Electrified S-Class: Mercedes EQS celebrates world premiere!

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Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

The EQS is the first fully electric luxury sedan from Mercedes-EQ. With it, Mercedes-EQ is redefining this vehicle segment. As the first model, the EQS is also based on the modular architecture for electric vehicles in the luxury and upper class. By amalgamating technology, design, functionality and connectivity, the EQS inspires drivers and passengers. The first models to arrive are the EQS 450+ with 245 kW (combined NEDC power consumption: 19,1-16,0 kWh / 100 km; CO₂Emissions: 0 g / km) and the EQS 580 4MATIC with 385 kW (combined NEDC power consumption: 20,0-16,9 kWh / 100 km; CO₂Emissions: 0 g / km) on the market. The consumption values ​​according to WLTP: EQS 450+ combined power consumption 20,4-15,7 kWh / 100 km, CO₂-Emissions 0 g / km; EQS 580 4MATIC combined power consumption 21,8-17,4 kWh / 100 km, CO₂-Emissions 0 g / km.

2021 Mercedes EQS

As part of the Ambition 2039 Mercedes-Benz is working on achieving a CO₂-to offer a neutral fleet of new vehicles. The company plans to sell more than half of its electric cars by 2030 - this includes fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. In many areas, Mercedes-Benz is already thinking about tomorrow today: The new EQS is designed to be sustainable. The vehicles will be CO₂-Neutral production, and resource-saving materials such as carpets made from recycled yarn are used. Because Mercedes-Benz considers the entire value chain from development through the supplier network to its own production. Mercedes-Benz AG has had its climate protection goals confirmed by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI).

With a lot of meticulous detailed work and based on the purpose design, the aerodynamicists, in close cooperation with the designers, were able to create a new c_w-Best value of 0,20^[1] achieve. So that's the EQS most aerodynamic production car in the world. The range benefits in particular from this. It is also one of the best in terms of noise comfort: the very low wind noise level makes a significant contribution to this.

Also at the recuperation the EQS is very good: From the maximum delay in recuperation program D^Cars from 5 m / s² up to 3 m / s² are achieved through recuperation (2 m / s² through the wheel brakes). This makes it possible to decelerate to a standstill without pressing the brake pedal, while the range benefits from this recuperation strategy and the high recuperation power (up to 290 kW^[2]). The delay also takes place on recognized vehicles driving ahead until they come to a standstill, for example at a traffic light. The intelligent recuperation is situation-optimized with the help of the ECO Assistant and acts with foresight, taking into account the traffic situation or topography, among other things. The driver can also set three recuperation levels and the sailing function manually using paddles on the steering wheel.

Ranges of up to 770 kilometers

With Ranges of up to 770 kilometers (according to WLTP) and an output of up to 385 kW the EQS also meets the demands of a progressive sedan in the S-Class segment in terms of drive. A performance version with up to 560 kW is being planned. All EQS have an electric drive train (eATS) on the rear axle, the versions with 4MATIC also have an eATS on the front axle.

A new one starts with the EQS Battery generation with significantly higher energy density. The larger of the two batteries has a usable energy content of 107,8 kWh. That is approx. 26 percent more than with the EQC (EQC 400 4MATIC: combined power consumption 21,5-20,1 kWh / 100 km, combined CO₂ emissions 0 g / km)^[3]. The in-house developed, innovative battery management software enables updates over the air (OTA). This means that energy management remains up-to-date throughout the lifecycle. In cell chemistry, the cobalt content of the cathodes has been reduced to ten percent.

bidirectional charging is also possible

With up to 200 kW, the EQS can be charged with direct current at quick charging stations. After just 15 minutes, electricity is recharged for a further 300 kilometers (WLTP)^[4]. At home or at public charging stations, the EQS can be conveniently charged with alternating current of up to 22 kW using the onboard charger. In Japan, the EQS is also used bidirectional charging be possible, i.e. charging in both directions. In addition, there are intelligent charging programs that can be activated automatically depending on the location, and functions that help reduce the battery drain when charging.

Mercedes-Benz guarantees by means of high-quality guarantees of origin that for over Mercedes me Charge Charged amounts of electricity from renewable energies are fed into the grid. This so-called green charging has been an integral part of Mercedes me Charge since 2021. But Mercedes me Charge can do even more. To the appropriate charging station^[5] Drive, open the flap, plug in, and the electricity starts flowing: the charging process with the EQS is that easy thanks to Plug & Charge. Further highlights are the densest network with over 500.000 charging points in 31 countries, including over 200.000 in Europe. With IONITY Unlimited, all European customers of Mercedes me Charge can use the fast charging network for one year after activation without charging costs.

