(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – The Mercedes EQS receives extensive technical changes. The most important is the long-awaited switch from 400 to 800 volts. In addition, the maximum range increases from 816 to an impressive 925 kilometers according to WLTP standard.
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This still means second place in our top ten list of electric cars with the longest range. The EQS does not quite reach the 960 km of the Lucid Air, but the gap is significantly narrowing. The 13 percent increased range of the EQS 450+ was made possible by a larger battery and consumption-reducing measures.
The battery capacity increased from 118 to 122 kWh thanks to improved cell chemistry – that is three percent more. In addition, graphite anodes with added silicon oxide are used; this increases the energy density. The cobalt content in the cathodes could be reduced.
Aerodynamics improved again
The reduced consumption contributes significantly more to the higher range than the battery capacity. In addition, a two-speed transmission is used on the rear axle as in the CLA and GLC. This reduces consumption at high speed. As before, the secondary axle is decoupled by the DCU in all-wheel-drive models when full power is not needed.
The aerodynamics have also been improved again, especially on the exterior mirrors. The cW value remains at 0.20, and the frontal area is given as 2.51 square meters. The value decisive for wind resistance, cW x A, is thus 0.5 m2. For comparison: a racing cyclist also has 0.5 m2, while a person on a trekking bike already reaches 0.7 m2, as Mercedes explains. Up to 385 kW are now possible for regeneration; that is one third more than before.
In addition to the EQS 450+, the EQS 500 4Matic and EQS 580 4Matic are offered as usual. The 450 4Matic is not mentioned in the US press release we have, but it has not been offered in the USA so far anyway.
Charging power up to 350 kW
So far, the EQS could charge with a maximum of 200 kW – a very good value for a 400-volt system, but the revised EQS with 800 volts achieves up to 350 kW. That is more than the Mercedes GLC EQ, which reaches a maximum of 330 kW. The charging time is not yet known. But it should be possible to recharge electricity for up to 320 km WLTP range in ten minutes.
At 400-volt charging stations, however, the charging power is limited to a maximum of 175 kW. That is exactly half of 350 kW. Mercedes apparently uses the so-called bank charging – similar to Porsche and Audi with the Macan or A6/Q6 e-tron. During this, the battery voltage is halved during charging, and thus the maximum charging power as well.
Regarding the appearance, the light signature at the front was mainly changed. In the future, two stars per side will light up like on the VLE EQ. Otherwise, two versions are offered: The standard version shows the Mercedes star standing on the hood; there is also a black grille with chrome slats and a backlit star pattern. In the AMG-Line versions, instead of the radiator figurine, there is an illuminated star in the middle of the grille and also a backlit star pattern.
Heated safety belts for this model too
An advanced “Digital-Light” technology is supposed to provide better illumination of the road while consuming less energy. The taillights have also been subtly redesigned; there are additional screw-shaped light elements here.
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In addition, the heated safety belts from the S-Class are also available in the EQS. This should not only be pleasant in cold weather but also encourage occupants to take off thick winter jackets – so that the belt and other safety systems can work better in an accident. On the rear seats, there are belts with integrated airbags.
Another innovation is the optionally available steer-by-wire system, which includes a control horn instead of the conventional steering wheel. This should require significantly less steering angle when maneuvering.
Optimized air suspension
In addition, the damping control of the air suspension has been improved: the so-called intelligent damper control accesses Car-to-X information from preceding Mercedes vehicles. This detects unevenness, allowing the dampers to be adjusted in time. The technology was developed and patented by Mercedes itself.
The 55-inch Hyperscreen still consists of three displays under a common glass surface: 12.3 inches for the instruments, 17.7 inches for the touchscreen, and 12.3 inches in front of the passenger seat. Optionally, two 13-inch monitors for rear-seat entertainment are also available.
With the operating system MB.OS, the EQS receives new functions. These include a multi-agent AI and Google Maps integration. Available apps include Amazon Music, Disney+, Sony Ridevu, and YouTube. The assistance systems have also been upgraded. The car will have 27 sensors in the future and can optionally automatically avoid obstacles.
The new version is expected to come to market in the second half of 2026. Prices and detailed data have not yet been published; however, this should not take long. So far, the base version 450+ is available for a list price of 109,551 euros or 106,265 euros with a Mercedes discount.
More about Mercedes and the EQS rivals:
Electric sedans 2026: All models on the market
Mercedes G-Class EQ: Larger battery and faster charging
In summary
Faster charging and about 100 km more range: The improvements to the Mercedes EQS are significant. Efficiency and other technology have also been optimized. Prices and exact data of the new version are not yet known, but we will keep you updated.
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