Who better than Mercedes to bring out the first 100% electric limousine? This is done with this new EQS with a very streamlined look and technological content worthy of the S-Class. First test in the 580 4Matic version with 524 hp and 676 km of range.
The electric car continues to conquer each market segment. After city cars, sports cars and SUVs, here is the first battery-powered limousine. And it is not surprisingly Mercedes, world leader in the category with the S-Class, which is the first in this niche. The EQS spreads out its silhouette over 5.22 m (+ 4 cm compared to the S-Class) and is characterized by an interior luxury worthy of the very top of the range. Its Hyperscreen screen, which stretches over 141 cm (the entire width of the dashboard), is even unique. We will come back to that.
It is first of all the profile of the flying saucer that appeals. The set offers less stylistic character than the other productions of the brand, but this choice allows the Mercedes EQS to set a record: it is the most aerodynamic production car in the world with a Cx of 0.20. The streamlined base and the erectile door handles contribute to this remarkable result, which obviously serves the electric autonomy.
Cut to cut through the air, the EQS is above all the first Mercedes developed on a fully dedicated electric propulsion, unlike the EQC and EQA models which share their undersides with the GLC and GLA thermals. Called EVA2, this structure will give rise to four models: EQS, EQE which will be unveiled in September 2021 and two SUVs designed on the basis of these sedans. First of all, the EQS will be delivered in France from November 2021 to a starting price estimated around € 130,000 (range and prices will be announced on July 30).
Autonomy and recharging
The Mercedes EQS is equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 107.8 kWh and guaranteed for 10 years or 250,000 km. Two versions are available: l‘EQS 450+, with a single 333 hp engine on the rear axle and a comfortable range of 780 km in WLTP value, and the EQS 580 4Matic, with two engines (one per axle), an output of 524 hp and a WLTP range of 676 km. In both cases, the autonomy is sufficient for the use of a limousine. Like the S-Class, the EQS will mainly serve as a luxury shuttle with routes determined in advance.
However, the GPS system incorporates a route planner to know the places and charging times during trips. MBut the German limousine will be subjected to the same headache as other electric cars when traveling, namely finding a high-speed terminal that works correctly … The EQS accepts a load up to 200 kW DC and can theoretically see its battery go from 10 to 80% in 33 minutes. In addition, its 11 kW AC charger (22 optional) allows you to regain 80% autonomy in 6:55 on a suitable terminal.
Driving
To say that there is a cathedral silence in an electric car is to drive an open door. But the expression takes on its full meaning on board the EQS 580, because beyond the silence of the engines, it is the sound insulation that is remarkable. Noises of air or rolling, hardly anything shows through. In this haven of peace with a refined atmosphere, you can drive the limousine with your fingertips thanks to flexible and precise steering. And when the first maneuver arrives at low speed, we are amazed by the agility of this long slug, as easy to park as a city car. His secret? Its steered rear wheels turn opposite those of the front at low speed over an angle of 4.5 ° as standard and 10 ° as an option, which can be activated remotely, as was the case on our test version. .
With such agility, the streets at right angles do not scare “our” limousine, but it is of course in the great outdoors that it reveals all its capabilities. The motorway is only a formality if one has correctly calculated its route between two terminals, and the small roads reveal the dexterity of electric motors to make you forget that there is 2.5 t to take. The 0 to 100 km / h in 4.3 s (a score of good sportswoman) confirms the thrust felt on board, and instant torque of 855 Nm wipes out overtaking cars in the blink of an eye. The EQS chassis lends itself to even high cadence play without breaking apart like we did on a mountain road. Only complaint, the brake pedal does not offer a good feeling because of its variable consistency depending on the level of energy recovery.
Obviously, the EQS prefers the pace of senator who puts forward its comfort type Pullman, well supported by the air suspension as standard and the seats adjustable in all directions. It is also at this speed that it reveals a very controlled electricity consumption. While the very hilly test route did not facilitate reliable measurements, we noted a average electrical output of around 18 kWh / 100 km on a road trip (without motorway), which allows a range of approximately 600 km. We will verify this in a future test on our course dedicated to electric vehicles. To optimize its performance, the EQS offers several driving modes, but also different regenerative forces which are adjusted using the paddles located behind the steering wheel.
