ProDriver Volume 17 2024

Mercedes-Benz is giving the electric EQS luxury saloon a bit more chauffeur appeal by introducing the option of the “gunsight” grille ornament and traditional grille rather than the sporty AMG-style central star. The new grille comes as standard on the Business Class Line trim level.

The low-slung EQS has struggled for sales against the more stately BMW i7 in the chauffeur sector, and the introduction of more chrome trim and a more up-market nose is part of a mid-life facelift designed address this.

As well as the new visual treatment, the top-line EQS 450+ model has received a substantial range upgrade, giving it a claimed all-electric range of 510 miles on a single charge. This is more than 50 miles greater than the original EQS, thanks to an increased battery capacity from 108.4kWh to 118 kWh.

Inside the car rear-seat comfort has been enhanced with introduction of an extended rear luxury lounge pack, allowing the front passenger seat to fold forward, giving greater legroom for a rear seat passenger in the nearside seat.

The pack also adds a footrest and a rear seat back that can be adjusted The angle of the backrest can be adjusted from 27 to 38 degrees at the touch of a button. The seat backs contain more foam for added comfort.

Optional equipment also includes seat heating, including neck and shoulder heating in the rear, as well as pneumatic adjustment of the seat depth.

The MBUX Hyperscreen full-width display is now standard on the EQS. The dashboard unit incorporates three digital displays which merge almost seamlessly into one, creating a screen strip that is more than 1.4m wide.

Further range increases come from improved braking recuperation.

Mercedes-Benz has also optimised the braking system to offer a better pedal feel.

The high proportion of recuperation in daily operation means brake discs are used less frequently than in ICE models, so a special function will maintain the brake system by automatically applying the pads to the discs from time to time.

A heat pump is also standard. This increases climate comfort and efficiency by using waste heat from the electric drive and the high-voltage battery to heat the interior, which also and increases the range.

Mercedes plans to incorporate the improvements made on the EQS to its other luxury models, including EQE, EQS SUV and EQE SUV.

The revamped EQS is already available to order in Germany, with UK timings yet to be confirmed. Mercedes-Benz says pricing will not be increased. The current EQS starts at £112,610 for the EQS 450+ AMG Line Premium trim level. Pricing and launch dates will be confirmed later.