It’s the most anticipated vehicle of 20201 and when Mercedes-Benz revealed the EQS it didn’t disappoint thanks to its styling and EV capability.

The EQS is the first in an extended range of EQ models to use Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform and has been conceived as an electric-powered equivalent to the S-Class sedan, with both produced in Sindelfingen, Germany.

We can expect to see the EQS in New Zealand at the end of this year, with prices and specifications closer to launch date.

Mercedes-Benz chairman Ola Källenius said: “The EQS is designed to exceed the expectations of even our most demanding customers. That's exactly what a Mercedes has to do to earn the letter ’S’ in its name. Because we don't award that letter lightly.”

The first models on the market will be the EQS 450+ with 245 kW and the EQS 580 4MATIC with 385 kW that will have an electric range of 770km.

The production EQS stays largely true to the 2019 EQS Vision concept, with a cab-forward profile. Its appearance is dominated by what Mercedes describes as a “one-bow roofline” that stretches back to form a heavily angled liftback-style tailgate. Other key styling elements include a black grille panel bookended by a pair of angular headlights - themselves joined by a horizontal light bar. The fully enclosed light unit can be ordered with an optional three-dimensional star pattern.

The aluminium-bodied EQS also features a fixed clamshell bonnet, which wraps around the side to form the top of the front wheel arches. Rather than enclosing a front storage area, it is designed to be opened only during servicing. The filler bottle for the windscreen washer is integrated into a flap within the front left-hand-side wing, which swivels out when pressed.  

The doors are frameless and feature the same flush handles as those available as an option on the S-Class, while the generously dimensioned wheel arches can accommodate alloys ranging from a standard 19in to 22in in diameter.

The EQS measures 5216mm long, 1926mm wide and 1512mm tall and receives a lengthy, 3210mm wheelbase - 106mm longer than the S-Class's - which provides it with relatively short overhangs. 

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG Boards of Management; Daimler Group Research and COO Mercedes-Benz Cars, said the EQS is the world's most aerodynamic production vehicle, with a drag coefficient of just 0.20. 

“With a fast-charging capacity of up to 200 kW, up to 300 kilometres of range can be added in just 15 minutes. All this, together with new battery chemistry, results in a perfect balance between performance, efficiency, range and ease of charging. And its technology goes beyond electric driving: Thanks to its comprehensive sensor technology and intelligence, the EQS sees practically everything around it and becomes a co-pilot. Our customers therefore get more comfort both on long-distance trips and in large, busy cities.”