All-electric Mercedes EQS Sedan built with emotion and intelligence in mind
Mercedes-Benz introduced its new all-electric platform in 2021 with two things in mind -- emotion and intelligence. Two staples of the brand. The goal to offer an electrified alternative for every segment of the vehicle marketplace.
According to Mercedes, they will be presenting an entirely new carbon neutral fleet within the next 20 years -- and the EQS is the first fully electric entry into that project. Vehicles produced with materials that save resources in different areas, such as specialized carpeting created from recycled yarn. A new era has begun.
Recently, we caught up with Hendrick Motors of Charlotte sales representative Cam Porta to learn more about the Mercedes EQS sedan electric vehicle, one of those signature entries into this new world. With three different entries, drivers have a lot of choice available.
“Our top clients have mostly had the 580 and the AMG models, but the 450 has the longest range. That car can go 450 miles on a charge,” said Porta, who noted that the EQS comes in three different variations. “The 450 only has one motor at the rear axle, while the 580 has a dual motor setup, which has a range of about 375 miles. The AMG has about 340 miles.”
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Next Level Design
To maximize EQS range, engineers and aerodynamicists concentrated on limiting drag, and what they came up with is next level. Impressively, they were able to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.2, making it the most aerodynamic production based vehicle in the world. That number benefits both to extend energy range, as well as noise reduction. Higher density batteries also help in this cause. While closely related to its S-Class brethren, the sculpted surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions give the EQS its own design.
“This car is very different from the S-Class, but the target buyer is very similar,” Porta said. “The car is built to maximize distance, which is why we have one of the longest ranges in the automotive sector now. It’s a purpose built car.
The EQS 450+ is an extended range EV with 350 miles of charge, as the single motor electric engine powers it to 329 horsepower and 419 foot pounds of torque. The 580 offers an impressive 516 horsepower and EQS AMG comes in at a robust 649 horsepower.
No stone was left unturned in the technology used inside a Mercedes electric vehicle, either. Ensuring the experience lived up to its brand. For instance, to maximize the overall available range, Mercedes worked with its tire partner to design a more free-rolling wheel structure.
“The tires manufactured for these EVs have about 30 percent less rolling resistance to help extend the range of these EVs,” Porta explained. “The rolling efficiency in some of these cars is unbelievable.
You also see it in the interior. A 12.3-inch digital interior cluster provides the driver clarity and vehicle information, while a 17.7-inch OLED touchscreen, voice control and MB navigation system highlight the car’s standard advanced tech features.
“Interior wise there’s ambient lighting, heated and cooled seats, massaging seats, and many of the other driver assist features,” Porta said. “Distronic active cruise control and lane-keep assist are standard on all EQS models. Automatic high beams and cornering.
“The other thing that really sets the EQS apart is the quality,” Porta continued. “It’s still a Mercedes. It has all the features a Mercedes should have. Longstanding customers will feel right at home as all the controls are in all the right places.”
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A Driving Experience
Another mark of excellence for every Mercedes produced is the driving experience. Luxury, smoothness and performance – hallmarks of a brand that examines the everyday details of their vehicles. Standard rear-axle steering adds up to 10 degrees of angle, enables this longer than average vehicle a turning radius that’s reminiscent of much smaller offerings.
“Some of the biggest selling points our clients would be the fact that they are looking for a sublime driving experience,” Porta said. “That’s versus an ICE car where you have engine noise, gear changes and the by-products of all of that. The EQ cars are silent. They have dual laminated glass in every single one, which is a feature borrowed from the S-Class. There’s virtually no outside noise on the highway.
“Power is instant, so they are fun to drive,” Porta added. “All the weight is at the bottom, so the center of gravity is super low. The AMG model has about 1,000 foot pounds of torque and 0 to 60 in sub three seconds for example.”
Speaking of the AMG, it’s the newest vehicle in the EQS electric fleet. Not only does it have enhanced horsepower, the EQS AMG is one of the most luxurious electric vehicles in the world. Dual electric motors give it that familiar AMG power; while model-exclusive 4matic AWD, intelligent energy recovery and AMG ride control makes this sedan a class benchmark.
“A lot of exterior appointments are upgraded on the AMG model, and you go to a nice trim package all around with high-gloss instead of matte plastics,” Porta said. “The wheel upgrade options are awesome.
“Visual enhancements on the interior carried over as well,” Porta continued. “It has the standard (56-inch) hyper screen like on the 580 model. It gives passengers their own unique display. Seats upgraded to full nappa leather throughout. The carbon ceramic brakes are a popular item, as they help with handling. An AMG specific steering wheel is also fitted to the EQS. They also have special battery heaters and coolers on board to assist with charging and maximum power output. The EQS AMG is the only model that has 4Matic+, which is a fully variable torque split between the two motors.”
Additional AMG options include a 110-volt home charger, AMG carbon ceramic front braking and red-painted brake calipers. For those that purchase the pinnacle trim level, not only do they get the rapid heating front seating, heated steering wheel, active ambient lighting and options such as the night package, Nappa microfiber performance steering wheel and all-season front and rear floor mats.
Iconic Throughout
As a long-time Mercedes enthusiast, Porta has a special bond with the brand. However, it goes beyond the vehicle.
“Mercedes is an iconic brand,” Portas said. “A lot of people are drawn to the brand because of the heritage. They invented the automobile and hold so many patents that they lease out to other automakers.
“Personally, I love the brand from a safety standpoint,” Porta added. “It is why I love retailing it. The most rewarding stories are when clients call you and say, “I was in a terrible accident and the only reason I am here is because of my Mercedes.” It’s the materials. The thickness of the steel in the doors, the carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Sophisticated crumple zones that have evolved over generations is unmatched in the industry. The Mercedes-Benz emblem carries a lot of significance.”
Significance indeed.
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