Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
Prepare yourself for eco-conscious change from one of the most prestigious and high-performance automakers in the world. Not only is 2021 the year of the S-Class, but it is also the launching pad for the evolution of all-electric mobility from Mercedes-Benz (M-B). Beginning with electrified S-Class family member EQS, the German purveyor of precision-engineered SUVs and sedans will open its doors for at least six zero-emissions vehicles such as the EQE (E-Class variant) and the EQB SUV.
M-B is making room for its top products and views the EQS as the single most significant product in the last decade. EQS accelerates its ambition to transform the company into the future of mobility. So, while 60% to 70% of the industry focuses on SUVs, M-B is honing in on its electric sedan and the Mercedes-EQ brand with hopes of reaching carbon-neutrality within the next 20 years. And by 2030, the initiative is to ascertain that 50% of its fleet features electric drive systems, whether fully electric or plug-in hybrids.
To gain a better understanding of the EV’s opulent and technological attributes and experience both the 2022 EQS 450+ sedan and 2022 EQS 580 4MATIC sedan, Automotive Rhythms joined Mercedes-Benz President & CEO Dimitris Psillakis in Palo Alto, CA for the national media launch. EQS 580 offers more performance with 516-horsepower (631 lb-ft of torque) and an impressive 0 to 60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. Its electric range is 340 miles with a 130 mph top speed. On the other hand, the EQS 450+ kicks out 329 electric horses (419 lb/ft of torque), has an electric driving range of 350 miles, and runs 0 to 60 mph in a decent 5.9 seconds. Both feature 10 degrees of rear steering for cutting corners tighter and making efficient u-turns. My drive partner Brian Armstead and I were blown away by the impactful power of the EQS 580 while cruising around Northern Cali from Sausalito and Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay and through the Redwood forests.
When laying eyes upon the EQS it is evident that the German is a special type of EV. The green car features sleek body lines, a sloping front end, illuminating grille cover, DIGITAL LIGHT LED headlamps, hatch-styled tailgate, and energetic wheel packages like the 20″ 5-spoke Aeros with the Mercedes-Benz star pattern. The EQS is scientifically unique with quintessential innovation that exceedingly outpaces its closest rivals, such as the Tesla S or Lucid Air. For example, automatic comfort doors feature embedded handles that release out when the driver approaches the car. As he/she moves closer, the driver’s door opens automatically. Once inside, the door self closes by depressing the brake pedal. The driver can also automatically open the other three doors for awaiting passengers to jump in.
The electric drivetrain of the EQS consists of new Lithium-Ion batteries (10-year/155,000-mile warranty) for both models and a single rear axle, 245kW permanently excited synchronous motor in the EQS 450+. Front and rear dual axle motors are outfitted on the EQS 580 4MATIC. With a total output of 385 kW, now you know why the EQS 580 moves at an accelerated rate. Each EQS can be powered entirely in 11.25 hours using a 240v charger or in just 31 minutes with DC Fast Charging (200 kW) up to 80% of the battery’s energy. An Adjustable Regenerative Braking System with four modes takes place from steering wheel paddle shifters. Auto is the most intelligent mode. The EV infrastructure for the EQS is expansive. Emanating from a strategic partnership with ChargePoint, owners have access to a public network of almost 60,000 locations. Also, Mercedes-EQ is providing two years of complimentary 30-minute charge sessions at Electrify America charging stations.
As you can imagine, Mercedes-EQ thought of every technology feature to comply with luxury EV owners’ current and future needs. The EQS is bestowed with forward-thinking tech that is both comforting and ergonomic. A few of these amenities include the following:
- Massive, descriptive, and intuitive Head-up Display
- DYNAMIC SELECT including Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Individual e-driving modes
- Gesture control with Interior Assist that studies your body movement. For example, you can open the sunroof by waving a hand
- Actual pillows for headrests
- Navigation with Electric Intelligence
- Deep massaging seats
- Ambient Lighting with 64 colors, including a new EQ-specific color scheme
- Fingerprint Sensor for biometric authentication of the driver to activate a profile
- Incredible Burmester 3D Sound System with Sound Personalization
Whether I was driving or Brian, we both felt like we were on a first-class Emirates international flight with the smooth sailing ride from the AIRMATIC Air Suspension with Adaptive Damping System. But saving the best for last is the three-display 56” curved glass MBUX Hyperscreen and Multimedia System that extends across the entire dashboard from door to door. Standard on the EQS 580, both the driver and passenger receive a 12.3” OLED screen. The central section is a 17.7” OLED touchscreen display, representing as the largest and most sophisticated display in any production vehicle. The Hyperscreen features an Augmented Reality Navigation System including Natural Language Understanding and Keyword Activation (“Hey Mercedes”). For instance, the actual views you see ahead are visually replicated as video on screen when making a turn. It also has a Google Earth-type view when navigating. From the passenger side, I was able to control Nav, massages, music, and much more. However, many may find this too advanced as Brian and I became confused quite often.
To go along with the array of advanced features, EQS is engineered with a bevy of standard Driver Assistance Systems that include but are not limited to Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Parking Assist with PARTRONIC. Hence, if the driver doesn’t react in time to an adverse driving scenario, rest assured that the EQS will.
Arriving at U.S. dealers later this fall, pricing starts at $102,310 for the EQS 450+ and $119,110 for the EQS 580 4MATIC with a $1,050 destination fee. The future is now and presents new pathways to eco-friendly driving to help reduce the carbon footprint from man and his machines.
