Ambient lighting
A surefire way to make a good first impression, Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class
Performance
You thought the Maybach S650 was a good looking car? Wait until you see some of the luxurious features of the EQS. The ride should be smooth and serene thanks to the standard air suspension. Inside the cabin, a dazzling 64-color ambient lighting arrangement creates a dramatic atmosphere (and gradients between those colors are possible, too). All models come equipped with a large panoramic sunroof. There are a variety of trim and upholstery options available, including quilted leather, backlit laser-cut Mercedes logos, and three-dimensional metallic panels, among others.
Models
The Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class is all-new for 2022. The new vehicle’s key features include all-electric vehicles and a new vehicle platform. Now you can use the huge Hyperscreen dashboard. A new MBUX infotainment system user interface new color schemes for the ambient lighting and wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
Technology
The EQS is a showcase for Mercedes’ technological vocabulary. A 12.3-inch gauge display and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in portrait orientation are standard, and the MBUX user interface, which includes enhanced “Hey Mercedes” voice activation, runs on a new version of the MBUX software. A fingerprint scanner integrated into the vehicle allows different drivers to load personalized profiles and settings with a single touch. The navigation system has an augmented reality feature that allows you to overlay directions on a live video feed of the road in front of you while driving. It is possible to order one of two head-up display systems, one of which can project an image in front of the driver with a 77-inch field of vision. A second option is for each rear passenger to have their own personal touchscreen display. Six USB type-C ports are strategically placed throughout the cabin. While some Mercedes models can be equipped with a Burmester audio system as an option, the EQS comes equipped with a system with 15 speakers as standard. Because the car does not have an engine, a variety of aural environments are provided to give the vehicle some personality. Soundscapes with names such as Silver Waves, Vivid Flux, and Roaring Pulse make use of parameters such as speed, drive mode, acceleration or braking forces to give the impression of high-performance driving in a futuristic environment.
Rivalry
Arriving in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a surefire way to make a good first impression. Mercedes aims to apply that gravitas to its new all-electric sedan, the EQS, which will be released later this year. This full-size luxury sedan, which was first previewed by a concept car at the 2019 Frankfurt auto show, is the range-topping model of EQ, the zero-emissions subbrand that Mercedes is working to establish. With the EQS, it now has a flagship that is jam-packed with incredible features that should capture the attention of the entire world. Keep an eye out for the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and Lucid Air, because the EQS is on its way to charge things up.
Feature
the experience is with us
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class
A Tesla Model S-fighter? That’s not the point. It’s not a super-sedan, but rather an electric S-Class. The cabin is very quiet, and the air suspension protects the passengers from road bumps. The 580 feels heavier but faster than the 450+, which, as we stated in our First Drive, feels like an average midsize luxury sedan. The huge Hyperscreen across the dashboard is impressive. Despite the three-screen layout, it’s very user-friend. We liked the onboard voice assistant that responds to “Hey, Mercedes.” This feature seems to have improved over time, understanding natural language requests. The Mercedes EQS can’t replace your Tesla. But if you want a luxurious experience, the EQS is worth considering. It’s a Mercedes, after all. Though the EQS offers better ride quality and more cargo space, we prefer the S-Class’ elegant styling, superior rear seating experience, and long range.
Systems
Heaters, air conditioning, and massaging seats are available in both rows of the plane. Full acoustically laminated glass is available to further improve the level of quiet. Even though in-car fragrance systems are nothing new for high-end Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the EQS is available with a bespoke fragrance called No.6 MOOD, which is said to combine elements of fig and linen. We believe that regardless of how your EQS is configured, it will be a very comfortable base from which to travel long distances.
Substitute
Although it is possible to characterize the EQS as the S-Class of electric vehicles, the EQS is far more than just an all-electric S-Class. The two models are similar in terms of size, features, and comfort to Mercedes’ top-of-the-line models, but they are vastly different in terms of mechanical design. Each is built on a different platform, with the EQS’ being designed to accommodate underfloor batteries and the S-Class being built around internal combustion engines, respectively. When you park the two cars next to each other, it’s easy to tell which is which in terms of styling. There’s a chance that the new S-Class will be available in a plug-in hybrid configuration, but we believe Mercedes will keep the EQS as its sole all-electric flagship.
