When Mercedes unveiled its EQS study back in
September, we immediately knew that the production version would likely not
feature such a minimalist and at the same time futuristic interior design. The exterior differs quite a bit
too. Where the concept appears a little more bulky and saloon-like (despite the
long rear pillar), the production EQS is clearly more of a fastback, boasting a
rear hatch instead of a traditional 4-door trunk lid.
Add it all together and the intentions out of
Stuttgart become quite evident. The EQS is meant to be a Jack of all trades,
but in true Mercedes-Benz fashion – elegant, comfortable, potent, high-tech and
by the looks of it, practical too. Actually, aside from the 4-door AMG GT and
their SUV Coupe models, Mercedes don’t really have any other products with
sloped hatchback tailgates.
Unfortunately, we should also expect the EQS to not
be a match for the next S-Class or even some of today’s 4-door models in terms
of aesthetics. But that’s alright, because its main concern should be the Tesla
Model S – a pretty car, but not an all-time beauty.
Back to the interior, the dashboard layout appears similar
to that of the next-generation S-Class, with a digital gauge cluster positioned
behind the steering wheel, and a tablet-style infotainment screen angled
upwards from the center console. For what it’s worth, the steering wheel is
also identical to what we’ve seen inside 2020 S-Class prototypes. Unlike the latter though, the EQS
comes with thinner A-pillars, which are typical for vehicles with sweeping
panoramic windscreens.
As for performance, the EQS is expected to ride on
Daimler’s new EV-exclusive Modular Electric Architecture (MEA), featuring two
electric motors (one for each axle), and multiple power levels, where even the
base version could exceed the EQC’s 402 HP output right off the bat.
Meanwhile, a rumored AMG variant could put down a combined output of 592 HP. The new spy shots also reveal the electric flagship’s active
all-wheel steering system, which will definetely aid the handling of the EQS
and its maneuverability around town.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS will debut sometime in 2021
with a driving range in excess of 500 km.
