What range anxiety? The Mercedes-Benz EQS 580, reviewed

Mercedes-Benz first gave us a glimpse at its electrification technique in 2018, with its first battery-electric automobile—the EQC 400 crossover—occurring sale in Europe in 2019. Sporting a variety of round 220 miles, (354 km) the 402 hp (296 kW) SUV by no means made it over to this aspect of the Atlantic. The US as an alternative obtained a pair of EQS sedans that went on sale in 2021: the $102,310 EQS 450 and the $125,900 EQS 580.

The EQS 580 4Matic is the heftier of the 2 fashions—it has extra motors, extra mass, and extra horsepower. And do not mistake it for an S-Class sedan with the entire inside combustion bits swapped out for batteries and motors. The EQS is a brand new automobile structure designed from the start to push electrons, not hydrocarbons. And people electrons will push the EQS 580 a really good distance—340 miles (547 km), to be actual.

You possibly can’t get that far in an EV with no huge battery pack, and the EQS 580 has 107.8 kWh of juice at its disposal (the battery really has a capability of 120 kWh, about 10 % of which is off-limits for driving). However what’s actually spectacular about this electrical sedan is an absurdly low drag coefficient of 0.20, which is unmatched by any manufacturing BEV. It appears smooth, however at first look, the profile is not that a lot totally different from an S-Class sedan. Upon nearer examination, you will discover the longer wheelbase and a pop-open slot on the entrance quarter-panel, which is one other clue to its aerodynamic profile. That slot is for including wiper fluid, as a result of not solely does the EQS 580 don’t have any frunk, the hood doesn’t even open.

Aerodynamics is a giant a part of the image right here. Mercedes pairs a seamless hood with the superior A-pillar to create “The Bow”—that sweeping arched look that helps drop that drag coefficient so low. The profile is paying homage to Pinewood Derby entries from my Cub Scouts days. Even when there was a frunk, there could be no storage room. Mercedes has as an alternative used the area for its vac, which it is calling the Energizing Air Management Plus system, which incorporates an enormous HEPA filter that it claims can block 99.65 % of particulate matter from making it contained in the cabin.

On the within, the EQS affords the complete Mercedes expertise. That features brushed metallic, shiny black plastic, wooden, leather-based, suede, and LED accent lighting. It is also insanely roomy and cozy. The seats, outfitted with heating, air flow, and therapeutic massage, present the proper mix of consolation and assist for lengthy drives. There’s loads of leg room for everybody, as nicely, and our 580 was outfitted with the $1,700 Govt Rear Seat Package deal Plus which suggests massages for everybody within the automotive. You might not miss having a frunk, the EQS 580’s hatchback lifts to disclose 21.5 ft³ (610 l) of storage, which almost triples to 62.5 ft³ (1,770 l) with the again seats down—about what one would count on from a fastback. There’s additionally a helpful under-floor storage space.

Probably the most eye-catching function of the 580’s inside is the sadly named Hyperscreen. Really, three separate screens spanning the instrument panel (12.3 inches/31.24 cm) middle console (17.7 in/45 cm), and the passenger dashboard (12.3 in/31.24 cm), it is… loads of large, stunning screens. No surprises on the instrument panel—you’ll be able to configure it to your coronary heart’s content material to point out precisely the data you need. Over on the passenger’s aspect, you’ll be able to entry navigation, cellphone, and multimedia controls, which may result in epic battles over which station to hearken to.