Mercedes-Benz EQS EV expected later this year
New interior shows impressive tech and luxury
EQS to take on Tesla Model S, Audi e-tron and Porsche Taycan
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS will be the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle range, known as EQ. It will be the S-Class of Mercedes-Benz EVs, and it has the interior to prove it.
Mercedes-Benz invited us to get a virtual first look at the new EQS, specifically the interior only as the exterior was still camouflaged. What we saw is a new EV with and interior worthy of an ultra-luxury vehicle, firmly positioning the EQS as the grand daddy of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles.
It’s clear that the EQ lineup will have its own distinct personality. Mercedes-Benz could have simply taken the interior of the new S-Class, tweaked it a little, and put it in the EQS. Instead, the German automaker developed a brand-new interior with a massive new screen that stretches the entire length of the dashboard.
New MBUX Hyperscreen
The curved screen called Hyperscreen measures 1.4 metres in width and includes three distinct displays, one each for the passenger and driver measuring 12.3 inches. The centre display measures 17.7 inches. The centre and driver displays use OLED technology and haptic feedback. The system also uses what Mercedes-Benz calls “zero-layer design” meaning that there are no sub-menus to scroll.
This new display houses a new-generation MBUX system that is capable of “learning” what the user wants and create personalized displays of various apps for quicker access.
The MBUX’ ability to learn means that, for example, if you regularly use a specific type of massage function, the system can recommend that particular massage when outside temperatures call for it. Or, if the driver raises the chassis to access a steep driveway every time they get home, the system will use GPS location to suggest raising the chassis when the user gets home, providing easier access to the function.
The Hyperscreen won’t be standard, however. Entry-level versions will get an interior that more closely ressembles the current S-Class’ layout. We also don’t know if the new screen will find its way into other Mercedes-Benz EQ models. The current Mercedes-Benz EQC uses an interior layout that is heavily based off of the GLC.
Also included is a new ENERGIZING COMFORT application. For those who don’t know, ENERGIZING COMFORT uses a range of functions including the heated and ventilated seats, the perfume dispenser, the ambient lighting and the climate system to create different “experiences” in the vehicle. There are new ENERGIZING COMFORT experiences in the EQS including “Forest Glade”, “Sounds of the Sea, and “Summer Rain”.
Lastly, a new HEPA filter can remove 99.65% of particles inside the cabin.
Auditory Experience
Mercedes-Benz also worked hard to create a range of sounds that will be associated with the EQS, both when entering and on the road. Two distinct sound profiles, Silver Waves and Vivid Flux, are available. These are essentially two types of sounds available when out on the road, created either a relaxing or more dynamic experience.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Range
For now, Mercedes-Benz is focused on talking about the experience of driving the new EQS, an experience that touches on all the senses. It is clear that the brand is looking to position its new EV flagship as the most comfortable and refined option in its segment, letting Audi, Tesla, and Porsche fight over horsepower, performance, and accelerations. At least for now.
Mercedes-Benz didn’t touch on specs in the presentation, but we did learn that the EQS will have a record-setting 0.20 drag coefficient.
Although not confirmed, the EQS could receive a new 108-kWh battery pack that recently started production. This battery could deliver up to 435 miles (700 kilometres) on the WLTP circuit and can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes.
We will know more when the EQS is unveiled on April 15.