Navigation with Electric Intelligence

The Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most comfortable route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors and reacts dynamically to traffic jams or changes in driving style, for example. New to the EQS is a visualization in the infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), whether the existing battery capacity is sufficient to return to the starting point without charging. Manually added charging stations along the route are preferred when calculating the route. Suggested charging stations can be excluded. The estimated charging costs per charging stop are calculated.

Although the EQS is a close relative of the new S-Class, it is based on a purely electrical architecture. This completely new concept made a consistent one possible Purpose design: With its one-bow lines and the cab-forward design with hatchback, the EQS differs significantly from vehicles with a combustion engine at first glance. The design philosophy of sensual clarity, combined with progressive luxury, is reflected in generously modeled surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions (seamless design).

The front is to one Black panel unit summarized. Innovative headlights connected by a strip of light and the deep black radiator cladding (black panel) form the independent face. The black-panel radiator cladding with a central Mercedes star can be further increased in its exclusivity: as an option, it is also available with a three-dimensional star pattern. This so-called Mercedes-Benz pattern is available in conjunction with AMG Line Exterior or Electric Art Exterior. The pattern picks up on the original star of the Daimler-Motorengesellschaft registered as a trademark in 1911.

The EQS is the first Mercedes-Benz to offer the possibility of completely new vehicle functions via Over-the-air updates (OTA) to be activated in many functional areas. The offer at the start: two special driving programs for young drivers and service staff, small games and the demo program “The best or nothing”. After the purchase and the original new car configuration, some of the EQS's equipment can be adapted to personal requirements. It will also be possible to activate the rear axle steering with the larger steering angle of 10 °. In addition to the classic purchase of individual functions, subscriptions, temporary activations and free test phases are also planned.

ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL PLUS

With ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL PLUS, Mercedes-Benz thinks air quality holistically with the EQS. The system is based on the pillars of filtration, sensors, display concept and air conditioning. The HEPA-Filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters fine dust, tiny particles, pollen and other substances from the incoming outside air at its very high filtration level. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as well as odors are reduced thanks to the activated carbon coating. The HEPA filter has the “OFI CERT” ZG 250-1 certification for viruses and bacteria. The pre-air conditioning enables the inside air to be cleaned before boarding. The fine dust values ​​outside and inside the vehicle are also displayed in MBUX. You can experience them in detail in your own Air Quality menu. If the quality of the outside air is poor, the system can also make recommendations to close the side windows or the sunroof.

Upon request, the EQS automatic comfort doors^[6] front and back. When the driver approaches the car, the door handles extend first. If you get closer, the driver's door opens automatically. With MBUX, the driver also has the option of opening the rear doors remotely and, for example, letting children get into the school.

As an extremely intelligent vehicle, the EQS has up to 350 sensors, depending on the equipment. These record distances, speeds and accelerations, lighting conditions, precipitation and temperatures, the occupancy of seats as well as the blink of an eye of the driver or the language of the passengers. This large amount of information is processed by control units which, controlled by algorithms, make decisions at lightning speed. So you are, so to speak, the brain. The new EQS can expand its capabilities on the basis of new experiences, because thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) it is very capable of learning.

With the holistic sound staging, the paradigm shift from the combustion engine to the electric car can also be heard in the EQS. Different sound worlds allow an individual acoustic set-up. In conjunction with the Burmester® surround sound system, the EQS has the two sound worlds Silver Waves and Vivid Flux. As Sound Experiences they can be selected on the central display and also switched off. Another sound world, Roaring Pulse, can be unlocked with the help of over-the-air technology. The interactive engine sound, which is reproduced via the loudspeakers of the sound system in the interior, also moves within the respective sound world.

The three are new at ENERGIZING COMFORT ENERGIZING NATURE programs Forest clearing, the sound of the sea and summer rain. They offer an immersive, i.e. impressively realistic sound experience in the vehicle. The calming sounds were created in cooperation with the nature acoustician Gordon Hempton. As with the other ENERGIZING COMFORT programs, additional senses are addressed with lighting moods and images.

EQS with standard rear axle steering

The standard rear axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4,5 °. Alternatively, a rear axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10 ° can be ordered or subsequently activated with an upgrade over the air (OTA). This enables a turning circle of 10,9 meters for the EQS, which is over five meters long. This corresponds to the turning circle of many models in the compact class. The respective angle on the rear axle and the trajectories are shown in the drive program menu in the central display.

