The EQS, the first electric vehicle in the luxury class, Makes Middle East Debut at GITEX 2021

The EQS, the first all-electric luxury sedan from Mercedes-EQ, marks its Middle East debut at the region’s biggest tech show, GITEX Global 2021 from 17 to 21 October. With it, Mercedes-EQ is redefining the electrical vehicle segment.The EQS is the first model to be based on the modular architecture for luxury and executive-class electric vehicles. Fusing technology, design, functionality and connectivity, the EQS delights both drivers and passengers.

First models on the market will be the EQS 580 4MATIC with 385 kW (electrical consumption NEDC combined: 21.8-17.4 kWh/100 km, CO₂-emissions:0 g/km) Followed by the EQS 53 AMG 4MATIC with 484 kW (electrical consumption NEDC combined: 23.9-21.5 kWh/100 km; CO₂-emissions: 0 g/km) then EQS 450+ followed later in 2022 with 245 kW (electrical consumption NEDC combined: 20.4-15.7 kWh/100 km, CO₂-emissions:0 g/km)

As part of its Ambition 2039 initiative, Mercedes-Benz is working on offering a carbon-neutral new car fleet within 20 years from now. By as early as 2030, the company wants more than half the cars it sells to feature electric drive systems – this includes fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. In many areas, Mercedes is already thinking about tomorrow today: the new EQS is designed to be correspondingly sustainable. The vehicles are produced in a carbon-neutral manner, and resource-saving materials such as carpets made from recycled yarn are used. This is because Mercedes-Benz considers the entire value chain, from development and the supplier network to its own production. Mercedes-Benz AG has had its climate protection targets confirmed by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI).

With a great deal of meticulous detailing and on the basis of the Purpose design, the aerodynamicists, in close cooperation with the designers, were able to achieve a new c_d best value of 0.20^[1]. This makes the EQS the most aerodynamic production car in the world. The operating range particularly benefits from this. It is also among the best in terms of quiet running. The very low wind noise level contributes significantly to this.

The EQS also currently sets a very good value for recuperation: Of the maximum deceleration in the D^Auto recuperation program of 5 m/s², up to 3 m/s² is achieved by recuperation (2 m/s² by the wheel brakes). This allows decelerating to a standstill without using the brake pedal, while at the same time the range benefits from this recuperation strategy and the high recuperation power (up to 290 kW[2]). Deceleration is also applied to detected vehicles ahead until they come to a standstill, for example at traffic lights. Intelligent energy recovery is situation-optimised with the aid of ECO Assist and acts with foresight, taking into account traffic conditions or topography, among other things. The driver also can set three energy recovery levels and the coast function via paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

With EQS 580 range of up to 702 kilometres (WLTP) and an output of up to 385 kW the powertrain of the EQS also meets every expectation of a progressive sedan in the S-Class segment. The EQS 53 AMG 4MATIC is the performance version with up to 484kW and with DYNAMIC PLUS package, which is available as an option, the maximum output increases to up to 560 kW. All EQS models have an electric powertrain (eATS) at the rear axle, while the versions with 4MATIC also have an eATS at the front axle.

The EQS marks the launch of a new generation of batteries with significantly higher energy density. The larger of the two batteries has a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh. That is around 26 percent more than the EQC (EQC 400 4MATIC: combined electrical consumption: 21.5-20.1 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km)^[3]. The innovative battery management software, developed in-house, allows updates over the air (OTA). In this way, the energy management system remains up to date throughout the life cycle. In terms of the cell chemistry, the cobalt content of the cathodes has been reduced to ten percent.

The EQS can be charged with up to 200 kW at fast charging stations with direct current. Power for up to another 300 kilometres (WLTP) is recharged in just 15 minutes^[4]. The EQS can be conveniently charged with up to 22 kW with AC using the on-board charger, aside from various intelligent charging programs that can be activated automatically depending on the location, and functions such as particularly battery-saving charging.

Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors and reacts dynamically to traffic jams or a change in driving style, for example. A new feature of the EQS is a visualisation in the infotainment system (MBUX Mercedes-Benz User Experience) showing whether the available battery capacity is sufficient to return to the starting point without charging. Charging stations along the route that have been added manually are given preference in the route calculation. Proposed charging stations can be excluded. The estimated charging costs per charging stop are calculated.

Although the EQS is a close relative of the new S-Class, it is built on an all-electric architecture. This completely new concept made a rigorous Purpose Design possible: with its one-bow lines and cab-forward design with fastback, the EQS is clearly distinguishable from vehicles with combustion engines even at first glance. The design philosophy of Sensual Purity, combined with Progressive Luxury, is reflected in generously sculpted surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions (seamless design).

The front is combined into a ‘Black Panel’ unit. Innovative headlights connected by a light band and the deep black radiator grille (Black Panel) form the distinctive face. The exclusive look of the Black Panel radiator grille with central Mercedes star can be enhanced still further: as an optional extra, they are also available with a three-dimensional star pattern. This Mercedes-Benz pattern is available in conjunction with AMG Line Exterior or Electric Art Exterior. The design picks up on the original star of the Daimler-Motorengesellschaft, which was registered as a trademark in 1911.

