The Mercedes EQS is not the German automaker's first fully electric vehicle - that accolade belongs to the EQC crossover. It is, however, the first Mercedes built on the automaker's new scalable dedicated Electric Vehicle Architecture platform and the first EQ model that will be sold in the US. Looking ahead, the EQS Sedan will be joined by an SUV variant along with the smaller EQE sedan.

As Mercedes continues to expand its electric lineup, it now considers EQ as a dedicated sub-brand in a similar vein to the Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach brands, signifying the German automaker's ambition to become one of the world's leading electric car manufacturers.

"Mercedes-EQ is not just about extending traditional Mercedes-Benz virtues such as safety, responsibility, perfection and fascination by using new technology such as the electric powertrain," explained Christoph Starzynski, Vice-President of the Electric Vehicle Architecture.

"But also the linking of intelligence and emotion is centrally anchored in Mercedes-EQ. We want to accompany our customers into a world of new possibilities. This also includes software updates and the activation of new vehicle functions over the air (OTA). In addition, our approach to sustainability is holistic. In this way, we are actively contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions and, with our Ambition 2039, are paving the way to the carbon-neutral mobility of the future."

Mercedes is already working on another electric platform known as the Modular Architecture (MMA), which will underpin compact and midsize EVs. The first model built on this new platform will launch in 2025 to complete the EQ family. Thanks to its aerodynamics and high-density battery, the Mercedes EQS offers a WLTP-estimated range of 770 kilometers (478 miles) on a single charge. This is impressive for a large luxury electric sedan, but Starzynski hints that Mercedes' battery technology has not reached its limitations.

Last year, Mercedes announced it is working with the Formula One engine manufacturer High Performance Powertrains group to develop the EQXX, an electric concept with a range of at least 750 miles. "No, it doesn't stop at 770 kilometers. We have already announced the next step with the Vision EQXX technology program. Our development department is tasked with pushing the boundaries of range and efficiency," he said, adding that innovations from the EQXX will be carried over to series production cars.