Upgrade to EQS?

Mercedes Benz has brought their premium offering to the EV world but has it cannibalized it’s own premium petrol segment? Not really.

image source: mbusa.com

Mercedes unveiled the S class equivalent for the EV segment, EQS. The new EQS is every bit premium as it’s petrol counterpart. But S class owners are not convinced yet to make the upgrade. New buyers in the premium segment are not diving head first for the EQS, yet. Here’s why.

The EQS looks futuristic on the inside. Its slippery looks achieve the drag coefficient of just .209. That translates to longer ranges on the 107.8kWh battery. The EQS is available in three trims currently. It definitely is a looker and you will definitely stand out. At the same time these looks are not for everyone. But the slippery requirement is going to result in cars which are short in the front and long swooping tail like in the back. This looks does grow on you.

The interior is like stepping into the future. The tech is pulled back a little due to the safety concerns. While the likes of Tesla will promise you the world, MB has a more conservative approach. It has a long history and pedigree to protect. In terms of the infotainment the EQS goes all out. It has a mirror to mirror display screen. The display is very responsive and clever. It does different things in different context and positions. You can drive this car in full auto mode at low speeds on certain roads in Germany, as of writing this.

The car weighs just over 5,500 lbs but manages to hide all that weight with clever engineering. Just as the S class, the ride is mostly smooth, but the S class has a slightly better ride. But you don’t buy these cars for their quarter mile runs. What most buyers of cars in this segment are more concerned about is the luxury in the back seat. And although the EQS is no small car by any standards, it lands a little short of the S class. The S class still remains the benchmark in luxury for the premium limousine segment.