Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric EQ range currently only consists of the EQC SUV, but Stuttgart is keen to expand the lineup. That much was made clear with the unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS at the ongoing 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing a new flagship electric sedan.
The “S” in its name means that it’s the electric equivalent of the S-Class, and it rides on a new modular platform for medium and large-sized EVs, with a mix of steel, aluminium and carbon fibre in its construction. The sleek, almost monobox profile provides what the company calls a “one bow” look, and together with the massive wheels that have been pushed to the far corners, it belies the abundance of space inside.
At the front, you’ll find the mask-like graphic that is becoming a signature of the EQ range, with a glassed-in “grille” tapering into the variable Digital Light headlights with twin holographic lenses. This “grille” is illuminated with 188 individual LEDs, which can be used to communicate with other road users.
The car’s two-tone colour scheme is black above the shoulder line and silver at the bottom – split by a continuous “lightbelt” around the car – giving the illusion of a completely glazed upper surface. Moving to the rear of the car, the tail lights are made up of 229 tiny three-pointed stars, mirroring the livery of the F1 W10 EQ Power+ racer competing in this year’s Formula 1 season.
As we saw in preview images last week, the spacious, airy interior – said to be inspired by luxury yachts – features four large, ornate seats upholstered in white Dinamica microfibre and finely-textured faux leather, bisected by a large centre console. The figured maple dashboard combines with the gloss black upper exterior panels to provide a continuous wraparound look.
The dashboard is dominated by a floating portrait-format touchscreen linked to the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), and if recent spyshots are any indication, the regular S-Class is set to go down that route too. More touchscreens can be found in each door, and there are also projection surfaces to deliver yet more information, plus Connected Light ambient lighting.
Ahead of the driver sits a half rectangular steering wheel, even though Mercedes promises that the car will feature Level 3 semi-autonomous highway driving functionality. The company says that the modular sensor systems allow for an upgrade to fully-autonomous capabilities in the future. Vertical air vents, rose gold speaker covers and a jewel-like fragrance flask holder complete the interior.
Power comes from a pair of motors that deliver over 350 kW (470 hp) and 760 Nm of torque to all four wheels, allowing the Vision EQS to sprint to 100 km/h in under 4.5 seconds. The large lithium-ion battery hidden within the floor enables a quoted range of up to 700 km on the new, more stringent WLTP cycle, and it is capable of charging up to 80% in less than 20 minutes via a 350 kW fast charging station.
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS press images
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Tesla. Higher hp, Nm and km range. Cheaper too
Tesla doesnt have the branding power of Mercedes.
Both these cars come to Malaysia about RM1 mil. In overseas, they are so affordable.
Affordable to those have money not the regular joes.
What? No. The longest range Tesla is 600km.
This Mercedes should still match that range even when approximately converted to EPA, and it would have a better build quality unlike the poorly planned and designed Tesla. Changing the welds on the Model 3 (and NOT on a newly designed chassis) mid-life? Come on Tesla.
Very nice car and if only Mercedes-Benz really make such a slim headlamps… also hope they more realistic in their pricing
“This “grille” is illuminated with 188 individual LEDs, which can be used to communicate with other road users.”
Can display “bodoh”?
So needed for Malaysia right?!!