The long-awaited 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan has finally unveiled, the marque’s first step towards an electric future. Featuring an aerodynamic design, widescreen dashboard and flexible electric architecture, the new release looks destined to rival the Tesla Model S as the ultimate electric sedan. More importantly, the all-electric luxury vehicle ushers in a new era for the German automotive icon, with the car to sit as part of the large S-Class family once it arrives in Australian showrooms in December this year.
“The EQS is designed to exceed the expectations of even our most discerning customers,” Mercedes-Benz and Daimler CEO Ola Kaellenius said in a release. “That’s exactly what a Mercedes has to do to earn the letter ‘S’ in its name. Because we don’t award that letter lightly.”
According to CarAdvice, the new arrival is set to deliver two EQS variants, the rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+ and the all-paw EQS 580 4Matic. The former is powered by a single eATS electric motor assembly on the rear axle generating 245kW and 568Nm of torque to the wheelbase. By all accounts, the entry-level all-electric S-Class would be capable of hitting 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 210km/h.
Conversely, the flagship 580 4Matic doubles down on the electric capabilities, adding another electric motor to the front axle. This addition gives the 580 4Matic Mercedes-Benz EQS an impressive 385kW of power and 855Nm of torque to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h rate of 4.3 seconds. Interestingly, the flagship model doesn’t push the needle any further in terms of top speed, mirroring the 450+ max of 210km/h.
The good news for Mercedes-Benz fans is that the latest release is loaded with all the features and styling they’ve come to love from the iconic automaker. The 2022 EQS will score the MBUX Hyperscreen dashboard that was unveiled at CES this year, the 1410-millimetre wide dashboard panel that houses three digital displays: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 17.7-inch central touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display. Best of all, it cops an improved charging time and a solid maximum driving range of 770km on Europe’s WLTP cycle. That’s good enough for second place in the longest-range electric vehicle, just behind the upcoming Tesla Model S Plaid Plus’ 837km, a claim that is yet to be proven or tested.
While the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS doesn’t boast the 800-volt system that the Porsche Taycan does, the release’s 400-volt electrical architecture still enables DC fast charging at up to 200kW, for a 10 to 80 percent charge in as little as 31 minutes (at a 500-amp-plus station). According to reports, the torque-vectoring system touted by Mercedes-Benz will be the catalyst for increasing power, helping to spread it across the front and rear axles as needed, up to 10,000 times per minute. For those wondering what that looks like, you’ll have to hold your horses. The technology won’t be visible to the public until later this year when the 560kW AMF EQS lands in showrooms.
And of course, this thing looks sexy as hell. Taking the S name into the future, the EQS features the trademark ‘Black Panel’ faux grille features, alongside an LED daytime-running light strip, sensors for active safety, and autonomous driving systems. Better yet, it also houses pop-out handles, cab-forward styling, and alloy wheel designs available in 19-, 20- or 21-inch sizes.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is set to go on sale in Australia in December 2021, with local pricing and specifications to be announced closer to launch.