The Mercedes EQS lags behind the conventional S-Class in terms of sales, probably not least because the electric sedan has so far exuded very little classic luxury flair. A comparatively small design intervention should now change that. In addition, the electric flagship is receiving a technology update almost three years after its market launch.
The most important visual change: The brand-typical star moves from the radiator grille back to the hood – in the upright shape that was recently reserved for the conventionally powered S-Class in the Mercedes portfolio. The extremely streamlined EQS clearly gains in contour and comes a little closer to the brand’s classic luxury class styling. There are also some smaller changes to the interior, such as galvanized chrome frames for the ventilation nozzles on the B-pillar or an optionally foldable passenger seat backrest. to increase the free space in the rear passenger seat. There are also now particularly comfortable executive seats, which are intended to silence the previous criticism of the lack of business class comfort at the highest level. A lot of range In the battery compartment below the passengers, the maximum energy content of the battery increases from 108.4 to 118 kWh, which ensures a noticeable increase in range for all variants. The most economical model, the EQS 450+, will now travel up to 822 kilometers instead of the previous 780 kilometers – currently the record on the Austrian market. At the same time, Mercedes has increased the trailer load: instead of a manageable 750 kilograms, the luxury glider can now take 1,700 kilograms on the hook. Further innovations concern the driver assistance systems. The adaptive cruise control now also handles automatic lane changes (in markets where this is permitted) and automatically overtakes vehicles driving slowly in front. The prerequisite is a highway with at least two lanes with recognizable lane markings and a speed between 80 and 140 km/h. Mercedes wants to keep prices at the current level; the basic version of the e-limousine is currently available for around 117,000 euros. The relatively extensive interventions are intended to boost global demand for the Stuttgart-based company’s prestige electric car, which has so far fallen short of the group’s expectations. The readjustment comes at the right time: In view of new challengers from China, competition in the electric luxury segment is likely to become even tougher in the future.
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