8 Things We Know So Far About The Mercedes-Benz EQS EV
Giancarlo Perlas April 2, 2021
New details emerged from the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS ahead of its official launch in Europe in August. The new teaser from its maker also reveals more about the new electric vehicle that sets it apart from its competitors.
Here is a rundown on the latest features of the EQS as revealed by Mercedes:
1. Range
First off, the German automaker confirmed that the EQS will indeed get more than 700 km electric range at full charge. In fact, its WLTP figures are at 770 km (478 miles).
2. Power
The EQS will be available in various trims. Up to 12 variants are expected to come out of it. The base model with rear-wheel-drive configuration is capable of 329 hp while the higher-trim all-wheel-drive version will have up to 516 hp. The numbers don’t include the planned high-performance unit yet, which would probably bear the AMG badge.
The 516 hp trim promises a 0-100 km/h acceleration in mere 4.3 seconds while the base RWD trim could accomplish that in 6.3 seconds. The top speed for both is capped at 210 km/h.
3. Battery Storage
The battery pack of the car has 107.8 kWh of usable storage, which is 26 percent up compared to the EQC. It comes with an innovative battery management software that can be updated over the air (OTA). The system allows up to 200 kW from fast-charging stations good for around 39 percent of energy in just 15 minutes. An “Eco Charging” program is available as well to help the battery reduce its load during charging and slow down its natural wear and aging.
4. Charging Compatibility
The German carmaker mentioned a “Plug & Pay” charging method offered by Mercedes me Charge. The feature will be available in the US for free for two years. Although information about it is limited as of the moment, it simply means that the EQS can be juiced up in any charging station by simply plugging it without the need for an app or any other tech. It is estimated to work with 90 percent of public charging ports in the country.
5. Energy Recuperation
The EV possesses three levels of brake recuperation that can be selected via its shift paddles on the steering wheel. In addition, its energy recovery is optimized by the rotary motion of its wheels. Overall, these provide up to 290 kW recuperation output.
6. Design
Contributing to the amazing performance of the EQS is its aerodynamic elements. It has a sleek lift back design with a 0.20 drag coefficient rating, which is the best so far for any production car. Helping reduce the cabin noise of the auto are special seals for the doors and windows as well as special foam mats for minimizing vibrations. Then it is topped off with a choice between 19-, 20- and 21-inch wheels.
7. Tech
The futuristic interior of the EQS is highlighted by the new 56-inch long MBUX Hyperscreen, HEPA filter for cleaning the air within the cabin of the vehicle, 15-speaker Burmester surround sound system, ambient sound and ambient lighting, among others.
8. Eco-Friendly Elements
Mercedes boasted that the EQS uses about 176 pounds of recycled or renewable materials for its internal components. Meanwhile, its battery has a nickel, cobalt and manganese ratio of 8:1:1. Notably, the cobalt proportion of the unit is reduced by 10 percent.
Separate From the S-Class
In a nutshell, these things mean that the Mercedes-Benz EQS is no longer just an electrified trim of the S-Class. Sure, it did adopt some of the luxury elements of Mercedes’ flagship car, but it also introduces a lot of exterior, interior, and tech features that separate the EV from its petrol-fed counterpart. Lastly, if it is in fact getting its own AMG variant, that would further tell us that it is a different breed altogether.