The EQS is the first Mercedes to offer the option of activating completely new vehicle functions via over-the-air updates (OTA) in many functional areas. Available from launch: two special driving programs for young drivers and service staff, some little games and the demo program “The Best or Nothing”. This means that, following the purchase and the initial new-car configuration, some of the features of the EQS can be adapted according to personal preferences. It will also be possible to unlock the rear axle steering with the larger steering angle of ten degrees. In addition to the classic purchase of individual functions, subscriptions, temporary activations and free test phases are also planned.

With ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL PLUS, Mercedes-Benz is taking a comprehensive approach to air quality in the EQS. The system is based on filtration, sensors, a display concept and air conditioning. The HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter has a very high filtration level that enables it to trap fine particles, micro-particles, pollen and other substances that enter with the outside air.

As an option, the EQS has automatic comfort doors[5] at the front and rear. When the driver approaches the car, first of all the door handles extend. As he or she approaches further, the driver’s door opens automatically. Using MBUX, the driver is also able to open the rear doors, for example, to let in children in front of the school.

As an exceptionally intelligent vehicle, the EQS has up to 350 sensors, depending on the equipment. These record distances, speeds and accelerations, lighting conditions, precipitation and temperatures, seat occupancy as well as the driver’s blink of an eye or the passengers’ speech. This wealth of information is processed by control units that, controlled by algorithms, make decisions at lightning speed.

The all-round sound experience in the EQS also makes the paradigm shift from a conventional to an electric car audible. A variety of soundscapes allows for an individual acoustic set-up. In combination with the Burmester® surround sound system, the EQS features the two soundscapes Silver Waves and Vivid Flux. As Sound Experiences they can be selected or switched off on the central display. Another soundscape can be unlocked using over-the-air technology. The interactive driving sound, which is reproduced via the sound system’s loudspeakers in the interior, also moves within the respective sound world.

New to ENERGIZING COMFORT are the three ENERGIZING NATURE programs Forest Glade, Sound of the Sea and Summer Rain. These calming and immersive sounds were created in consultation with the acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton. As with the other programs that form part of ENERGIZING Comfort, lighting moods and images are used to address other senses.

The standard rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees contributes to the handy and dynamic impression of the EQS. Alternatively, rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to ten degrees can be ordered or subsequently activated by an upgrade over the air (OTA). This enables a turning circle of 10.9 metres for the EQS, which is over five metres long. This corresponds to the turning circle of many models in the compact class. The respective rear-axle angles and trajectories are shown in the driving mode menu in the central display.

Thanks to powerful sensors that monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, the parking systems can help the driver with manoeuvring in many areas. The driver can park and unpark the car via smartphone using Remote Parking Assist. With the pre-installation for the INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT, the EQS is prepared for Automated Valet Parking (AVP, SAE level 4).

The revolutionary DIGITAL LIGHT headlamp technology (standard from Advanced Plus equipment level) enables guide markings or warning symbols to be projected onto the road. New are the two assistance functions[6] that display the start of the cooperative lane change and provide a warning/direction instruction if Lane Keeping Assist or Blind Spot Assist detect a hazard. DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs in each headlamp, whose light is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle.

The MBUX Hyperscreen is the absolute highlight in the interior. This large, curved screen unit sweeps almost from A-pillar to A-pillar. Three screens sit under a cover glass and appear to merge into one. The 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger gives him or her their own display and control area. The entertainment functions are only available there while the car is being driven in accordance with the country-specific legal regulations. Mercedes-EQ relies on an intelligent, camera-based locking logic: if the camera detects that the driver is looking at the front passenger display, it is automatically dimmed.

With adaptive software, MBUX adapts completely to its user and makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. With the zero layer, the most important applications are always offered on the top level within the field of vision, according to situation and context.

The latest generation of driver assistance systems includes numerous driver support functions. New, for example, is the additional microsleep warning from ATTENTION ASSIST. It analyses the driver’s eyelid movements through a camera on the driver’s display (only in conjunction with MBUX Hyperscreen). The assistance display within the driver’s display shows the operation of the driving assistance systems in a comprehensible full-screen view.

The principles of Integral Safety, in particular accident safety, apply regardless of the platform. Like all other Mercedes, the EQS therefore features a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and state-of-the-art restraint systems. PRE-SAFE® is standard. The fact that the EQS is based on an all-electric architecture also opened up new design possibilities for its safety concept. It meant, for example, that a favourable location could be chosen for the installation of the battery, in a crash-protected area in the underbody. And because there is no large engine block on board, the behaviour in a frontal crash could be modelled even better. In addition to the standard crash tests, the car’s performance in various additional load situations was verified and extensive component tests carried out at the Vehicle Safety Technology Centre (TFS).

