Faced with a highly competitive market, Mercedes modified the EQS. The electric flagship will not only get revamps and equipment upgrades in the 2024 model year. The German automaker has also upgraded the technology – despite the larger battery, Mercedes will retain the 400-volt architecture.
Battery and performance upgrades
The maximum WLTP range of the EQS 450 4MATIC has increased from 108.4 km to 799 km due to the increased battery capacity from 108.4 kWh to 118 kWh. The EQS 450+ has a range of 683-822 km, even surpassing the 800 km mark. Mercedes says the EQS will be "better suited for long distances" due to the larger battery capacity.
However, the expected 800-volt voltage level switch did not occur with the "extensive update". The EQS continues to operate at 400 volts. This means that the maximum charging power will still be 200 kW, and the charging time will increase slightly as the battery capacity increases. Mercedes did not specify any charging capacity or timing in the press release, though. It simply highlighted an increase of up to 11 per cent. Plans to move to 800-volts are not canceled: "According to insiders, the EVA2 model should also be equipped with a self-developed eATS 2.0 drivetrain with 800-volt technology as part of the 2026 model upgrade. Group CEO Ola Källenius explains that Mercedes does not intend to use a "single part" of the existing system based on Valeo engines in future models. Everything will be redesigned".
Another change in the technology: the all-wheel-drive version of the EQS (and EQE) can now tow up to 1,700kg instead of the previous maximum towing of 750kg. "This means that they reach a similar level to SUV derivatives. For example, customers can now tow a trailer," Mercedes said.
Another new feature concerns energy recuperation: since energy recovery is often used in everyday driving, while the brake discs are hardly used, a special feature "will maintain the braking system by automatically attaching the brake pads to the brake discs from time to time". Due to the high percentage of regenerative braking, the brake discs in EQS sedans are used less frequently during regular driving than in internal combustion engine models. A special feature helps maintain the braking system by automatically attaching brake pads to the brake disc from time to time.
With the "Automatic Lane Change" (ALC) function, Mercedes-Benz has now developed SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems further intelligently in Europe. Automatic lane change is supported on highways with two structurally independent lanes and a specified maximum speed of 140 km/h. This feature is standard on 2024 EQS models.
The exterior and interior have been improved
Changes in appearance and equipment are likely to be at least as important to luxury customers. Previously, the Mercedes Star was integrated into the black panel grille, which blends seamlessly with the headlights. However, especially for customers from Asia, the stand-alone Mercedes star on the hood is a status symbol that wasn't available on the EQS before – until now. "The designers have now revamped this stand-alone look for the EQS: the electric flagship comes with a new radiator cover, and chrome application is standard on the Electric Art range. The chrome and flush-mounted slats provide an elegant contrast to the deep black environment. The grille, combined with a star on the front hood, blends the avant-garde EQ look with the iconic, status-conscious Mercedes-Benz logo. ”
Other refined details are also reflected in the interior of the EQS sedan. The air conditioning vents on the B-pillar are now finished in chrome. Contrasting stitching and Nappa leather trim enhance the comfortable pillows for rear passengers.
EQS sedan models come with the optional Pinnacle Trim with the Executive Trim Package, the front passenger seats can also be folded forward to provide extra space for second-row passengers, and the backrests of the rear seats can be adjusted up to 38 degrees. Also included are the rapid heating of the rear seats, the heating of the neck and shoulders of the rear passengers, and the pneumatic adjustment of the rear seat depth. Another unique element is the lighting trim integrated behind the front seats.
Comfort is also enhanced by the standard rear seats of the EQS sedan. The angle of the rear seat backs can be adjusted between 27 degrees and 36 degrees with the push of a button, and an additional 0.2 inches of foam is added to the rear seat backs. The layered design also visually emphasizes the individual comfort of passengers.
Starting with the 2024 model, MBUX Hyperscreen is standard on the EQS sedan. The three displays blend into each other almost seamlessly, forming a curved ribbon that is over 55 inches wide. The Rear Comfort Upgrade Package with Executive Seats is also available as an option. "It is placed between the rails of the front seats, which significantly improves the comfort of the rear passenger, as he or she can place his or her feet at an angle," Mercedes explained. "This latest detail is another, but by no means the only convenience, of the enhanced version of the Rear Comfort Package: the passenger seat can be folded forward and the rear backrest can be adjusted up to 38 degrees. This ensures more space. ”
With this model upgrade, Mercedes is clearly trying to cater to customers and thus increase sales. The new EQS will be available to order from April 25, 2024. The base price remains the same.