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Cars > Electric

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is both eco-friendly and opulent

This car is the zero-emission cousin of the flagship S-Class

If you want to save polar bears and be pampered at the same time, the EQS is for you. PHOTO FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

After countless teasers and partial reveals, Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed the face of its flagship luxury EV, the EQS. Looking completely different from any of the automaker’s current range of sedans, the car has a smooth, curvaceous fastback profile. Achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.20, the EQS is the most aerodynamic production car in the world—at least according to Mercedes.

We wonder if the stars on the 'grille' can be replaced with Louis Vuitton logos. PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

The styling of the EQS has some very interesting bits. The front panel where the grille would normally be is peppered with stars just like some AMG and AMG-Line models. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard, with the option to upgrade to massive 22-inch alloys. Also available is a two-tone livery that resembles the concept car and makes the EQS look even more futuristic.

The 'Edition One' EQS will probably have all the optional extras. PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

We’ve extensively discussed the EQS’s interior in a recent article, but if there’s one feature that’s worth pointing out, it’s the Hyperscreen. This massive 56-inch display utilizes AI from the MBUX infotainment system to learn the user’s driving habits and preferences. It also comes standard with a suite of driver-assist systems that are also fitted to the S-Class.

Mercedes went above and beyond the usual with the optional “comfort doors.” Proximity sensors detect the key fob’s location. Come close enough to the vehicle and the doors will open automatically. Closing is triggered by pressing the brake pedal or selecting the appropriate option on the infotainment screen. Now, old Jarvis can finally catch a break from holding the door open.

No other electric-car interior is as luxurious as this one. PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

The EQS is built on Mercedes’s new modular EVA platform. It comes with air suspension and adaptive dampers to keep the ride smooth and cushy. Rear-wheel steering is equipped as standard to help this luxury barge be more maneuverable in the city.

It will be initially offered with two variants, both using a 107.8kWh battery pack. The base EQS450+ has a single motor. It offers 329hp and 568Nm, and does 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds. Meanwhile, the EQS580 4Matic has a twin-motor setup (which means all-wheel drive). The power unit pushes out 516hp and 855Nm, dropping the 100km/h sprint time to 4.3 seconds. These cars aren’t autobahn screamers, though, as top speed is limited to 210km/h.

No, the car does not follow tractor beams. These are just some of its driver aids. PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

Depending on the trim level, the EQS has a claimed range of up to 770km. Fifteen minutes at a fast charger is good enough for additional 300km of range. The 22kW home charger can top up the battery in a very respectable five hours.

Just 15 minutes at a quick-charging dock can add 300km of range. PHOTO FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

The availability of the EQS hasn’t been revealed yet, but expect the German market to get priority for this car. As for pricing, electric cars typically cost more than their gas-powered counterparts. A good benchmark would be the S-Class, which starts at €93,438 (P5.41 million) in Germany. But we’ve said it before that if you have to ask how much a Mercedes flagship automobile costs, then you probably don’t have the means to afford it.



Sam Surla

Sam used to be the youngest member of our editorial team when he was our managing editor. He specialized in photography and videography, but he also happened to like writing about cars a lot.



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