Key technical data[7]

Interesting facts & figures

The new EQS: at a glance

Depending on the size of the battery and the vehicle equipment and configuration, WLTP ranges of up to 785 kilometres^[16] are possible.

The path to the aerodynamics world record of the EQS required several 1000 calculation runs in the virtual wind tunnel with approx. 700 CPUs per calculation. With a c_d figure from 0.20^[17] the EQS is the world’s most aerodynamic production car. The frontal area of the EQS is 2.51 m². This results in an effective air resistance from 0.5 m².

The momentum delivered to the wheels by the eATS is checked 10,000 times per minute and set if necessary. This enables a much faster response in the versions with 4MATIC than with mechanical all-wheel drive.

The modular drive concept allows a wide range of maximum total drive powers from 245 to 385 kW. A performance version with up to 560 kW is being planned.

Of the maximum deceleration in the D^Auto recuperation program of 5 m/s², up to 3 m/s² is achieved by recuperation (2 m/s² by the wheel brakes). This allows decelerating to a standstill without using the brake pedal, while at the same time the range benefits from this recuperation strategy and the high recuperation power (up to 290 kW^[18]).

On request, the EQS has four automatic comfort doors^[19]. Via MBUX, the driver has the option of opening the rear doors remotely and letting children get in at school, for example.

The standard rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4.5° contributes to the handy and dynamic impression of the EQS. Alternatively, rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10° can be ordered or subsequently activated by an upgrade over the air (OTA). This enables a turning circle of 10.9 metres for the EQS, which is over five metres long.

DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs in each headlamp, whose light is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle.

Mercedes me Charge has the densest charging network with over 500,000 charging points in 31 countries, including over 200,000 in Europe.

With the MBUX Hyperscreen, multiple displays merge seamlessly to create an impressive curved screen band over 141 centimetres wide. The area perceived by the occupants measures 2432.11 sq. cm.

The large glass covering the MBUX Hyperscreen is curved in three dimensions in a moulding process at temperatures of approx. 650°C. This process allows a distortion-free view of the display unit across the entire width of the vehicle, irrespective of the radius of the glass cover.

Depending on the equipment, up to 350 sensors monitor the functions of the EQS or peer into the vehicle’s surroundings. And that’s not even counting the antennas. The sensors record, for example, distances, speeds and accelerations, lighting conditions, precipitation and temperatures, the occupancy of seats as well as the driver’s blink of an eye or the passengers’ speech.

The optional driving sound of the EQS is interactive and reacts to a good dozen different parameters such as the position of the accelerator pedal, speed or recuperation.

No.6 MOOD Linen is the name of the fragrance composed especially for the EQS. It bears the number 6 because the first electric cars were added to the model range in 1906 with the “Mercédès Electrique” vehicles.

More than 40 new inventions have found their way into EQS. In addition, 20 design applications protect the extraordinary design of the electric luxury sedan.

To get to the most important applications of MBUX, the user has to scroll through 0 menu levels. That’s why it’s called a zero layer.

The display area of the optionally available larger head-up display corresponds to a screen with a diagonal of 77 inches. The imaging unit consists of a high-resolution matrix of 1.3 million individual mirrors.

The “Mercedes-Benz pattern” is used in several places in the EQS, for example, in the exterior as a special variant of the Black Panel front or in a light-alloy wheel design. In the interior, the Mercedes-Benz pattern can be found in the backlit trim elements with laser-cut[20] or on the front passenger display as a digital decorative image. It is an abstracted, three-dimensional star pattern based on an early trademark of the Daimler Motorengesellschaft (DMG), which was entered in the trademark registry on 9 February 1911.

The HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) as part of the optional equipment ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL Plus with a volume of 9.82 dm³ cleans the incoming outside air at its very high filtration level. Over 99.65 percent of particles of all sizes are eliminated. Around 600 grams of activated charcoal are used to neutralise odours. The adsorption area is equivalent to about 150 football fields.

For haptic feedback during operation, a total of 12 actuators are located under the touchscreen surfaces of the MBUX Hyperscreen. If a finger touches certain spots there, they trigger a tangible vibration in the cover plate.

The Burmester® surround sound system in the EQS comprises 15 speakers with a total output of 710 watts and produces an unusually expressive, natural sound – the Burmester “feel-good sound”.

A coating on the cover glass simplifies cleaning of the MBUX Hyperscreen. The curved glass itself consists of particularly scratch-resistant aluminium silicate.

The EQS is the first production car with a c_d value starting from 0.20^[21]. In this way, it makes use of the advantages of the Purpose Design.

8 CPU cores, 24 GB RAM and 46.4 GB per second RAM memory bandwidth are some of the MBUX technical data.

The brightness of the MBUX Hyperscreen’s screen is adjusted to the ambient conditions using the measurement data from 1 multifunction camera and an additional 1 light sensor.

With up to seven profiles, the display area of the MBUX Hyperscreen for the front passenger can be individualised (only available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi).

“Hey Mercedes” supports 27 languages with Natural Language Understanding (NLU).