After renewing its S-Class, Mercedes is doubling the launch of limousines with the EQS. A 100% electric offer with a modern design, a very techno interior presentation and a range of 770 kilometers. It is scheduled to be marketed in the fall from € 127,250.
[Mise à jour le 26/07/2021] The test time has come for the new Mercedes EQS. Find our impressions to find out whether this long electric sedan equals the performance of the best limousines, starting with the S-Class. For this first contact, we had the top-of-the-range version EQS 580 4 Matic.
TO READ. Mercedes EQS test: electrical excellence
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Until now, the S-Class has been the preferred model of limousine drivers. The Audi A8 or BMW 7 Series have, in fact, never succeeded in dethroning the queen of what was called, until 2009, the Great Discount. But that time may be over. The main rival of the recently revamped S-Class could come from the very bosom of Mercedes: here is the EQS, its first 100% electric limousine.
The EQS reinvents the proportions of the limousine
To enter the limousine category, you need a certain presence. It starts with dimensions that inevitably impose. On this side, the EQS is served:
- length: 5.22 m;
- width: 1.93 m;
- height: 1.51 m.
By way of comparison, the recent S-Class measures 5.18 m in its short version (the extended offer reaches 5.30 m). However, the EQS appears less imposing because of its much more fluid line than that of its classic sister. Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at the Daimler Group, dubbed the style ” one bow », A single movement. Indeed, a single line seems to have been drawn from the optics to the lights.
This style displays a Cx of 0.20 (0.22 for the S-Class). A record that is not only the result of the model line, inspired by the Vision EQS concept presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019. It is also due to the underbody fairing, the closed grille, the retractable door handles or large wheels (from 19 to 22 inches). In addition, the windshield bay, as well as the rear pillar, seem to stretch to provide maximum living space. The car is based on a wheelbase of more than 3 m and tries to reduce its overhangs to a minimum.. Another important criterion of the limousine: its space on board. Note that the front cover can only be opened in the workshop. Only a hatch at the level of the left wing allows you to refill the windshield washer fluid.
The advent of all-touch
More than the exterior aesthetics, the interior presentation will captivate passengers. With the hyperscreen, Mercedes is reinventing the dashboard. The slightly curved element consists of three digital screens covered with a single glass. He runs from one door to the other and measures 1.41 m in all. No more physical controls appear on the console, only two round aerators take place at the ends of the element. The counters and the screen in front of the front seat display a dimension of 12.3 inches, while the central panel measures 17.7 inches. The two tactile elements have haptic feedback.
And, as if that were not enough, the manufacturer offers a head-up display, which the size projected in front of the driver’s eyes would correspond to a screen of 77 inches … For those who have not opted for this hyperscreen, the entry-level EQS has a layout very similar to that of the recent S-Class, still with 12.3-inch instrumentation but a central touch screen brought back at 12.8 inches. As for the rear passengers, up to three touch screens face them: two placed on the back of the front seat backrests (11.6 ”) and a portable tablet.
The EQS will display between 333 and 762 hp
With the EQS, Mercedes is launching a brand new modular technical platform called EVA2. It comes in several dimensions (the future EQE, smaller, will be able to have it) and allows to integrate different motors and batteries. The limousine will initially be available in two versions:
- EQS 450+, equipped with a single electric motor. This, placed on the rear axle, delivers a power of 245 kW (333 hp) for a torque of 568 Nm. This version is available with two battery capacities: 90 kWh (offered in France in a second time) and 107.8 kWh.
- EQS 580 4Matic +, fitted with a second electric motor added to the front axle. The cumulative power is 385 kW (or 524 hp) for a torque of 855 Nm. A single battery capacity is available here: 107.8 kWh.
In both cases, the electric machines are permanent magnet synchronous. In terms of performance, the “small” EQS goes from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.2 s, while the most powerful takes only 4.3 s for the same exercise. The top speed is 210 km / h. A more powerful version, displaying a cumulative power of 560 kW (or 762 hp), will be offered subsequently, under the AMG label.
TO READ. Mercedes-AMG EQS (2022). Discreet trim for the electric sports car
A flying carpet with rear steering wheels
Although the platform may be specifically designed for electric models, the multi-link undercarriages are close to those of the S-Class Type W223. The car is fitted with the in-house air suspension, which automatically lowers the trim level by 10 mm above 120 km / h, then an additional 10 mm beyond the 160 km / h mark (on the German motorway). This suspension can be combined with the different driving modes offered by Dynamic Select: Comfort, Sport, Eco, Individual). In order to make the limousine over 5.20 m long for a compact sedan, the engineers fitted it as standard with rear steering wheels with an angle of 4.5 ° (up to 10 °, optional remote unlocking).
Almost 800 km with “a full tank”
In the best of configurations, the EQS is capable, according to its manufacturer, of a range of 770 km. In addition, on a fast charging station delivering up to 200 kW, it can recover up to 300 km in 15 minutes for the EQS 450+ version (280 km for the EQS 580). What’s more, via the paddles located behind the steering wheel, it is possible to modulate the braking energy recovery in order to obtain a maximum of 290 kW for the 4Matic version (up to 186 kW for the traction version). With the Eco Assist driving mode, the brake pedal becomes almost accessory. Note that battery energy management can be updated remotely.
In addition, GPS is the electric car’s best ally. The EQS navigation system offers the most optimized route depending on the condition of the battery, the charging stations on the route, the traffic, etc. two short stops for quick recharges may be preferred to a single longer stop. However, passengers can integrate their favorite routes, as well as favorite charging points. These elements will be taken into account as a priority. And if the configuration (driving modes, air conditioning, etc.) does not make it possible to reach the charging station with certainty, the system automatically switches to Eco mode, and the recommended speed is indicated. Finally, in In relation to navigation, the adaptive cruise control manages the speed according to the state of the battery.
State-of-the-art equipment
Any self-respecting limousine must offer high-tech equipment worthy of James Bond. Thus, as standard, when the driver approaches, the door handles come out of their housing. A much cheaper DS 3 Crossback will certainly do the same, but the EQS has an additional feature: the door can open fully and automatically. The electric assistance also makes it possible to close the door effortlessly with a single movement of the hand. These technologies are optional. Also available at an additional charge, the Digital Light system displays symbols on the road for other users. It also adapts the light beam according to the elevation of the route so as not to illuminate the sky at the top of a hill.
As for the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant, it has been improved and can, on request, explain certain functions or operations (connection of a device via Bluetooth, etc.). But above all, it is now able to recognize the voices of the various occupants, as well as their position in the car. In the parking area, if the car can be parked using a simple mobile phone, she is also ready to park 100 % all alone. The system can be downloaded and activated depending on the laws in the countries. This technology will be coupled with level 4 semi-autonomous driving, which Mercedes hopes to be able to deploy from mid-2022.
Production of the Mercedes EQS batteries has already started, but assembly of the complete car will not begin until July. Its marketing is scheduled for next fall, at a price starting from € 127,250 for the 450+ version with the small battery.
