Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class 2022

Mercedes-BenzEQS-Class

Pulling up in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class a guaranteed way to make an impact. Now Mercedes seeks to apply that gravitas to its new all-electric sedan: the EQS. First previewed by a concept car at the 2019 Frankfurt auto show, this full-size luxury sedan is the range-topping model of EQ, the zero-emissions subbrand that Mercedes is working to establish. With the EQS, it has a flagship full of incredible features that should capture the world's attention. Watch out Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and Lucid Air—the EQS is here to charge things up.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class is all-new for 2022. Key features include:

•             A new all-electric vehicle platform

•             Available colossal Hyperscreen dashboard

•             An updated MBUX infotainment user interface

•             Several digital powertrain sound profiles

•             Updated ambient lighting color schemes

•             Wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches

 

Is this a true Tesla Model S-fighter? Well, that's not exactly the point. It's not super-sedan quick; instead, it feels much like an S-Class that happens to be electric. The cabin is extremely quiet, and an excellent air suspension protects occupants from road imperfections. The 580 variant feels heavier but noticeably quicker than the 450+ variant, which as we said in our First Drive, seems about as quick as an average midsize luxury sedan.

We're impressed with the huge Hyperscreen that extends across the dashboard. Despite the three screen layout, it's quite easy to use. We also had a positive experience with the onboard voice assistant that responds to "Hey, Mercedes." This feature seems to have improved from a few years ago, as it can better understand natural-language requests.

 

Every 2022 EQS model draws power from a 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery of a bespoke composition developed and manufactured in-house by Mercedes. In the EQS450+, the battery powers an electric motor driving the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission. Output is rated at 329 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and Mercedes estimates a 5.5-second 0-60 mph time.

In the EQS580, a second electric motor is added to the front axle for all-wheel drive. With this setup output rises to 516 hp and 611 lb-ft of torque, which in our testing enabled a 3.7-second 0-60 mph acceleration time. Torque split between the motors is variable depending on driving conditions.

 

EQS Driving Range and Charging Times

With a 107.8 kWh battery and either the RWD or AWD powertrain, the EQS is rated at up to 770 km of driving range on the European WLTP cycle. That equates to some 478 miles, but it's not such a simple conversion. The WLTP test is typically optimistic compared to the EPA test cycle used in North America. For example, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S is rated at 253 miles of range on the WLTP cycle, but only 199 miles by the EPA. We estimate that the EPA will find that the EQS can cover over 300 miles on a charge when its testing is complete.

The EQS can be equipped with an optional 9.6 kW onboard charger, and can handle up to 200 kW on a DC fast charger. When using a 240V wall outlet, charging the EQS' battery from 10 to 100 percent takes a bit over 11 hours. However, going from 10 to 80 percent using DC fast charging takes just 35 minutes.

 

Although the EQS won't initially be offered with hands-free autonomous driving capabilities, that may be added at a later date via over-the-air update. For now, it's equipped with numerous driver-assist and active-safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, front automatic emergency braking, side obstacle detection that warns you if you're about to open your door into passing traffic, and oncoming cross-traffic alert that mitigates risks when turning across an intersection.

Other safety features include Mercedes' unusual "pink noise" aural protection, as well as a pre-collision detection system that can rapidly adjust the seat to move occupants slightly further away from an impact. The glass cover over the available Hyperscreen infotainment setup was engineered with specific breakage points to reduce the risk of shattering hazards in a crash.

 

Mercedes' technology lexicon is showcased in the EQS. As standard it's equipped with a 12.3-inch gauge display, and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in portrait orientation which runs a new version of the MBUX user interface with enhanced "Hey Mercedes" voice activation. A built-in fingerprint scanner lets different drivers load personalized profiles and settings with a single touch. The navigation system has an augmented reality function that overlays directions on a live video feed of the road ahead. Two head-up display systems are offered, one of which can project a 77-inch field of vision in front of the driver. Individual touchscreens for each rear passenger are available as well. Six USB type-C ports are positioned around the cabin.

While some Mercedes models offer a Burmester audio system as an upgrade, the EQS features one with 15 speakers as standard. Given that the car has no engine, several aural atmospheres are provided to give the car some personality. With names like Silver Waves, Vivid Flux, or Roaring Pulse, these soundscapes use parameters like speed, drive mode, and acceleration or braking forces to create a futuristic impression of performance.

 

Among all the EQS' dazzling details, the available Hyperscreen is noteworthy. This 56-inch wide curved glass panel spans the width of the dashboard and contains three displays: A 12.3-inch digital gauge display, 17.7 inch central infotainment touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen ahead of the passenger.

The Hyperscreen runs a new user interface that puts the most-used features front and center so they're only a single touch away. By putting a display in front of the passenger seat, occupants can assist the driver with navigation directions, climate controls, and other vehicle functions. This display shows a decorative wallpaper if the car detects that the front passenger seat is unoccupied.

Artificial intelligence learns and adapts to the behaviors of the EQS' user. For example, if you frequently turn on the seat massager as you leave a location, or call a particular person around a particular time, the car will learn and suggest those to you. If you're approaching a charging station, it'll prompt you to start the pre-charging process so the car is primed and ready to be plugged in when you arrive.

 

The standard 2022 Mercedes EQS won't have 56 inches of screen space. Instead, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster screen will be joined by a tablet-like 12.8-inch screen at the top of the dash. And instead of a screen for the front passenger, that space is filled by wood trim or a choice between a pattern of laser-cut and backlit three-pointed Mercedes stars and a 3D relief of a geometric pattern.

 

You thought the Maybach S650 was nice? Wait till you see some of the EQS' luxury features. Standard air suspension should keep the ride smooth and serene. A dazzling 64-color ambient lighting arrangement creates a scene inside the cabin (and gradients between those colors are possible, too). All models enjoy a large panoramic sunroof. Numerous trim and upholstery options are available, like quilted leather, backlit laser-cut Mercedes logos, or three-dimensional metallic panels.

Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats are available in both rows. Full acoustically laminated glass is offered to further enhance quietude. In-car fragrancing systems are nothing new for high-end Mercedes models, but the EQS is offered with a bespoke scent called No.6 MOOD which is said to combine elements of fig and linen. Regardless of how your EQS is configured, we think it'll be a very luxurious place from which to cover miles.

 

Yes! As we expected, the performance-oriented version of the EQS receives the AMG treatment. The AWD EV is equipped with two AMG-specific electric motors that combined produce a claimed 649 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque, which is approaching double the horsepower of the EQS450+. There's also a Race Start mode with boost function that comes with the available AMG Dynamic Plus package that briefly increases powertrain output to an impressive 751 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque.

Mercedes pegs the EQS AMG's 0-to-60 mph time at 3.4 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the EQS580's claimed time. The German automaker also says the car's 108-kWh battery pack can add 186 miles of range in just 15 minutes when hooked up to a fast charger.

The Mercedes-AMG EQS is additionally outfitted with performance brakes, an air suspension system, rear wheel steering, and 21-inch wheels. Its cabin features AMG seats, pedals, floor mats, and steering wheel. A panoramic sunroof, powertrain sound generator, and cabin trimmed in space gray MB-Tex with Neotex grain and red topstitching are also included.