As the auto industry accelerates its shift towards electrification, legacy luxury brands find themselves at a crossroads. How can they translate their decades of expertise in crafting premium vehicles into compelling battery electric offerings that live up to their reputations? With the all-new 2022 EQS sedan, Mercedes-Benz has emphatically risen to the challenge, leapfrogging the competition with a flagship EV that pushes the boundaries of performance, comfort, and in-car technology.
Bringing S-Class Luxury into the Electric Age
Mercedes-Benz didn‘t just stuff an electric powertrain into an existing model and call it a day. The EQS is purpose-built on an all-new flexible electric vehicle architecture dubbed EVA, which will underpin a full range of upcoming Mercedes-EQ models. Roughly the same size as the brand‘s current gas-powered S-Class flagship sedan, the EQS takes full advantage of its electric bones to maximize interior space and comfort.
The EQS‘s cab-forward design and sweeping "one-bow" roofline cut a striking silhouette, while also contributing to a drag coefficient of just 0.20 – making it the world‘s most aerodynamic production vehicle. This slippery shape helps the EQS achieve an impressive range of up to 350 miles on the base single-motor EQS 450+ model, and 340 miles on the more powerful dual-motor EQS 580 4MATIC.
A Closer Look at the EQS 580 4MATIC‘s Cutting-Edge EV Powertrain
The range-topping EQS 580 4MATIC is powered by two permanently excited synchronous AC motors (PSM), one on each axle, which combine to produce 516 horsepower and a staggering 631 lb-ft of torque. This potent electric all-wheel drive system can propel the EQS from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds – quicker than a V8-powered S580 sedan. The rear-axle motor is particularly noteworthy, as it utilizes a six-phase design with two three-phase windings that allows for precise control over power delivery.
Supplying energy to these motors is a massive 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is integrated into the floor of the EQS for a low center of gravity. The battery features advanced thermal management and a heat pump to optimize efficiency, along with an energy recuperation system that can recover up to 290 kW of power during deceleration. When plugged into a DC fast charger, the EQS can replenish from 10-80% battery capacity in just 31 minutes.
EQS 580 4MATIC Performance Specs vs. Key Competitors
| Model | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 MPH | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 | 516 hp | 631 lb-ft | 4.1 sec | 340 mi |
| Tesla Model S Long Range | 670 hp | 723 lb-ft | 3.1 sec | 405 mi |
| Porsche Taycan Turbo | 616 hp | 626 lb-ft | 3.0 sec | 201 mi |
| Audi e-tron GT | 522 hp | 472 lb-ft | 3.9 sec | 238 mi |
| Lucid Air Grand Touring | 800 hp | 885 lb-ft | 3.0 sec | 516 mi |
*Data sourced from manufacturer websites and independent testing
While the EQS 580 may not be the outright quickest or longest-range EV in its competitive set, it strikes an impressive balance of performance and efficiency. Factor in the standard air suspension with adaptive damping, and the EQS delivers a sublime ride/handling balance befitting of an S-Class.
The 56" MBUX Hyperscreen: A Digital Wonderland
Step inside the airy, lounge-like cabin of the EQS 580, and you‘re immediately greeted by the showstopping MBUX Hyperscreen. This 56-inch curved glass panel spans the entire dashboard, seamlessly integrating three separate OLED displays: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch central touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. The latter allows the passenger to watch videos, browse the internet, or control various infotainment functions without distracting the driver.
Powered by an 8-core CPU with 24 GB of RAM, the MBUX infotainment system uses machine learning to adapt to user preferences and driving habits over time. The "zero layer" interface intelligently surfaces key functions right on the home screen, eliminating the need to navigate through complex submenus. The natural language voice control is also remarkably adept at understanding colloquial speech, allowing you to adjust settings or input destinations without taking your hands off the wheel. Over-the-air updates keep the system current and even allow for the addition of new features post-purchase.
Some other notable tech highlights of the EQS 580 4MATIC include:
- Augmented reality head-up display that can project navigation directions onto the windshield
- Fingerprint sensor for driver authentication and personalization
- Facial recognition for hands-free entry and start via MBUX Interior Assistant
- "4D" sound with 15 speakers and haptic bass transducers in the seats
- Energizing Comfort health and wellness programs that combine ambient lighting, massage, music, and fragrances
Advanced Driver Assist Systems for Safer, Less Stressful Driving
The EQS comes standard with an array of radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensors that power its comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. Key features include:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts speed and following distance based on traffic conditions
- Active Steering Assist: lane centering and lane change assist that can perform automatic lane changes with the tap of a turn signal
- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function: automatically applies brakes if an impending collision is detected, including with crossing traffic at intersections
- Active Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning: alerts the driver to vehicles in blind spots, and can prevent the door from being opened into oncoming traffic
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, and can even use GPS data to adjust steering feel based on the road curvature
- Active Speed Limit Assist: automatically adapts the speed to detected speed limits, traffic conditions, and road geometry
While not fully autonomous, these systems can significantly reduce driving stress and fatigue, particularly on long highway journeys. Importantly, the EQS also includes an interior camera and sensors to ensure the driver remains attentive when using assisted driving features.
Industry Accolades and the Road Ahead for Mercedes-EQ
The groundbreaking EQS has already racked up a number of prestigious awards, including being named Green Car Reports‘ Best Car To Buy 2022. It was praised for "flipping the script on EVs as something you settle for in return for being clean and efficient" and offering "true luxury-car ride and refinement."
The EQS is just the beginning of Mercedes-Benz‘s ambitious electrification plans. By 2030, the company aims for 50% of its global sales to come from plug-in hybrids and pure EVs, with a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2039. Upcoming all-electric models will include the EQE midsize sedan, EQS and EQE SUVs, and a flagship EQG off-roader based on the iconic G-Class. To support these vehicles, Mercedes is investing heavily in expanding global battery production capacity and charging infrastructure.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Electric Luxury Experience
With the all-new EQS, Mercedes-Benz has proven that the transition to electric propulsion doesn‘t have to come at the expense of luxury, comfort, or technological sophistication. The EQS 580 4MATIC in particular represents the pinnacle of the model range, with its potent dual-motor AWD powertrain, cutting-edge MBUX Hyperscreen infotainment, and comprehensive driver assistance technologies. While its six-figure price tag puts it out of reach for mainstream buyers, the EQS is a compelling choice for luxury EV shoppers who refuse to compromise on the finer things. As the first of many upcoming electric models from Mercedes, the EQS lights the way forward for the brand‘s vision of a more sustainable, yet no less premium, automotive future.
