for the passenger. This screen is protected from the driver’s (and distracted) eyes via a camera system. It monitors distractions and disables that unit if the driver is too distracted.
The co-pilot can activate heating, massage, ventilation, and lighting for the driver and front passenger if the captain is still looking ahead. They can also adjust climate, ambient lighting, audio settings, and adjust climate. A Bluetooth headset can be used by the passenger to play their music and provide suggestions for navigation to the driver.
Although it sounds overwhelming, Mercedes tried to make this less intimidating by incorporating a “zero” layer into its MBUX infotainment software. This mode displays a full-screen map on the center screen, with augmented settings in the top left corner and a fixed audio control at the bottom. Artificial intelligence allows the EQS to learn more about the driver’s schedule and preferences, and suggest MBUX functions using small tiles overlayed on the map display. MBUX can suggest that the driver calls someone every day after leaving the office.
The zero layer will allow less tech-savvy drivers to simply climb aboard the car and begin their journey. It also allows them to adjust the infotainment system to their hearts’ content. For the true Luddites, Mercedes will offer a traditional single 12.8 inch, portrait-oriented centre touchscreen on its EQS 450. This will be paired with a 12.3-inch digital cluster.
Spacing out
One obvious advantage of the EQS’ unusual shape is its incredible interior space. Mercedes has not yet published official measurements, but it would be no surprise if the luxurious EV was larger than an S-Class interior. Curiously, despite the EV not having an engine or transmission the dashboard is quite high. This gives the front row a comfortable feel. Wood trim is a rare feature on models with Hyperscreen. It can be found on the console storage cover with leather, soft-touch material, and microfiber suede elsewhere.
The door handle nacelles and Hyperscreen “float” above the door panels and dash, with ambient accent lighting around the rim. The Hyperscreen’s door panel cutouts allow it to blend seamlessly with the front seat occupants. The vents, screen surround and door panels are finished in rose-toned metal trim, which is a stylish touch that makes the Hyperscreen look very premium.
The only available configuration is a rear bench seat. There’s no Maybach-style central console. However, the EQS retains many of its gas powered sibling’s luxury features when it’s equipped with the Executive Rear Seat package. The bench seat’s armrest can be folded down to reveal the removable MBUX tablet. This tablet acts as a remote control for two 12.3-inch screens that are mounted on the front seatbacks. You also get rapid heating and massage for your rear seats with the package. A four-seat configuration is likely to feel more luxurious to Mercedes’ higher-end customers. However, the back of an EQS isn’t much to complain about.
A large luggage compartment is located under the rear powered hatch. It has 60/40 folding rear chairs that can be folded down further, increasing its capacity. Although we are still waiting for final specifications, the naked eye can see that there is more space in the cargo area than any luxury EV. The EQS does not have a frunk.
Technological marvels
The EQS, like the new SClass places a strong emphasis on driver-assist technology and convenience technology. MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation, which overlays driving directions on a video showing the road ahead, is a standard feature. The electric sedan comes with an optional AR head up display. This allows the navigation prompts to be projected onto the windshield and into the driver’s view. This is a great benefit for people who are as directionally challenged.
Mercedes-Benz’s entire suite of active driver-assistance technologies is included on the EQS. This includes Distronic adaptive cruise controller, steering assistance with automatic lane changes and automatic emergency braking in case of forward, rear and cross-traffic collisions. The EQS will automatically intervene if you make a left turn and the road is clear. Pre-Safe Impulse Side technology increases the EQS’s height by approximately 2.8 inches in the event of a collision. This ensures that more forces are distributed throughout the car’s frame and not to the passengers.
A Power Nap function can help ease stress on long road trips with this large sedan. Power Nap can be activated to recline the front seats and close the panoramic sunroof and window shades. It also plays soothing sounds that drown out outside distractions. Power Nap activates ambient lighting, and returns the seats to their original position after a predetermined time.
An optional HEPA filter, and an air quality sensor for cabin and external air, are another oddly timely feature in today’s world. The Energizing Air Control function on the center screen allows the driver to check the status of the system, including any differences in quality between the cabin and the outside. As certified by OFI, the filter is also effective against bacteria and viruses.
Soon, a red carpet near you is coming soon
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS will be available at US dealerships in the latter part of this year. Pricing and official EPA dimensions as well as EV range numbers will be announced soon. Mercedes representatives said that the EQS could be as valuable as the S-Class, with a starting price around $110,000 for the EQS 450+ or $120,000 for EQS 580. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a $150,000 EQS fully loaded.
The Mercedes EQS will be competing with the flagship Lucid Air Grand Touring (131,500), Tesla Model S Plaid (119,990) and several variations of the Porsche Taycan. The Taycan is priced at $79,900 while the Model S Long Range costs $90 more. For $69,900, the base Lucid Air Pure is available.
The EQS’s value depends on the features you are looking for in your electric vehicle. The badge imparts some front-row-at-the-valet panache, while its huge interior should make it attractive to eco-minded VIPs looking for a chauffeured experience. Your author is one of those who enjoys its futuristic, unconventional styling. We will soon be driving the EQS, and can’t wait for Mercedes Benz’s brand new EV luxury.