A yr in the past, Mercedes-Benz did the prudent factor and paused its EQ lineup of electrical automobiles within the US. With buyer demand drying up for luxurious EVs, and federal incentives getting axed by vengeful Republicans, Mercedes put its first-generation EVs on ice.
However then, in January, Mercedes quietly reintroduced the EQS model within the US, with The Drive declaring that the “blobs are again” — a reference to the sedan’s much-maligned jelly-bean form that prioritized aerodynamics over a extra conventional profile. However we didn’t but notice how again the EQS really was.
Immediately, Mercedes is reintroducing its electrical sedan to a cautious, cash-strapped market, and it’s sweetening the pot with a loopy vary estimate and an innovative steer-by-wire technologya primary for the German automaker. The 2027 EQS is scheduled to reach at US dealerships within the second half of 2026.
Mercedes is really not screwing round with the brand new EQS. The sedan is estimated to have 925km (575 miles) of vary on the WLTP cycle (which tends to be round 10–20 % extra beneficiant than the EPA’s estimates). This may be achieved because of a battery with a brand new chemistry that blends silicon oxide with graphite for the anodes, enabling a usable capability of 122kWh. Mercedes can also be slicing again on its use of cobalt, which has been known as the “blood diamond of batteries” because of its ties to human rights abuses.
Charging shall be a lot improved with the refreshed EQS, too. The automaker upgraded structure to 800 volts, permitting for 350 kW DC quick charging, including 320 km of vary in simply 10 minutes. When charging at a 400-volt station, the EQS’s clever management system just about divides the battery into two elements, charing every half with 400 volts and as much as 175kW of power.
The inclusion of steer-by-wire is actually a giant threat. Steer-by-wire, through which the automobile will be steered electronically fairly than via a bodily connection between the steering wheel and steering rack, may result in improved maneuverability and enhanced consolation. Or it may result in latency points — though Mercedes says it has totally examined its system for security. A brand new steering yoke may assist appeal to race fanatics to the dealership. However when you favor an excellent quaint round-shape steering wheel and dependable electromechanical steering, Mercedes shall be glad to promote you an EQS with these too.
The silhouette continues to be decidedly blob-like, however Mercedes maintains that the one-bow design allows an industry-leading drag coefficient of 0.20 — which is additional optimized by “refined exterior mirrors.” This possible helps with vary good points, however it may very well be a troublesome promote amongst consumers who would like a couple of extra sharp angles. Mercedes additionally boosted the regenerative braking energy by a 3rd for 385kW of recuperation.
And, in fact, there’s extra AI integration, together with Mercedes’ improved MB.OS working system that options an AI-powered assistant and over-the-air software program updates. The now commonplace 55-inch Hyperscreen has a “Zero Layer” interface for simpler navigation. The working system makes use of AI to study which options you employ essentially the most, then surfaces these options as particular person widgets on the principle display screen. Ideally, you don’t need to rummage via too many submenus to seek out what you need.
Mercedes plans on providing the EQS in a wide range of packages. The EQS 450+ is the vary chief, with a single, rear-wheel drive motor offering essentially the most effectivity of all of the variations. The EQS 500 4MATIC and EQS 580 4MATIC are each all-wheel drive, with an Built-in Disconnect Unit within the entrance motor. This permits the automobile to decouple the entrance motor when not wanted to save lots of power, then activate it at “lightning pace” when the driving force wants additional traction or a burst of acceleration. And these fashions will characteristic essentially the most regen because of their means to reap power from each axles throughout braking.
Picture: Mercedes-Benz
The brand new EQS will come commonplace with MB.Drive Help, the automaker’s superior driver-assist system, that makes use of 10 cameras and 27 sensors for computerized lane altering, evasive steering, and automatic parking. What it’s not, nonetheless, is Mercedes’ new Level 2++ feature called Drive Pilot Assist that’s rolling out to the CLA electrical sedan later this yr. The system is much like Tesla’s FSD in that it may be used hands-free in cities however requires the driving force to remain attentive.
Mercedes hasn’t revealed the EQS’s value but, however it’s providing seemingly bottomless choices for configuration and customization. This shall be via the automaker’s Manufaktur Made to Measure program, which incorporates over 100 paint colours and different bespoke inside choices. This might assist shift the vibe across the EQS from a “collection manufacturing” really feel into “tailored” territory, permitting for mixtures that wouldn’t be discovered on a normal dealership lot.
All in all, the brand new EQS will definitely assist spherical out Mercedes’ EV lineup within the US, which is fluctuating proper now. The automaker hasn’t stated whether or not it’ll additionally resurrect the EQS SUV, or the EQE sedan and SUV. The CLA is doing an excellent job of turning heads. And Mercedes is sticking to its promise of introducing a number of new EVs within the US within the coming years, together with variants of its GLC crossover and E-Class sedan.
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