Calling the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS a Tesla slayer this early in the game seems like a stretch–or maybe it’s not. Inspired by the EQS concept from the 2019 Frankfurt show, the production EQS is set to arrive on our shores in 2021 riding on an EV-specific platform with room for a battery pack large enough to challenge the driving range of the Tesla Model S.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS: New Electric Architecture
Mercedes plans to put six EVs on the market by 2022, and at the forefront of the three-pointed star’s electric vehicle pursuits is the EQS sedan. Unlike the GLC-based Mercedes EQC electric crossover, the EQS is due to ride on a dedicated EV platform, dubbed EVA2. It might be the S-Class of Mercedes EVs, but the EQS won’t share its architecture with the brand’s recently redesigned flagship sedan. Although we’ve yet to hear from the German automaker regarding the production EQS’s specifications, we suspect the big EV will initially debut with all-wheel-drive (one electric motor at each axle) and an approximately 100-kWh battery pack.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS: Big Range
If information disclosed to shareholders by Daimler’s Ola Källenius is to be believed, then the EQS will supposedly deliver 435 miles of driving range on a full charge of its battery pack. Nevertheless, this better-than-Tesla driving range remains unconfirmed. That said, we should have a clearer idea of the Mercedes EV’s range when it launches in the coming months.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS: Decadent Design
Expect the production EQS to draw styling inspiration from its concept counterpart. That said, photos of a camouflaged EQS released by Mercedes, as well as images captured by a MotorTrend staffer (below), hint at a slightly more conservative design for the production EV. A smaller front grille, more raked belt line, and taller rear end make these prototype EQS sedans look a little less imposing than the concept. Likewise, the production EQS concept appears to feature proper B-pillars and side mirrors—items missing from the concept. While we’ve yet to see the production-spec interior, we wager it will mimic the style of its S-Class stablemate’s.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS: The Price of EV Luxury
EQS production begins in the first half of 2021 at the Sindelfingen factory in Germany. We expect the EQS sedan to be the first model from the Mercedes EQ sub-brand to reach the United States (the EQC’s arrival has been formally pushed back). While pricing remains under wraps, we anticipate the 2022 Mercedes EQS come to market with a six-figure starting price.
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Source: Future - motortrend.com
