Mercedes-Benz EQS promises 700km range
But does German electric limo top Tesla Model S?The hype is building around the Mercedes-Benz EQS, with Daimler chairman Ola Kallenius promising a 700km-plus for the battery-electric luxury saloon.
That’s based on the WLTP testing formula and should make it at least competitive with the Tesla Model S Long Range Plus, which claims 647km on the tougher EPA test.
Based on the Vision EQS concept unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, the production car is set to be unveiled in 2021. It is yet to be confirmed for Australia.
Testing after launch should sort out which whether Mercedes-Benz or Tesla has the range bragging rights.
As the EV flagship of the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the EQS really does need to be up there with Tesla – the dominant force in electrified automotive – to have credibility.
It also has to take into account hot competition coming from the Audi A9 e-tron and the upcoming electric Jaguar XJ now due in 2021.
Critically, it will be the first of Benz’s new-generation electric cars to be based on its dedicated EVA platform.
Speaking at the Daimler annual general meeting via video, Kallenius described the EQS as “a new era for Mercedes in terms of electrification”.
“The EQS will set new standards. More than 700km of driving range according to WLTP. That’s how far it can go on one battery charge,” he said.
“With the EQS, the way we think and conceive cars is changing. It is the first fully electric Mercedes-Benz which was developed from scratch as an E-car.
“This opens up entirely new possibilities – from the layout of the batteries to the car’s styling.
“The EQS plays in the same league as the S-class in terms of luxury, comfort and safety. But the EQS is also a symbol for Germany’s future capability.
“The batteries come from our plant in Stuttgart-Unterturkheim and the car will drive off the assembly line in factory 56 in Sindelfingen.”
The range claim for the EQS matches the concept car, which had dual electric motors generating about 350kW and 760Nm, and was serviced by a circa-100kWh battery pack. Acceleration to 100km/h was rated at 4.5 seconds and top speed at 200km/h.
Check out our brief test drive of the EQS concept here.
Also expected to be the basis for a 450kW Mercedes-AMG executive express, the Mercedes-Benz EQS will sit alongside the S-Class in the same way the EQC lines up alongside the GLC mid-size SUV and the forthcoming EQA alongside the GLA small SUV.
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