Mercedes-Benz EQS to be toned down

The radical Mercedes-Benz EQS battery-electric limousine is set to receive toned-down styling as part of a major overhaul aimed at attracting more traditional buyers.

As part of a midlife overhaul currently in the works, the Mercedes-Benz EQS will have its front-end redesigned to adopt a traditional upright grille from the current S-Class, including the addition of the three-pointed star bonnet emblem.

A development of the sleeker front grille found on the current EQS, which positions its large round badge within its centre, will also be offered, but it’s expected to be revised for a more elegant look.

The more traditional styling for the facelifted EQS is a direct response to customer requests, with Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius telling investors recently that “some [customers] will want to keep a more sporty look and have the star integrated in the panel, and some we believe will want to have the more traditional look”.

Inside, the EQS will also ditch its rear bench for a pair of more luxurious “executive seats”, says Källenius, implying that the EQS will finally gain a pair of two individual seats that can recline and offer a massage function on the move.

Beneath the skin, the upgraded EQS – which is set to launch in Europe from June – will also come with revised batteries that offer a longer driving range.

Adopting the larger 118kWh battery from the EQS SUV, the EQS limo should be capable of covering more than 800km on the WLTP-verified test cycle.

Overseas reports indicate that EQS sales dropped significantly last year, prompting the dramatic rethink and repositioning of the slippery four-door coupe as a more conventional luxury offering.

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