Mercedes Vision EQS shows us what to expect from Taycan and Model S rival

Mercedes-Benz has previewed the S-Class of electric cars today, with the Vision EQS concept dominating the luxury brand’s stand at the Frankfurt motor show. 

The concept teases an evolution of the Mercedes EQ ‘Progressive Luxury’ look seen so far on the EQC SUV and EQV people mover, but with shorter front and rear overhangs than the saloon norm and embraces greater packing freedoms afforded by the use of Mercedes’ upcoming dedicated EV platform.  

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We’ve seen similar proportion evolution with the Tesla Model S, Jaguar I-Pace and Porsche Taycan already, which essentially prioritises passenger accommodation over mechanicals. 

Numerous development mule sightings suggest that a production EQS won’t be far behind though, with the brand’s first dedicated EV saloon expected to be launched in production guise in 2022.

Mercedes defines the Vision EQS lines as "one bow" and admits it hints at the treatment of future Mercedes sedan models. 

Also defining the Vision EQS look is the "lightbelt" division of body colour at shoulder level, with black glass from below the beltline over a trademark Mercedes silver body.

The Vision EQS features ‘Digital Light’ headlights with two holographic lens modules.

Look closely at the illuminated grille and rear lights that emboss the rear panelwork and you’ll see that they are actually made up of numerous (188 front 229 at rear) little three-pointed stars without the traditional ring. Could this point to a new corporate logo for Mercedes? Perhaps, and eagle-eyed F1 fans will also recognise the motif from Lewis and Valtteri’s current race liveries.

Mercedes is calling the illuminated grille a world first, suggesting it provides a new level in precise signalling.

Other exterior details include ‘Digital Light’ headlights with two holographic lens modules that are expected to become a signature look for the brand.

The Vision EQS interior represents a total rethink of the role of a dash panel, with unashamed luxury yacht aesthetic inspiration paired with a physical preview of future-generation Advanced MBUX occupant interface that can display information across the entire woodgrain surface. 

Inside, the Vision EQS previews the future-generation Advanced MBUX occupant interface.

The Vision EQS’s new EV platform balances engineering requirements with sustainability targets and uses a combination of steel, aluminium and carbon fibre, plus recyclates. 

It is being designed to be produced alongside traditional Mercedes products too, with the production EQS set to built on the same line as the next-generation S-Class at a new facility in Stuttgart.

Unlike some other brands, Mercedes is striving to use in-house developed componentry. For example, its lithium-ion battery comes from the Daimler subsidiary ACCUMOTIVE.

Mercedes has already trademarked a number of EQS-related model variant names, from EQS 350 to EQS 600, which suggests a broad line-up is planned as per Mercedes tradition.

The Vision EQS concept uses two electric motors with a combined total ouput of more than 350kW and around 760Nm, driving all four wheels to reach 100km/h in under 4.5 seconds with a top speed of more than 200km/h.  

These numbers are well shy of the 2.8 second 0-100km/h sprint and 260km/h speed promised by the Porsche Taycan Turbo S this week, but remember there’s slower versions of the Taycan to come, and the above model names suggest there will be faster versions of the production EQS. 

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The Vision EQS battery pack is rated at approximately 100kWh, which Mercedes is claiming can deliver a comfortable range of up to 700km (WTLP) and the ability to regain 80 per cent charge in considerably less that 20 minutes, when connected to a 350kW charger that is. 

Unlike the continual boasts about autonomous capability we’re seeing from most corners of the new car world, the Vision EQS is refreshingly more about electric vehicle technology than driverless. 

According to the official Vision EQS press materials:

“The Vision EQS also makes a clear statement for the continuation of driver-controlled vehicles. To this end the show car shows the bandwidth of the platform with its clear focus on the driver. Mercedes-Benz will also be in a position to fulfil the desire for individual mobility and thrilling handling characteristics in the future.”

However Mercedes is still on top of the autonomous pledge game: 

“At the same time the Vision EQS show car supports the driver with highly-automated driving at Level 3, e.g. on longer motorway journeys. Thanks to the modular sensor systems, the level of autonomy can be extended up to fully-automated driving in the future.”