The Mercedes-Benz EQS has been updated, featuring a significant improvement in both range and charging technology.

      Mercedes-Benz has given the EQS a significant boost, and this refresh goes beyond just adding a new color option for the year. The revised electric sedan features a revamped architecture, truly impressive range figures, and a plethora of technology that makes it feel like a completely different vehicle compared to its 2021 launch.

      Over 900 km on a single charge? Yes, it's true!

      Mercedes

      The standout number is hard to overlook. The new EQS 450+ boasts a WLTP-rated range of 926 km, marking a 13% enhancement over the previous version, which was already quite impressive. In practical terms, you could travel from Munich to Paris or from Zurich to Hamburg on just one charge without any hassle. Much of this improvement is attributed to a new battery with advanced cell chemistry, combined with a next-generation electric architecture. Additionally, Mercedes has installed a two-speed gearbox at the rear axle, which helps maintain efficiency across varied driving conditions.

      Charging has become significantly faster

      The new EQS utilizes an 800-volt architecture, enabling charging speeds of up to 350 kW. At this speed, you can gain approximately 320 km of range in around 10 minutes. If you find yourself at a 400-volt station, the battery cleverly divides itself to charge at up to 175 kW, ensuring you won't be kept waiting, no matter the available infrastructure. Regenerative braking has also seen major advancements, with recuperation power now reaching up to 385 kW. That represents a substantial amount of energy being returned to the battery whenever you ease off the accelerator.

      Mercedes

      This aspect might be the most intriguing engineering development in the new EQS. Mercedes-Benz is now the first German manufacturer to offer steer-by-wire in a production car, with this option available a few months post-launch. There is no mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front wheels; the entire operation is electronic, allowing for a more precise and adjustable steering feel than a conventional setup could provide. For a brand that patented the first automobile 140 years ago, this bold move is quite fitting.

      The interior remains a showcase for technology

      The MBUX Hyperscreen is still standard, stretching over 55 inches of uninterrupted glass and incorporating three displays in a single seamless interface. The system operates on MB.OS, Mercedes' new proprietary operating system that employs AI, manages over-the-air updates, and integrates with Mercedes' cloud services. The virtual assistant can engage in real conversations rather than merely responding to isolated commands, making it more practical. Rear passengers also enjoy their own 13.1-inch screens and portable MBUX remotes, allowing them to control entertainment and vehicle features without needing to lean forward to adjust the dashboard.

      Mercedes

      In addition to the major features, Mercedes has clearly attended to the finer details as well. The headlights now provide a beam that covers a 40% larger area while consuming half the energy. The high beam reaches up to 600 meters ahead. The HEPA filter effectively blocks nearly all airborne particles. The suspension incorporates cloud-based damper regulation that detects upcoming speed bumps and adjusts in real-time, allowing the EQS to glide over them smoothly rather than jolting through. There’s also seatbelt heating in the front seats, warming up to 44 degrees—an innovative feature that might seem unnecessary until you experience a chilly morning.

      A stronger case than ever

      Mercedes

      When the EQS was first introduced, it set the standard for electric luxury sedans. Now, a few years later, the competition has made significant strides. This update appears to be Mercedes' response to that, improving upon the areas where the original model was starting to show its age while reinforcing what made it exceptional. Whether the price is justified is a matter for your accountant to decide, but as an engineering achievement, the new EQS is undeniably compelling.