Mercedes-Benz recently held a very exclusive, socially distanced, one-on-one reveal of the all-new 2022 EQS where I was able to see the vehicle in all its majestic glory. The first to be launched in North America on their all-new electric-only Mercedes-EQ modular architecture, the flagship EQS offers a selection of very interesting, unique features.
In Canada, we’ll be getting the EQS 580 4Matic model that’s offered exclusively with all-wheel drive. Mercedes is claiming an available range of up to 770 km, with a maximum output of 385 kW (516 hp) and 855 Nm of torque (630 lb-ft). It will also be able to go from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. An Edition One model will be available during the first year of production that is offered exclusively in metallic Hi-Tech Silver paint with a complementary interior outfitted in a light Neva Grey with blue accents.
The EQS was inspired by the S-Class sedan and does share some components, but being an electric vehicle allowed engineers to reimagine the concept of a luxury sedan. In doing so, they have created distinctive design elements that are both visually captivating, but also intelligently incorporated into an aerodynamic, intuitive driving experience.
Aerodynamics & Styling
What Mercedes is referring to as a “One-Bow” exterior design element, achieves a sleek, couple-like appearance. Designers worked in close cooperation with aerodynamicists in order to reach a 0.20 drag coefficient, making the EQS the most aerodynamic production car in the world at the moment. The lack of a traditional internal combustion engine and drivetrain allowed for a low, sleek exterior design.
The area where a front trunk or “frunk” would normally reside is secured in place to cover vital electric mechanisms and is only accessible by a trained Mercedes technician. As a result, the windshield washer fluid reservoir can be filled via a spout that pops out of the front left quarter panel. Flush door seals, retractable handles, and a smooth underbody also help contribute to a reduction in drag and wind noise.
An exclusive set of aerodynamic 19-inch wheels are offered on the Model One, with a selection of other high-efficiency designs available on other trims. Buyers in other markets will get a set of low-rolling-resistance tires designed specifically for the vehicle, but Canadians will get all-season tires as standard. The high-efficiency tires will be offered as an accessory, however.
MBUX Hyperscreen
An optional upgrade in Canada, the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) Hyperscreen consists of three high-definition screens under a single pane of glass spanning the entire dash of the vehicle. A specific version of the Hyperscreen will be available across the EQ lineup. The screen presents vehicle information and infotainment in an intuitive and interactive manner. Various drive modes and efficiency ratings are represented through creative visualizations. The passenger can set climate controls, program a destination in the GPS, or choose the music. Rear passengers can also use their own 29.4-cm (11.6-in) touchscreens to assist with navigation or infotainment up front or choose their own experience. The system can be customized to suit your preferences, but also learns your behaviour to provide suggestions for infotainment, navigation, climate control, and various other vehicle functions. It comes equipped with the latest version of the “Hey Mercedes” voice command virtual assistant. A camera mounted in the driver’s digital display monitors and analyzes the driver’s eye movements, providing visual warnings and prompts as to the driving assistance systems being activated.
Artificial Intelligence
Given its high capability of learning thanks to Artificial intelligence (AI), the EQS is able to expand its capabilities as time goes on. With the assistance of adaptive software, the MBUX system learns about its driver in order to make personalized suggestions for a variety of functions, such as making phone calls or routing to a particular address. Depending on the given situation and context, the information is served up to the driver within the top level of their field of vision to accept or reject. The system will even remember road conditions along your route to monitor and adjust suspension settings as necessary.
Navigation with Electric Intelligence
In addition to a conventional battery range indicator, the EQS will calculate the energy required based on the route through on-board data and information acquired from the cloud. The system will take into account traffic and topography, speed, ambient temperature and heating or cooling requirements that could contribute to higher energy consumption. It will also provide route suggestions based on charging stations, taking into account proximity, cost (it will estimate price based on battery level) and charger availability. Another feature provides a visual prompt identifying whether there is sufficient battery capacity to return home without a charge.
Active Ambient Lighting
The interior of the EQS features standard active ambient lighting. It’s not just for visual enjoyment, it helps provide a safer, more intuitive driving experience. A light band consisting of 190 LEDs spans the dash and continues along the doors, emitting 64 individual colours and various gradients that create visual presentations to welcome occupants and provide a sensory acclimatization reminiscent of the vehicle’s driving mode or current battery level. The screen and lighting are also integrated into the climate and comfort settings, so will provide orange and red animation to radiate a sense of warmth. It is also capable of providing visual warnings if a vehicle or cyclist enters one of the vehicle’s blind spots, or as part of the collision alert and automatic braking systems.
Headlights and Taillights
The EQS features distinctive lighting signatures. LED light bars span the width of the vehicle both front and rear, while rear taillights feature a luminous circular coil design. The new Digital Light technology consists of a light module comprising three powerful LEDs in each headlamp. The adaptive headlights are able to oscillate left and right or up and down, as well as providing the option to project warnings or road markings onto the road ahead.
All-Wheel Drive
The EQS 580 4Matic sedan features an electric powertrain (eATS) at both the front and rear axle, allowing them to work together or independently. The system is monitored 10,000 times per minute, providing a faster, more precise response than traditional mechanical all-wheel drive. The EQS also features rear-axle steering up to 4.5 degrees as standard, with an available steering angle of up to 10 degrees with the Premium Package.
Sustainability
Many of the materials used to construct the EQS are recycled, renewable or sustainably sourced. Seating is made from synthetic leather; the dash is made from Neotex; as much as 80 per cent of the steel used is recycled rather than using virgin material; and floor coverings consist of yarn made of regenerated nylon. Mercedes has brought all of its battery-cell and management system development in-house. Software updates and completely new vehicle functions can be activated over-the-air (OTA). The production facility is carbon-neutral, the cobalt content in the cathodes of the battery cells has been drastically reduced compared to the previous battery generations to less than 10 per cent, and the lithium-ion batteries offer significantly higher density, which results in improved charging capability.
Mercedes guarantees that 100 per cent of the electricity used to charge the vehicle comes from renewable resources when using “Mercedes me Charge.” The EQS will come with three years of complimentary Mercedes me Charge, which offer owners charging at thousands of public charging stations across Canada.
Interior Air Quality
The EQS offers an optional air quality feature that monitors particulate levels both outside and inside the vehicle which are displayed on the MBUX display. A HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter traps fine particles and pollen from outside air. Activating climate control prior to entering the vehicle, drivers can clean the interior air before they get in. If exterior air quality is poor, the system will recommend closing the windows and sunroof.
Soundscapes
As the vehicle does not feature the traditional sounds of an internal combustion engine, interactive driving sounds can be turned on or off depending on preference. The Burmester surround sound system features sound profiles, such as Silver Waves and Vivid Flux, in addition to other soundscapes that can be downloaded over the air.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS utilizes sustainable materials, production and charging capabilities, along with modern, intuitive technology and distinctive, aerodynamic styling. Artificial intelligence and over-the-air connectivity mean regular updates and upgrade options for owners. The EQS 580 4Matic Sedan will arrive in Canada in Fall 2021. No pricing is available yet.
You may also like
