Mercedes EQS Facelift: Steer-by-Wire Steering, 800V Technology, Range up to 926 km

Mercedes has carried out a second facelift on the Mercedes EQS, which has undergone significant transformations: 800V technology that enables increased charging power of up to 350 kW, steer-by-wire steering, and a range of up to 926 km.

A new base version, EQS 400 which replace EQS 350, has also been introduced, starting at a price below €100,000, while the other versions have received a larger battery with a net capacity of 122 kWh.

The electric equivalent of the S-Class, the Mercedes EQS is neither a technological showcase like its combustion-engine sibling nor a bestseller. Therefore, Mercedes had to quickly introduce substantial improvements to increase the model’s appeal.

After abandoning plans to develop a MB.EA Large version of the new MB.EA platform (which underpins the GLC EQ and future C-Class EQ and E-Class EQ models), the German manufacturer upgraded the EVA II platform used by the EQE and EQS.

The Mercedes EQS 400 has a net battery capacity of 112 kWh, while the EQS 450+, EQS 500 4Matic, and EQS 580 4Matic have a larger 122 kWh net battery. The EQS 450+ achieves a record WLTP range of 926 km, which is 13% higher than before. Even the base EQS 400 promises a WLTP range of 810 km, while the two all-wheel-drive versions offer a WLTP range of 869 km.

Unlike the GLC EQ and CLA EQ, the facelifted Mercedes EQS can also charge at 400V stations without requiring an adapter. When charging at a 400-volt station, an intelligent control system virtually splits the battery into two parts, with each half charged at 400 volts and up to 175 kW. This system is similar to that used by the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan.

The new 122 kWh battery delivers a 13% increase in range not only due to its slightly larger capacity (+4 kWh, or +3%) but also thanks to a new anode design in which silicon oxide is blended with graphite, whereas the previous battery used a conventional graphite anode. The new battery offers higher energy density per kilogram, significantly improving range.

As before, the front motor can disengage and only activates when additional traction or power is needed. Similar to the CLA, the rear motor is paired with a two-speed transmission, improving efficiency at higher speeds.

The excellent range is also supported by an exceptional drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.20, making the Mercedes EQS one of the most aerodynamic electric vehicles on the market. Additionally, energy recuperation power has increased by 33%, reaching 385 kW.

The Airmatic air suspension has been revised and now features Intelligent Damper Control, which stores data in the Mercedes-Benz Cloud and communicates with other vehicles via the Mercedes Car-to-X network. When activated, the system electronically adjusts damping shortly before encountering speed bumps to enhance comfort.

Mercedes is the first German manufacturer to offer steer-by-wire steering in series production, and it will be available on the EQS in the coming months. In the EQS, steer-by-wire is available as an option in combination with all engine variants and rear-axle steering (with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees). At higher speeds, the rear wheels steer parallel to the front wheels, ensuring stability and a safe driving experience. A conventional electromechanical steering system remains standard.