2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS: Luxury Electric Vehicle

Mercedes-Benz EQS: A Deep Dive into the Future of Electric Luxury

An opportunity to experience a pre-production 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS offered a detailed examination of the German manufacturer’s advancements in electrification, fueled by substantial financial investment.

The EQS represents a carefully engineered flagship sedan, integrating Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system, a dedicated new electric platform, and significant improvements in overall vehicle performance.

A Benchmark for Electric Sedans

This vehicle is a deliberate effort to establish a new standard for full-size luxury sedans, specifically those powered by electricity. Mercedes is aiming to redefine expectations within this growing segment.

The primary goal of the luxury electric sedan is to demonstrate to American buyers the capabilities of Mercedes-Benz in the realm of EVs, and to showcase what is to come. The success of the EQS launch in North America is considered crucial.

Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz

Expanding the EQ Lineup

“This marks the start of a completely new era,” stated Christophe Starzynski, head of the EQ brand. “Previously, we had a versatile platform accommodating hybrids, internal combustion engines, and battery electric vehicles.”

He further explained that Mercedes-Benz intends to introduce three more electric vehicles to its U.S. lineup by 2025, including the EQE and two additional SUV models. This represents a significant expansion of their electric offerings.

“For the first time, we have specifically designed, developed, and integrated all technologies into a dedicated battery electric vehicle,” Starzynski added.

Flagship Features and Technology

The EQS, measuring 17 feet in length, is the flagship model derived from the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz’s premier luxury sedan, which currently has a starting price of $110,000. (Pricing for the EQS has not yet been announced.)

It is equipped with the company’s most advanced technology to date. While the full extent of these features may not be appreciated by all customers, the availability of extensive infotainment capabilities and over-the-air software updates is a notable benefit.

Initial Impressions of the EQS

The EQS, when fully equipped, represents a significant advancement in automotive technology, surpassing even the recently released S-Class in terms of innovation.

The EQS 580 4Matic model tested included features such as the expansive 56-inch Hyperscreen, a head-up display, acoustic glass for noise reduction, rear seat entertainment options, and an advanced air filtration system. This last feature, according to Starzynski, was developed before the recent pandemic but is particularly relevant now.

Specific exterior design elements are currently being kept confidential until the official unveiling on April 15th. The test vehicle was partially camouflaged, limiting detailed observation of its exterior styling, including the A-pillar’s design.

Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz

A test drive was conducted with my five-year-old daughter. We began at the Mercedes Manhattan dealership, where the EQS was prominently displayed. Upon approach, the driver’s side door opened automatically.

From her booster seat, my daughter interacted with the rear screen, customizing the cabin’s ambient lighting to shades of pink and purple. She described the experience as a “sparkly rainbow ride.”

The rear passenger experience is crucial, as the EQS is designed to appeal to chauffeur-driven clientele, particularly in China, which is projected to be the leading market for electric vehicle sales over the next ten years.

Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz

The driver’s seat proved exceptionally comfortable, even for someone of my height, with a supportive neck pillow. The vehicle’s interior atmosphere is highly customizable, offering a range of lighting and sound options.

While the simulated sonic silver waves designed to mask the EV’s quiet operation were appreciated, we ultimately chose to play my daughter’s favorite Barbie soundtrack through the impressive 15-speaker Burmester sound system. (Compromises are inevitable when traveling with a young child.)

The central control hub of the EQS is the 56-inch Hyperscreen OLED display, seamlessly integrating three separate screens across the dashboard. In reality, it is less visually overwhelming than it appears in photographs.

The MBUX system is accessed through a 17.7-inch OLED screen positioned to the right of the steering wheel. The front passenger also has the option of a personalized touchscreen interface. The system boasts 24 gigabytes of RAM, 46.4 GB per second RAM memory bandwidth, and eight CPU cores.

Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz

User Experience in the Mercedes-Benz EQS

A streamlined user experience is often considered a key element of successful design, as exemplified by products from Apple. Conversely, Mercedes-Benz has traditionally favored offering a comprehensive array of user experience choices, providing numerous pathways to access information. This approach is evident in the EQS, with controls integrated into the steering wheel, center console, and the primary display screen.

During testing, the abundance of control options proved somewhat distracting. It remains unclear whether this is due to a lack of acclimation – similar to the learning curve associated with new smartphone features – or simply an overabundance of choices.

