Mercedes EQS test drive: exterior design
If the Mercedes EQS was officially unveiled in 2021The brand had already given a hint of its launch two years earlier. Indeed, it was at the Frankfurt Motor Show that the German firm lifted the veil on the Vision EQS conceptwhich announced a large, trendy, top-of-the-range saloon. The final version was made official at the Shanghai Motor Show, where China is a very important market for the carmaker. And unlike many production models derived from a concept car, the hatchback is very close to the concept, with virtually unchanged lines. And that, of course, is not something we're going to shy away from.
And with good reason: this EQS is very elegant and desirable. But its lines have not simply been designed to be pretty. In fact, the main reason why the saloon has adopted this silhouette is to increase its aerodynamic performance. This mission has been largely accomplished, as the Cx is displayed at 0.20which is obviously very satisfying. But if the lines are very smooth, our EQS is not lacking in character, with a full radiator grille featuring a multitude of stars and a rear end that gives it the air of a spaceship. Not to mention its large 21-inch wheelswith a style that is, to say the least, explosive!
Mercedes EQS test drive: interior and technology
Now it's time to settle in aboard the Mercedes EQS and discover its interior. And the least we can say is that it's well worth the diversions. And for good reason: the first thing you notice when you climb aboard is its huge, spacious interior. screen, called Hyperscreen. Measuring 1.40 metres wideIt features a central touch screen and a digital handset. But be careful, because this system is optional and costs more than €8,000. If you choose not to take it, you will have to make do with a single 12.8-inch screen and digital instrumentation. The rest of the driving position is equally impressive, exuding luxury and comfort.
Of course, it will take some time to get used to all the different functions offered by this device. high-tech interior. But despite everything, the whole package is well thought out and rather practical. You won't be surprised to learn that the quality of the materials and finishes are well beyond our expectations, with leather-covered seats and fine-tuning. Comfort is the order of the day, both at the front and at the back, with a soft bench seat inviting long journeys and relaxation. The interior space is excellent, while the driver benefits from heated and massaging seats. Finally, the trunk volume varies between 610 and 1 770 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
Monday to Friday 9am - 12.30pm - 2pm - 7pm
Mercedes EQS test drive: behind the wheel
Unlike some models that are also available with internal combustion engines, this Mercedes EQS is only available in electriclike the rest of the EQ range. Nevertheless, several variants are proposed, including the entry of 450 + range of our 333 horses sent to the rear wheels. This is followed by the580 4Maticwith two engines and a 523 horsesThe range is topped by the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+, which boasts an impressive 658 horsepower divided between the four wheels. Despite this, our model is expected to be the biggest seller, thanks in particular to its autonomy up to 700 kilometres on a single charge.
A real tour de force for electric saloondesigned for long journeys. And it's fair to say that it does its job rather well, with comfortable damping that pampers the backs of its occupants. Add to that a soundproofing and you get a real cocoon that's very pleasant to live in. This also applies to shorter journeys and city driving, thanks to a very smooth, four-wheel steering. Despite his five metres longThis makes the saloon very easy to drive, and manoeuvres are almost a breeze! The Mercedes EQS is also equipped with a deceleration energy recovery system (regenerative brake), which unfortunately can be a little temperamental at times. It's a shame, especially as the braking isn't exactly the sharpest there is...
Dynamic driving and winding roads are not exactly the car's favourite playground. Mercedes EQSwhich is suffering from a significant weightwith more than 2.48 tonnes on the scales. Despite its low centre of gravity due to the layout of the batteries under the floorboard, so it's still very slippery, although it holds the road just fine. In other words, it's best to adopt a gentle pace if you want to get the most out of theEQS. And although it is available with three driving modes, our preference is for the Comfort configuration, which we feel is the most suitable. The semi-autonomous driving system is also very powerful, and is undoubtedly one of the best on the market today, along with theAutopilot of Tesla. Finally, the battery of 200 kW can be responsible for 10 to 80 % in just 31 minutes on a fast terminal like those of Ionity.
Mercedes EQS test drive: at a glance
It can be said: the Mercedes EQS has everything it takes to compete with the Tesla Model SIts many advantages mean that it can even overshadow it. More comfortable, the German saloon is also a real concentrate of technology. A worthy cousin of the S class, It plunges us into a real cocoon of luxury and comfort, and makes us want to extend the trip even further. On the other hand, the reality check can be painful when you look at the price, since the range starts from €127,250 all the same, and the car is not eligible for environmental bonus.
Read also:
