M
ercedes-Benz has launched the ‘Made in India’ EQS 580 4MATIC in the market, a car that marks some significant firsts in India both for the German Luxury brand as well as the overall EV luxury space in our country. India becomes the first market outside of Germany to manufacture this luxury EV, which can also be dubbed as the S-Class of electric cars.
The EQS also becomes India’s longest-range EV with a range of 857 kms on a single charge, a number verified by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The car has been priced at Rs. 1.55 crore, ex-showroom.
Design
According to Mercedes, the EQS is the world’s most aerodynamic car and boasts of a drag coefficient from 0.20. Streamlining, seam sealing and minimization, wheel design, tyre spoilers, underbody panelling, a rear lip spoiler, and self-lowering air suspension ensure better comfort, stable handling, driving range and efficiency.
The doors are frameless, something that always adds to the premium quotient of a luxury car. Mercedes says that the fact that the EQS is based on an all-electric architecture also opened new design possibilities. As there is no large engine block on board, the behaviour in a frontal crash could be modelled even better.
Interiors
The sustainability in the EQS is enhanced through recycled & renewable raw materials as well as usage of recycled steel among other elements. One of the standout features in the cabin is indeed big 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen.
This includes the digital cluster, touchscreen system as well as a secondary screen for the front passenger. In addition, this the car also comes with a head-up display and a Burmester surround sound system comprises 15 speakers with a total output of 710 watts.
Drive
The high-power density of the lithium-ion battery comes with usable energy content of 107.8 kWh and is equipped with a powerful 400-volt battery manufactured using the lithium-ion technology.
Maximum output generated is 385 kW while you get a peak torque figure of 855 Nm. Remember this is an electric car so all that torque is available right from the word go. Because of this car accelerates from 0-100 km/h in mere 4.3 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 210 km/h. The big talking point is of course the range.
At 857 kms on a single charge, the EQS has become the EV with the maximum range being sold currently in India.
The inclusion of rear-axle steering with 10° steering angle adjustment is a feature that works well looking at the congested Indian roads, tight parking spaces as well as the size of this luxury saloon.
You also get to choose between Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual drive modes, which change the accelerator pedal characteristic and agility, among other things.
In the Eco mode, the focus is on efficiency and an energy-efficient driving style. The car also gets a predictive route planning feature where the car plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors and reacts dynamically to traffic jams or a change in driving style.
Safety
The EQS comes with a EURO NCAP rating of 5 star and gets as many as 9 airbags.
In addition to driver and front passenger airbags, a knee airbag on the driver’s side is also standard. It protects the legs from contact with the steering column or instrument panel in a severe frontal crash. It also features a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and restraint systems.
Designer belt buckles at the front and rear support buckling up, because the lights of the belt buckle pulsate at that time. The car also gets an acoustic vehicle alert system where a special sound acts as a warning for pedestrians.
Charging
The car comes with a 22-kW standard wall box AC charger while supporting a maximum DC charging power of 200 kW. Mercedes-Benz India says it will set up the largest ‘Ultra-fast charging network’, covering 80% of the country by end of 2022.
This network will be exclusive to brands’ customers, with free and round the clock charging services being offered, for the first year.
The author is a senior editor at carandbike.com