Mercedes has unveiled the electric equivalent of its top-of-the-line S-Class luxury sedan called the Mercedes EQS. Just like its gasoline-powered sibling, the EQS sports all of the company's most advanced tech and luxury features.
The EQS is officially the company's most luxurious and largest electric vehicle to date. The flagship model was designed for extreme comfort. Without the need for an engine, the vehicle is one of the roomiest vehicles in the company's fleet.
Despite its heft and size, the vehicle is capable of going up to 480 miles on a single charge - as tested using European standards. Mercedes said the vehicle is more aerodynamic than the Tesla Model S, which has a drag coefficient of 0.208 - the EQS has a 0.2 drag coefficient.
Apart from extending its range, the vehicle's extremely aerodynamic design also reduces noise, which is important for electric vehicles. Mercedes said the pop-up door handles, aerodynamic bumpers, redesigned grills, and customized wheels all help achieve its record drag coefficient numbers.
Similar to the S-Class, the Mercedes EQS is meant to be a showcase of the company's latest and greatest innovations. Almost everything in the vehicle is automatic, including its doors, handles, and trunk. The vehicle also comes with four-wheel-steering - similar to the feature available on the S-Class sedan.
Inside, the EQS is equipped with a touchscreen panel that covers the entire dash from the driver's side window to the passenger's side window - including a separate screen for the passenger. Customers that do not want the futuristic dash can opt to have a traditional dashboard with wood, leather, and other materials.
Mercedes said the EQS will be offered in two different versions. The first is the rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+ with a 329-horsepower electric powertrain, while the other will be the four-wheel-drive EQS 580 with a 516-horsepower electric powertrain.
Mercedes had yet to announce the official pricing of the vehicles. However, experts believe that it will be well over $100,000 for both models. Prices of the gasoline-powered S-Class sedan start at just under $100,000. The EQS is set to go on sale in the U.S. in the fall of this year.