Thanks to powerful environmental sensors, the Parking systems support the driver in maneuvering in many areas. With the Remote Parking Assistant, the driver can park the vehicle in and out of the parking space using a smartphone. With the preparation for the INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT, the EQS is prepared for Automated Valet Parking (AVP, SAE level 4). Together with the required special equipment and the corresponding Connect service (depending on the country), the vehicle has the technology on board for fully automated and driverless parking in multi-storey car parks equipped with AVP infrastructure, provided that national laws allow such operation.

The revolutionary headlight technology DIGITAL LIGHT (standard from equipment level Advanced Plus) enables auxiliary markings or warning symbols to be projected onto the road. The two assistance functions are new^[7] Display of the start of the cooperative lane change and warning / directional information if the Lane Keeping Assist or Blind Spot Assist detects a danger. DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module in each headlight with three extremely bright LEDs, whose light is refracted and directed with the help of 1,3 million micro mirrors. The resolution per vehicle is therefore over 2,6 million pixels.

With the special equipment DRIVE PILOT the EQS will initially be able to drive highly automated up to 60 km / h in Germany in the event of high traffic or traffic jams on suitable motorway sections. This relieves the driver and gives him time by doing sideline activities^[8] how to surf the Internet or edit e-mails in the in-car office.

MBUX Hyperscreen (special equipment)

The absolute highlight in the interior is the MBUX hyperscreen (Special equipment). This large, curved screen unit stretches with a sweeping curve almost from A-pillar to A-pillar. Three screens sit under a cover glass and visually merge. With the 12,3-inch OLED display for the front passenger, the passenger has its own display and operating area. The entertainment functions are only available there during the journey within the framework of the country-specific legal regulations. Mercedes-EQ relies on an intelligent, camera-based locking logic: If the camera detects that the driver is looking at the front passenger display, it is automatically dimmed down when certain content is displayed.

With adaptive software, MBUX adapts completely to its users and provides them with personalized suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. The so-called Zero layer the most important applications are always offered situationally and in relation to the context on the top level in the field of vision.

The latest generation of the Driving assistance systems includes numerous functions that support the driver. For example, the additional ATTENTION ASSIST microsleep warning is new. It analyzes the driver's blink of an eye using a camera in the driver's display (only in conjunction with MBUX Hyperscreen). The assistance display in the driver's display shows the functionality of the driver assistance systems in an understandable full-screen view.

The principles of Integral security, in particular accident safety, apply regardless of the platform. Like all other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the EQS has a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and modern restraint systems. PRE-SAFE® is standard. The fact that the EQS is based on a purely electrical architecture also opened up new design options for its safety concept. In this way, the installation space for the battery could be chosen inexpensively in a crash-protected area in the underbody. And because there is no large engine block on board, the behavior in a frontal crash can be modeled even better. In addition to the standard crash tests, the Vehicle Safety Technology Center (TFS) secured additional load cases and carried out extensive component tests.

The most important technical data^[9]

[1] With 19" AMG wheel/tire combination (available in the EU from the end of 2021) in the SPORT drive program. [2] This value refers to the electrical power that is fed into the electrical battery due to recuperation. It can be achieved under optimal environmental conditions, depending on the state of charge and temperature, among other things. Deviations are possible. [3] The power consumption was determined on the basis of VO 692/2008/EG. The power consumption depends on the vehicle configuration. [4] Charging speed at DC fast charging stations with 500 amps [5] Initially, this convenient authentication method will be available at IONITY's Europe-wide fast charging stations. [6] Consequences after the market launch [7] Due to the registration regulations, the availability and range of functions of these new assistance functions may be market-specifically restricted. [8] The secondary activities permitted by law for the driver depend on the respective national road traffic regulations. [9] Technical information from the EQS on consumption, range, power, torque, recuperation, charging and mileage in this table are provisional and were determined internally based on the applicable certification method. So far there are neither confirmed values ​​from TÜV nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values. Deviations between the information and the official values ​​are possible. [10] The system performance does not result from the simple addition of individual performance values. [11] Electronically limited [12] This value refers to the electrical power that is fed into the electric battery due to recuperation. It can be achieved under optimal environmental conditions, depending on the state of charge and temperature, among other things. Deviations are possible. [13] The charging times correspond to 10-100% full charge when using a wall box or public charging station (AC connection with at least 11/22 kW, 16/32 A per phase) [14] The charging times correspond to 10-80% full charge when using a DC fast charging station with a supply voltage of 400 V, current at least 500 A. [15] At DC fast charging stations with 500 amps based on the WLTP range [16] According to EG [17] With 19" AMG wheel/tire combination (available in the EU from the end of 2021) in the SPORT driving program

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