EQS Sedan

Segment
Sedan

The upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS - positioned as a luxury flagship in the vein of the S-Class but with a fully electric powertrain - was teased earlier this month. The liftback luxury EV will showcase some astounding interior technologies, but many prospective owners will be interested in how easy it is to charge this vehicle. After all, a customer who could otherwise afford an S-Class wouldn't want to be inconvenienced by a charging experience that doesn't complement other aspects of the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz has made sure that this won't be the case.

The German marque has simplified the charging process for the EQS in numerous ways. At the same time, the production of the EQS' high-performance battery systems has begun in Germany over a 300m (984-foot) production line. This battery can be charged using a Plug & Charge system.

Charging begins as soon as the vehicle is plugged into the charging station, eliminating the need for authentication with automatic payments for Mercedes me Charge customers. Not every single charging station will offer this functionality at first, but customers will be guided to compatible stations via the car's navigation system. Once the charge is complete, it will be reflected in a monthly invoice sent to the customer. For now, the Mercedes me Charge network is made up of 500,000 AC and DC charging points around the globe.

Mercedes has also launched green charging facilities, whereby 'green power' is generated, reducing the CO2 footprint of EVs when they're being charged. Over 200,000 charging points in Europe already offer green charging, with a launch planned in North America later this year. EQS customers will have the option, therefore, of using energy from renewable sources.

Impressively, the new 108 kWh EQS lithium-ion battery system enables a range of over 700 km (435 miles), although this is based on the WLTP cycle. However, "different range and performance variants" will be offered. Over-the-air updates will ensure continued energy management of the EQS over its lifetime.

Finally, although only offered in Japan at first, the EQS will offer bidirectional charging. In the event of a power failure, the EQS can be used as the most stylish power supply in the world, powering your home when there is no other alternative. Much like Porsche is developing exclusive charging stations, Mercedes-Benz has ensured that the EQS charging experience offers something extra, in line with the car's positioning as a flagship luxury model.

The world premiere of the EQS takes place on April 15, 2021. It will pave the way for other Mercedes EVs like the EQE, EQS, EQA, and EQB.