Mercedes’ new electric car is a 100% electric sedan offering 478 miles of range. On a compatible terminal, the car battery charges from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes. Aesthetically, the EQS largely takes the design of the new S-Class, of which this electric sedan is a close cousin.
The electric car market has just gotten a little bit more “class”. Mercedes-Benz made the EQS official on March 15, 2021. This new 100% electric sedan is the close cousin of the new S-Class and is intended to compete with the Tesla Model S Long Range. The motor power can reach 385 kW. The battery capacity is 107.8 kWh. The maximum speed is 210 km / h. And the range can go up to 770 kilometers or 478 miles.
Mercedes-Benz recently announced its plan to electrify its fleet. The goal of the German brand, the bridgehead of the Daimler group, is to achieve sales balance between thermal and electric (100% or plug-in hybrid) by 2030. For this, the company wants to increase its offers of CO2 neutral cars. Yesterday, Thursday, April 15, 2021, the automaker unveiled the EQS, its new all-electric car. This is a top-of-the-range sedan whose ambition is to compete with the Tesla Model S Long Range.
Mercedes promises a range of up to 770 kilometers or 468 miles. That sounds very ambitious, even for a sedan. Of course, this will depend on the driving mode, the active equipment in the car, the load, not to mention the engine power, but not only. In addition to the nominal capacity of the battery, which is quite large since it reaches 107.8 kWh (a capacity obtained thanks to the 26% improvement in energy density compared to the EQC), the brand explains that it has reached this figure thanks to the aerodynamics of the car, significantly reducing friction, as well as more efficient energy recovery during deceleration.
For charging, the EQS of course takes advantage of fast charging. On a compatible terminal (400 volts and 500 amps, or 200 kW, the car does not accept a higher power), the car battery charges from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes. Good performance considering the battery capacity. On this type of charging station, you can get up to 300 kilometers or 186 miles of range in 15 minutes of charging. The car comes with an 11 kW charger as standard. With it, you can charge the car from 10% to 100% in 10 hours. Mercedes offers an optional 22-watt charger that halves the charging time. Finally, to finish on charging, the EQS will be compatible with two-way charging, but only in Japan at first.
The range of the car will obviously depend on the power of the engine, but also on the transmission. The EQS is initially available in two models: EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4Matic. The first is rear-wheel drive (electric drive train on the rear axle), while the second benefits from all-wheel drive. The EQS 450+ has a 245 kW electric motor, offering pretty good acceleration (6.2 seconds is needed to go from 0 to 60 mph). The EQS 580 incorporates a 385 kW motor. The acceleration is obviously better: 4.3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Note that the top speed for both cars is limited to 130 mph. Finally, Mercedes-Benz promises the arrival of a model with a 560 kW engine, with no launch date.
Aesthetically, the EQS largely takes the design of the new S-Class, of which this electric sedan is a close cousin. This is especially the case when you look at the grille of the car Mercedes-Benz calls “Black Panel”. You will find the LEDs for the headlights of course, but also other light elements, including a strip that connects the two ignition systems. Inside, you will find multimedia and interactive equipment. The main screen measures 12.4 inches and offers all of the controls over the car. As an option, you can also opt for the Hyperscreen which combines three curved screens, the assembly of which forms the link between the two front doors.
Among the driving options integrated into the on-board computer, you will of course find all the aids expected in this type of vehicle. Among those that caught our attention, you will find automatic door opening, remote parking assistance using a smartphone, autonomous driving in heavy traffic (up to 40 mph), or assistance for keep the driver’s attention.
