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Setting the Luxury Bar
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class sets the standard for the German automaker’s luxury sedans, combining the ultimate in lavish appointments with the latest high-tech features and equipment. Now the legendary automaker plans to set that same bar among electric cars with the introduction of the 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS — the brand’s first full electric luxury sedan.
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Exceeding Expectations
“The EQS is designed to exceed the expectations of even our most discerning customers. That’s exactly what a Mercedes has to do to earn the letter S in its name. Because we don’t award that letter lightly,” said Ola Kallenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG.
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New EV Architecture
The EQS shares the same level of luxury expected from an S-Class; however, the car is based on a new purpose-built Electric Vehicle Architecture. Not only does this change the look of the car, the EQS wheelbase, track and batteries are variable, which means this new platform can be adapted for a variety of upcoming electric vehicles such as new large sedans and SUVs. The architecture is also flexible enough to handle new battery technology as it becomes available. In fact, engineers are already at work on Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture for compact and midsize models — vehicles on this upcoming platform are slated to arrive in 2025.
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Form and Function
Designers tasked with creating the look of the new EQS were able to capitalize on the absence of an internal combustion engine up front. Couple this with considerable aerodynamic work and the shape of the new EQS results in a coefficient of friction at a mere 0.20. According to Mercedes, this makes the EQS the most aerodynamic production car in the world. Not only do the excellent aerodynamics make this large sedan more efficient, they dramatically reduce wind noise at high speeds — an important function in an EV with no audible exhaust note to mask the sound.
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Front Styling
The 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS features a distinctive look both day and night. The shapely headlights are connected by a light band, further enhanced by a black panel grille with a large Mercedes star in the center. The grille itself can be ordered with a 3-dimensional star pattern. Grille and headlights flow seamlessly into the hood and fenders for a sleek look.
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Rear View
As distinctive as the front lighting, the LED taillights wrap around the aft corners of the EQS and mimic the look of a 3D helix. Echoing the front-end design, the taillights are also connected via an LED strip that spans the rear of the car. The roofline flows to the lip spoiler, and the rearview camera is hidden behind the Mercedes star to keep the design — and the camera — clean.
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Electric Power
The 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS will initially be available in two trim levels. The EQS 450+ features a single electric motor producing 329 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque to drive the rear wheels. One step up will be the EQS 580 4MATIC that gets dual electric motors — one at the front wheels, one at the rear — producing a total of 516 horsepower and 611 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes has also indicated that a 630-horsepower performance version is in future plans — perhaps the first AMG EV?
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Performance
An electric powertrain can provide thrilling acceleration with plenty of low-end torque, and the EQS takes full advantage of its sophisticated EV system. The EQS 450+ will sprint to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the more powerful 580 completes the same task in 4.1 seconds. Both will have a top speed limited to 130 mph.
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Battery and Charging
Both variants of the 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS will use a new-generation 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. According to Mercedes, the batteries can reach a full charge in about 11 hours on a Level 2 charger, while a DC fast charger can bring the charge to 80 percent in 31 minutes. The system is capable of charging at up to 200 kW, which will give the EQS about 180 miles of range in 15 minutes. Mercedes estimates that the EQS will have a range of approximately 478 miles between charges.
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Rear Axle Steering
The 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS is no small car, and available rear-axle steering makes it possible to maneuver this big sedan with the ease of a compact. Rear wheels can turn as much as 10 degrees to provide excellent maneuverability on tight city streets and enhance dynamic handling at higher speeds.
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MBUX Hyperscreen
Mercedes is referring to its new digital interface as the MBUX Hyperscreen, and it seems like an apt description. The screen stretches from A-pillar to A-pillar and integrates three separate displays, resulting in a curved 56-inch screen. Behind the glass, screens feature Organic Light Emitting Diode technology that permits haptic touch controls; the OLED interface also uses less power than a typical display. With artificial intelligence and software that can learn the driver’s habits, the MBUX system adapts to the user and can automatically present the systems accessed most — from infotainment to climate control to other vehicle functions.
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Simple and Elegant
With almost all functions activated via the touchscreen or by voice, the new EQS has little in the way of physical buttons, which translates to a simple yet elegant interior. At night the cabin takes on a different vibe as ambient lighting surrounds the occupants — even the seat belt buckles light up. Front seats can be trimmed in soft Nappa leather and provide up to 10 massage programs, including employing the seat-heating elements for a hot stone massage function.
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Automatic Doors
One of many exciting features for the 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS are available automatic comfort doors. As the driver approaches this luxurious sedan the door handle extends, and upon reaching the vehicle the driver’s door opens automatically. Once inside, pressing the brake pedal will automatically close the door. The driver also has the ability to open other doors remotely — thus technology can now provide chivalry without actually getting out of the car.
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