Ahead of its expected market launch in Ireland next September, the EQS – the latest all-electric model from Mercedes-Benz – has been unveiled to international audiences.
Inspired by the new S-Class, the EQS is portrayed as a car "appealing to almost all of the senses". A fusion of high-tech and artificial intelligence features, it embodies more than 40 new inventions and 20 new design applications. Among these is what Mercedes-Benz calls a relaxing collection of mood-enhancing "soundscapes" with such titles as Forest Glade, Sounds of the Sea, and Summer Rain.
Another innovation is a fragrance that can be released into the interior to screen unpleasant odours that might encroach from outside. Sound is also used to increase safety by making the EQS "acoustically perceptible" on the outside, with an optional "driving sound" that can be heard inside. Passengers are also greeted acoustically when approaching and leaving the vehicle.
Given their goal to have a fully carbon-neutral fleet within 20 years, EQS designers have introduced a "modular" construction method likely to be followed in future battery-electric vehicles. Its cab-forward design and coupé-like appearance complement its all-electric look, as do its lights, black panel front, wheels, under-body and other aerodynamic elements.
It is powered by batteries made in-house by Mercedes-Benz, which it claims has "better charging performance and significantly higher energy density".
The EQS will be available in two model variants: a rear wheel drive EQS 450+ (with rear axle eATS electric motor ) and EQS 580 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive version (with motors on front and rear axles ).
Helped by exceptional aerodynamics and lightweight components (including a world-beating Cd value in a production car from 0.20 ), it has an operating range up to 770kms (WLTP ), power output of up to 385kW, and a quoted top speed limited to 210km/h. Electrical consumption is 19.1-16.0kWh/100km and 20.0-16.9kWh/100km for the 450+ and 580 4MATIC+ models respectively. Available fast-charging systems include one that delivers an extra 300kms (WLTP ) power in just 15 minutes.
With price not likely to be known until closer to arrival here, Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz in Ireland, describes the EQS as “the embodiment of everything Mercedes-Benz represents in terms of luxury, comfort, safety and specifications", adding that its modular build and aerodynamic construction makes it “a mould-breaker many of which features will be seen in future EQ models”.
Among its eye-catching interior elements is a concave glass MBUX Hyperscreen. Spanning the full width of the vehicle, its "zero-layer" feature allows drivers move from menu-to-menu simply by placing fingertip pressure on the screen. Enabled by a "language understanding" feature, its "Hey Mercedes" function supports 27 languages.
Noticeable also on interior trim, wheels, and fascia is a Mercedes-Benz pattern design based on a three-dimensional star motif first featured on a 1911 Daimler trademark. Not counting antennae, there are up to 350 sensors that monitor the functions of the EQS, as well as driver eyelid movements and language. A high-efficiency, activated charcoal filter cleans incoming air while motors in the seats deliver up to 10 different massage programmes. A 15-speaker surround sound system is said to produce an unusually expressive, natural sound, while seat heating and inflatable air chambers replicate the body-soothing effects of a "‘hot stones" treatment.
