Mercedes has facelifted the Mercedes EQS, in an attempt to boost weak sales. The main modifications are the new chrome grille and the larger battery.
The electric equivalent of the S-Class, the Mercedes EQS (codenamed V297) has not been as successful as expected, with sales 6-7 times lower than the traditional S-Class limousine. That’s why, just two years and nine months after its August 2021 launch, Mercedes has operated a small facelift in a bid to boost sales.
The first change is a design one, and it’s meant to give the EQS limousine more presence. Thus, the rather dull “Black Panel” radiator grille has received a chrome frame in the Electric Art package. The chrome grille also features imitation chrome-plated slats to replicate the typical Mercedes grille from the conventional engine models. In addition, the Mercedes logo now appears above the bonnet.
Mercedes could not change the body shape at the facelift to provide better access to the rear seats but the Mercedes EQS can now be configured with executive rear seats (part of the Rear Comfort Package Plus, 3,867.50 euros). The passenger seat can be folded forward and the backrest in the rear can be adjusted up to 38 degrees. So, Mercedes wants to offer more comfort, especially to wealthy Asian customers who have criticized the EQS’ rear seat access.
Mercedes says it has reacted “more quickly than ever to market and customer feedback” and is bringing an “extremely comprehensive update package” for the EQS model year 2024. The new model will be available to order from 25 April 2024.
The main technical change includes the new larger battery, whose capacity has increased from 108.4 kWh to 118 kWh. The larger battery increases the range of the one-rear engine base model Mercedes EQS 450+ to between 683 and 822 km.
The basic version with two engines, the Mercedes EQS 450 4Matic, has a range of between 711 and 799 km.
Since brakes are used less frequently in an electric car, Mercedes EQS occasionally applies the brake pads to the discs to clean them.
Towing capacity has also been increased, from 750 to 1700 kg. The Mercedes EQS is also equipped as standard for Europe with Automatic Lane Change (ALC) Level 2. This function allows vehicles to automatically change lanes on highways with two lanes at a maximum speed of 140 km/h. The system is included in the Assistant Plus package, with Distronic Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Steering Assistant.
To boost sales, Mercedes has kept prices unchanged. The Mercedes EQS450+ (360 PS) starts at 109,551 euros. The cheapest twin-engine version is the Mercedes EQS 450 4Matic (360 PS), which costs 113,359 euros. The Mercedes EQS 500 4Matic (449 PS) starts at 125,378 euros and the Mercedes EQS 580 4Matic (544 PS) costs 141,705 euros and comes standard as before with the Hyperscreen. The top model Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ costs 155,009 euros.
