A yr in the past, Mercedes-Benz did the prudent factor and paused its EQ lineup of electrical autos within the US. With buyer demand drying up for luxurious EVs, and federal incentives getting axed by vengeful Republicans, Mercedes put its first-generation EVs on ice.
But then, in January, Mercedes quietly reintroduced the EQS model within the US, with The Drive declaring that the “blobs are back” — a reference to the sedan’s much-maligned jelly-bean form that prioritized aerodynamics over a extra conventional profile. But we didn’t but understand how again the EQS actually was.
Today, Mercedes is reintroducing its electrical sedan to a cautious, cash-strapped market, and it’s sweetening the pot with a loopy range estimate and an revolutionary steer-by-wire expertise, a primary for the German automaker. The 2027 EQS is scheduled to reach at US dealerships within the second half of 2026.
Mercedes is actually not screwing round with the brand new EQS. The sedan is estimated to have 925km (575 miles) of range on the WLTP cycle (which tends to be round 10–20 p.c extra beneficiant than the EPA’s estimates). This could be achieved due to a battery with a brand new chemistry that blends silicon oxide with graphite for the anodes, enabling a usable capability of 122kWh. Mercedes can be chopping again on its use of cobalt, which has been known as the “blood diamond of batteries” as a consequence of its ties to human rights abuses.
Charging can be a lot improved with the refreshed EQS, too. The automaker upgraded structure to 800 volts, permitting for 350 kW DC quick charging, including 320 km of range in simply 10 minutes. When charging at a 400-volt station, the EQS’s clever management system just about divides the battery into two components, charing every half with 400 volts and as much as 175kW of power.
The inclusion of steer-by-wire is definitely a giant threat. Steer-by-wire, through which the car could be steered electronically quite than by a bodily connection between the steering wheel and steering rack, might result in improved maneuverability and enhanced consolation. Or it might result in latency points — though Mercedes says it has completely examined its system for security. A brand new steering yoke might assist entice race fans to the dealership. But if you happen to choose a very good quaint round-shape steering wheel and dependable electromechanical steering, Mercedes can be glad to promote you an EQS with these too.
The silhouette continues to be decidedly blob-like, however Mercedes maintains that the one-bow design permits an industry-leading drag coefficient of 0.20 — which is additional optimized by “refined exterior mirrors.” This doubtless helps with range gains, but it surely might be a troublesome promote amongst consumers who would favor a couple of extra sharp angles. Mercedes additionally boosted the regenerative braking energy by a 3rd for 385kW of recuperation.
And, in fact, there’s extra AI integration, together with Mercedes’ improved MB.OS working system that options an AI-powered assistant and over-the-air software program updates. The now normal 55-inch Hyperscreen has a “Zero Layer” interface for simpler navigation. The working system makes use of AI to be taught which options you utilize probably the most, then surfaces these options as particular person widgets on the principle display screen. Ideally, you don’t need to rummage by too many submenus to search out what you need.
Mercedes plans on providing the EQS in quite a lot of packages. The EQS 450+ is the range chief, with a single, rear-wheel drive motor offering probably the most effectivity of all of the variations. The EQS 500 4MATIC and EQS 580 4MATIC are each all-wheel drive, with an Integrated Disconnect Unit within the entrance motor. This permits the automotive to decouple the entrance motor when not wanted to avoid wasting power, then activate it at “lightning speed” when the motive force wants further traction or a burst of acceleration. And these fashions will characteristic probably the most regen due to their capacity to reap power from each axles throughout braking.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
The new EQS will come normal with MB.Drive Assist, the automaker’s superior driver-assist system, that makes use of 10 cameras and 27 sensors for computerized lane altering, evasive steering, and automated parking. What it’s not, nevertheless, is Mercedes’ new Level 2++ characteristic known as Drive Pilot Assist that’s rolling out to the CLA electrical sedan later this yr. The system is much like Tesla’s FSD in that it may be used hands-free in cities however requires the motive force to remain attentive.
Mercedes hasn’t revealed the EQS’s value but, however it’s providing seemingly bottomless choices for configuration and customization. This can be by the automaker’s Manufaktur Made to Measure program, which incorporates over 100 paint colours and different bespoke inside choices. This might assist shift the vibe across the EQS from a “series production” really feel into “tailor-made” territory, permitting for combos that wouldn’t be discovered on a typical dealership lot.
All in all, the brand new EQS will definitely assist spherical out Mercedes’ EV lineup within the US, which is fluctuating proper now. The automaker hasn’t mentioned whether or not it is going to additionally resurrect the EQS SUV, or the EQE sedan and SUV. The CLA is doing a very good job of turning heads. And Mercedes is sticking to its promise of introducing a number of new EVs within the US within the coming years, together with variants of its GLC crossover and E-Class sedan.