The easiest way is to select D Auto mode for predictive driving which takes into account traffic, signs and topography in conjunction with the GPS. In this configuration, the car anticipates slowdowns and optimizes the energy recovery phases. However, we preferred to activate the freewheel mode, which is simply stunning. Between the locomotive inertia of this heavy car and the very fine aerodynamics, one has the impression of sliding on the road with each lift of the foot. It is also with this mode that driving is most fluid, and it will therefore be preferred for drivers who want to offer maximum comfort to rear passengers. Regarding well-being on board, Mercedes has paid particular attention to the filtration of the outside air since 99.6% of pollens, fine dust and other micro-particles are retained. The charcoal coating reduces odors of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. It is true that there is nothing more unpleasant than to be inconvenienced by the “old” diesel which precedes you when driving electric!
On board
With EQS, you don’t have to have a driver to open the door for you. The car does it on its own. You approach, the handles come out of the body and, when you are very close, the door opens by itself! Once on board, the driver can also operate the automatic opening and closing of the doors. Wow effect guaranteed to friends, but the best is yet to come with the Hyperscreen system, reserved for the high-end version. The latter is impressive with its three screens installed under a curved aluminum silicate glass that crosses the entire dashboard. The 12.3-inch OLED screen facing the passenger allows you to watch movies with remarkable quality. But the driver will not be able to take a look at it because, if the interior camera detects that his gaze is turned towards the passenger’s screen, it is automatically put on standby!
The middle multifunction display shows a generous size of 17.7 inches. It is therefore all-touch that comes on board with its advantages and disadvantages. And all is not perfect. To facilitate access to the (very) many menus, we would have liked the central screen to be fitted with several windows at the same time (GPS mapping, telephone and multimedia for example), like what the Ford Mustang Mach-E offers. . This avoids making incessant back and forths on the screen or annoying the sensitivity of the touch buttons on the steering wheel that require fairy fingers to get the desired information the first time. Fortunately, the EQS has intelligent “Hey Mercedes” voice control, which makes life on board easier. It also offers the head-up display with augmented reality, but the latter must still progress because the blue arrow which is inscribed on the road to be taken sometimes arrives too late.
Technology is good, but the quality of the presentation and the materials used are just as important. No worries on that side, the EQS is in the same school as the last S-Class. Thick carpet, leather, aluminum or quality woodwork are on call. Ditto for the many color choices. The assemblies are carried out with a line, and each passage in a tunnel reveals a real spectacle made of multiple LEDs which illuminate the interior in perfect harmony with the screens. Simply superb!
A limousine is also measured by the ease of rear passengers. With its generous wheelbase of 3.21 m, the EQS provides the expected amplitude for the legs. The reclining bench seat back and headrests supported by a soft cushion complete the range of absolute comfort. But here no footrest like on board the Class S, and access to the rear is a little hampered by the receding roof which requires the older ones to hunker down to take their place on the bench. Luggage benefit from easier passage thanks to the tailgate, and the trunk is deep. To store the charging cables, it is under the boot floor that it happens. Not practical at all. Mercedes could have fitted out a not messy receptacle under the front hood for the cables, but the latter is doomed. It only opens in the workshop, only the hatch on the left front fender can be used to top up the windshield washer fluid.
Competetion
The Mercedes EQS is the only one on its electric limousine planet, Audi, BMW and Jaguar preferring for the moment to play the card of the electric luxury SUV. There is the Tesla Model S, always valiant, but it does not measure up against the EQS in terms of luxury, space on board and technologies. At Mercedes, it is also the future EQE that will compete with the American in size and sportiness with a probable AMG version that promises to be breathtaking.
Find the test report and the technical sheet on the next page …