Heads-Up Display and MBUX System

The heads-up display was present, but added another potential point of focus for the driver. This increased the cognitive load while operating the vehicle.

Interestingly, the MBUX system learns driver preferences over time. Towards the conclusion of the test drive, the system proactively suggested reactivating the active seat massage function. This demonstrates the system’s ability to anticipate needs and streamline the user experience by prioritizing frequently used features.

Voice command functionality was adequate, although the system occasionally struggled to interpret my voice. Consistent and accurate voice recognition remains a challenge for automotive systems.

Digital Interface and Ergonomics

The EQS embraces a fully digital interface, eschewing analog controls. The graphics are sharp, visually engaging, and easily legible. However, the touchscreens were prone to fingerprint smudges.

A practical suggestion: carry a screen cleaner and microfiber cloth for optimal visibility, especially when taking photographs. The steering wheel’s design appeared optimized for larger hands, making it slightly difficult to comfortably access all integrated functions.

Consequently, I frequently relied on the central MBUX screen for adjusting vehicle settings.

Range and Charging Information

A particularly well-executed aspect of the EQS user experience is the clear and consistent presentation of range-related information. The dashboard displays consistently showed remaining range, assessed the feasibility of reaching the destination, and identified nearby charging locations.

This proactive information delivery helps alleviate range anxiety and simplifies journey planning.

Range and Battery Performance

Concerning the vehicle's battery, the test model featured a 107.8 kWh battery pack. This pack provides power to dual electric motors, enabling an all-wheel-drive configuration.

The estimated range, based on European testing cycles, is 470 miles. However, it's anticipated that this figure may be lower when assessed using U.S. EPA standards.

A roundtrip journey of approximately 125 miles, from Manhattan to Beacon and back, was completed without the need for a recharge.

Charging Infrastructure and Speed

Access to ChargePoint charging locations is readily available through the vehicle’s integrated screen, accessible with a single click.

The system differentiates between charging stations, specifically highlighting those equipped with 200 kW DC fast-chargers. Mercedes-Benz states that utilizing these chargers can replenish the battery in around 15 minutes.

Battery Warranty

To address potential concerns regarding long-term battery health, Mercedes-Benz offers a comprehensive warranty.

This warranty safeguards against battery capacity degradation for a period of ten years following the initial purchase, or up to a mileage of 150,000 miles.

Image Credits: Mercedes Benz

Driving Impressions of the EQS

The vehicle’s performance was notably robust, consistent with its 517 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque output. Notably, the EQS achieves a drag coefficient of .20, surpassing its rivals – a detail appreciated by automotive enthusiasts, though not crucial for everyday drivers.

Adjusting to the feel of a large saloon requires a brief period of acclimation. However, similar to the S-Class, the EQS manages its size with elegance and exhibits effortless turning thanks to its standard rear-wheel steering.

The EQS incorporates the same advanced safety features and ADAS systems found in the S-Class. Drive modes, including Classic and Sport, are accessible via controls on the steering wheel or through the central armrest. As a driver who prefers a more engaging experience, I found the Sport mode provided satisfyingly responsive feedback.

According to Starzysnki, further development is planned. He indicated that the ADAS features will be enhanced through over-the-air software updates, alongside customizable options like lighting configurations available for download.

Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz

A significant aspect of the EQS driving experience is its battery recuperation system. The intelligent recuperation mode optimizes battery usage and adapts to the driver’s actions. Selecting normal recuperation reduced the system’s intervention.

I experimented with one-pedal driving while on the highway. Drivers also have the option to disable the recuperation support entirely, allowing for a more conventional driving feel.

Widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the United States appears imminent – and could potentially accelerate if President Biden’s infrastructure plan is approved. However, automakers must surpass Tesla’s current offerings to effectively attract American consumers.

Data from Experian, as reported by Automotive News, indicates that EVs represented only 1.8% of U.S. car sales in 2020.

Substantial change necessitates time, investment, and a sustained commitment. The Mercedes-Benz EQS represents a step towards a future where electric vehicle architecture is no longer a novelty, but rather a standard expectation for luxury automobiles.

(Please note: I participated in the Mercedes-Benz EQ fellowship program for the Summit Series in 2018, sponsored by the automaker, and was featured on their EQ homepage.)