Huge Range and Power Promised by Mercedes BEV Hyper-Cruiser

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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16th April 2021

Enormous range and outrageous power are the headline claims of the new Mercedes-Benz luxury BEV hyper-cruiser the EQS.

At launch the range topping EQS 580 4Matic claims a power output of its two electric motors of 520bhp and 630ft-lbs of torque enough to propel the premium executive to 62mph from standstill in just 3.5 seconds. At the same time the automaker claims it’s maximum range between recharging is 478 miles on the WLTP rating although Mercedes admits “Technical data of the EQS concerning mileage, range, output, torque, recuperation and performance in this publication is provisional, and was calculated internally in accordance with the applicable certification method”.

That said, it also tells us a performance version of the hyper-cruiser is also being planned with a possible power output of 760bhp. Back in the here and now, the first models arriving in European showrooms later this summer will include the ‘entry level’ EQS 450+ with 330bhp and 415ft-lbs and claiming a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.2 seconds. Both this and the EQS 580 4Matic will have a top speed limited to 130mph.

As always with BEVs, aerodynamics feature large on the designers’ agenda and the EQS claims a new best coefficient of drag value of 0.202. This would make the EQS the most aerodynamic production car on the market

The EQS marks the launch of a new generation of batteries claiming a significantly higher energy density. The larger of the two batteries has a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh, around 26% more than the EQC 400 4Matic. Its battery management software, developed in-house, allows updates over the air.

When charged with up to 200 kW at fast charging stations with direct current, the cars claim to power for up to another 186 miles in just 15 minutes. At home or at public charging stations, the EQS can be charged with up to 22 kW with AC using the on-board charger. In Japan, bidirectional charging, returning energy to the grid or for domestic use, will also be possible. In addition, there are various intelligent charging programs that can be activated automatically depending on the location, plus functions such as particularly battery-saving charging.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_