Mercedes-Benz EQS luxury electric sedan revealed

Mercedes-EQ has revealed its first all-electric saloon, the EQS.

Initial variants include the EQS450+ with 329bhp, as well as a EQS580 4MATIC with 516bhp. A performance version with up to 751bhp is also being planned.

The EQS is also the first model to be based on the modular architecture for luxury and executive-class electric vehicles.

Design-wise, the car utilises a singular bow line with a cab-forward design and a fastback rear. The distinctive design makes the EQS clearly distinguishable from vehicles with combustion engines even at first glance.

Meticulous detail work to the exterior also allows the EQS to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.202, making the EQS the most aerodynamic production car in the world.

The front of the car is combined into a single 'Black Panel' unit. Innovative head lights connected by a light band and the deep black radiator grille form the vehicles distinctive face.

As an optional extra, the Mercedes Star can also optionally come in a three-dimensional star pattern. This so-called 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 also 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 107.8kWh. That is around 26% more than the EQC. The innovative battery management software, developed in-house, allows updates to be performed over the air.

The EQS can be charged with up to 200kW at fast charging stations with direct current. Power for up to another 300km is recharged in just 15 minutes. At home or at public charging stations, the EQS can be conveniently charged with up to 22kW with alternating current using the on-board charger.

Mercedes' 'Electric Intelligence' navigation system in the EQS can plan 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.

The EQS is also the first Mercedes to offer the option of activating completely new vehicle functions via over-the-air updates in many functional areas.

Available from launch will be two special driving programmes for young drivers and service staff, some little games and the demo programme 'The Best or Nothing'. This will allow customers to adapt the features of the car to their personal preference, even after the purchase and the initial new-car configuration.

It will also be possible to unlock the rear axle steering with the larger steering angle of ten degrees.

This will enable a turning circle of 10.9m for the EQS, corresponding to the turning circle of many models in the compact class. The standard rear-axle steering will offer a maximum of 4.5 degrees. In addition to this, the classic purchase of individual functions, subscriptions, temporary activations and free test phases are also planned.

The EQS also marks the premiere of the MBUX Hyperscreen in its cabin. Three screens sit under a cover glass and appear to merge into one to create the impression of one single unit that sweeps almost from A-pillar to A-pillar.

The 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger gives him or her their own display and control area. The Hyperscreen also 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, Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system will also adapt completely to its user and makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. The most important applications are always offered on the top level within the field of vision, according to situation and context.