ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS EV LUXURY FROM MERCEDES

The Mercedes ES brand is the EV name given to the German carmakers electric range of cars and the EQS is the first all-electric luxury saloon which offers a range of up to 731km (453 miles) from a 107.8 kWh lithium ion battery. This is certainly an impressive range (which of course is always subject to driving conditions). Far too often an EV gets the thumbs down because of a poor range, but that is certainly not the case with this range of EVs. One of the aspects of the EV is range or lack of and if more manufacturers could produce cars with a vastly improved range, then it would certainly be a strong factor in improving sales.

The battery in this new luxury offering from Mercedes features a 200 kW DC on-board charger, allowing it to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 31 minutes and this is enough to deliver an extra 300km (186 miles) of range in just 15 minutes; that range is a figure that many manufacturers can not attain at present. Again, fast charge times are very important. Rightly so, this model takes the crown as the flagship of the brand and it is also the first Mercedes-Benz to use the all new modular platform architecture which has been designed especially for large luxury and executive class electric vehicles. The EQS is the perfect showcase for the innovative MBUX Hyperscreen with multiple displays that merge seamlessly under one piece of glass to create a curved screen which is over 141 centimetres wide. The MBUX Hyperscreen is available on AMG Line Premium models and above.

I am not quite sure exactly what models in the range are available in all markets; I am looking at the line-up available in Northern Ireland. The 333bhp EQS 450+ AMG Line models come as standard with chunky twenty inch alloy wheels and AMG Line body styling elements in high-gloss black and chrome; a 4.5 degree rear-axle steering; panoramic sunroof; full leather upholstery; heated seats front and rear; a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel in Nappa leather; 12.3 inch driver display; MBUX multimedia system with 12.8 inch OLED central display; Driving Assistance Package and MBUX augmented navigation. AMG Line Premium adds 21 inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels; Digital Light with Light Band; interior active ambient lighting; acoustic privacy glass; a 360 degree camera; Driving Assistance Plus; and a Burmester surround-sound system. AMG Line Premium Plus brings a head-up display; remote parking functionality; and the gesture-controlled MBUX interior assistant. EQS 450+ Luxury models feature equipment levels equal to the AMG Line Premium trim, but replace the sporty focus with a more classic style. This includes all new Microcloud Artico upholstery combined with ship-deck wood; comfort seats with comfort headrests and a heated steering wheel; and 22 inch alloy wheels and EQS 450+ Luxury trim is aligned pricing-wise with AMG Line Premium trim. Exclusive Luxury trim adds multi-contour massage seats with climate control; an air balance package; and Nappa leather upholstery. The optional Rear Luxury Lounge package is also available on the Exclusive Luxury model line; it includes electrically adjustable rear seats with massage functions; comfort rear armrest with wireless smartphone charging and Android tablet; climate control for rear seats; Mercedes interior assistant; additional USB ports and adaptive interior lighting.

It’s worth noting all EQS models come with a three year subscription to Mercedes me Charge, providing access to green charging from many public charging providers, with a single account. This also includes a one-year subscription to IONITY with free rapid charging. Make no mistake Mercedes-Benz has brought luxury motoring in the grand style to this growing sector of the market.

Ian Lynas