By Otsile Kadiege

After countless teasers, previews and renders surfacing on websites and social media, Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled their first-ever luxury electric sedan. The automaker claims the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQS combines sophistication, sustainability, high-tech and style.

Let’s focus on sophistication and style

The Tesla Model S rivalling EQS is one of Mercedes-Benz’s sleekest-looking cars they have ever built. The design team at Mercedes-Benz set-out to create a car that resembles a high-speed bullet train. Thanks to its “one-bow” lines, cab-forward design with fastback, a seamlessly integrated ‘Black Panel’ front-end with tiny three-pointed stars engraved on the panel and a drag coefficient of 0.20, which makes the EQS the world’s most aerodynamic series-built vehicle, we think they have achieved that goal.

Customers will have the option to spec their EQS with revolutionary Digital Light headlights which enables guide markings or warning symbols to be projected onto the road. A full-length light band with curved 3D helix dominates the rear-end of the car. The EQS is available in 3 different trim levels, namely standard equipment, AMG-Line and Electric Art. As standard the EQS is fitted with 19-inch wheels which can be increased to the optional 22-inch wheels.

Premium, high-tech interior

Getting inside is made simpler by automatic comfort doors which opens the driver’s door when the driver approaches the car. Once inside, the driver can close the door by simply depressing the brake pedal. The driver is greeted by a luxurious and high-tech cabin featuring the standard scratch resistant 12.8-inch central display in portrait orientation or the optional MBUX Hyperscreen which features a 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger giving them their own display and control area for a more enjoyable and entertaining journey. The infotainment system is powered by 8 CPUs, 24 GB RAM and 46.4 Gbits/s.

A HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) is part of the optional equipment ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL Plus which has a very high filtration level that enables it to trap fine particles, microparticles, pollen and other substances that enter with the outside air. The EQS has 3 ENERGIZING NATURE programs Forest Glade, Sounds of the Sea and Summer Rain. These provide an immersive, calming and impressively realistic on-board sound experience.

Range for days

There are 2 model derivatives for the EQS, namely EQS 450+ (RWD) which is powered by a single electric motor at the rear and EQS 580 4Matic (AWD) which is powered by an electric motor upfront. The former has 245 kW and 568 Nm. It will sprint to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h. The EQS 580 has 385 kW and 855 Nm. It will sprint to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and has the same top speed as the 450+. A performance version with up to 560 kW is being planned. Both model derivatives are powered by a 108.7-kWh lithium-ion battery. Depending on the size of the battery and the vehicle equipment and configuration, WLTP ranges of up to 770 km are possible.

The EQS has the ability to recharge from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes via a 110-kW DC fast charging, while a 240-volt wallbox takes above 10/5 hours.

As standard the EQS has a rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4.5°. Alternatively, rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10° can be ordered or subsequently activated by an upgrade over the air (OTA). This enables a turning circle of 10.9 m for the EQS, which is over 5 m long.

The EQS 450+ has a combined electrical consumption of 20.4-15.7 kWh/100 km whilst the EQS 580 4MATIC has a combined electrical consumption of 21.8-17.4 kWh/100 km.