By Otsile Kadiege

Mercedes-Benz’s flagship EQS sedan might be a fairly new kid on the block, but due to market and customer feedback, the automaker has unveiled a facelifted version which comes with up to 82 kilometres more range, a new radiator cover with chrome applications and an upright Mercedes star on the front hood as well as elevated levels of comfort in the rear.

Increased battery capacity, more range

The EQS was already one of the electric cars with the longest range. Thanks to an increased battery capacity from 108.4 to 118 kWh, the maximum range of the EQS 450 4MATIC, for example, increases from 717 to 799 kilometres. This means an increase in range of more than 11 percent. With a range of 683-822 kilometres, the EQS 450+ even exceeds the 800-kilometre mark.

Mercedes-Benz has also increased the towing capacity for the EQS and EQE sedans with 4Matic from 750 to 1 700 kg. This means they reach a similar level to the SUV derivatives. For example, customers can now tow a horse trailer.

Retro Mercedes exterior styling

The distinguishing feature of the Mercedes-EQ vehicles is the deep black radiator grille (black panel), which connects seamlessly with the headlights. The designers have now refined this independent face for the EQS: the electric flagship is equipped with a new radiator cover with chrome applications as standard in the Electric Art Line.

Chrome-plated and flush-mounted slats create an elegant contrast to the deep black surroundings. This grille is combined with a standing star on the front hood and combines avant-garde EQ looks with the iconic, status-conscious Mercedes-Benz symbol.

Elevated luxury and comfort

Updates to the interior include ventilation nozzles on the B-pillars which are made of galvanised chrome. The additional cushion in the rear is enhanced by piping made of Nappa leather. EQS that are equipped with the optional Rear Comfort Package Plus with executive seats now have a special slanted footrest on the right side in the rear compartment.

With the Rear Comfort Package Plus, the passenger seat can be folded forward and the backrest in the rear can be adjusted up to 38 degrees. The optional equipment also includes seat heating Plus and neck and shoulder heating in the rear, as well as pneumatic adjustment of the seat depth. An illuminated trim piece is integrated into the back of the front seats.

Manufaktur Selection package

With the Manufaktur Selection, the EQS sedan is available as a special edition with particularly exquisite features. This exclusive version is painted in obsidian metallic, alternatively the exterior colours Manufaktur opalite white and Manufaktur night black Magno are also available. The standard Electric Art exterior includes AMG Styling and the new radiator grille with chrome applications and an upright star on the hood. Large 21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design are fitted.

Also on board as standard are the Rear Comfort Package Plus with Executive seats, the Rear Seat Package Plus with seat air conditioning in the rear and the Manufaktur interior package, the latter with special Manufaktur upholstery in exclusive Nappa leather in deep white/black.

Edition-specific features include the throw cushion with contrasting stitching and silver-grey piping as well as rose-gold embroidery, the headrest cushions with an embroidered Mercedes star in rose gold and the door sill trims. They have a black PVD coating, illuminated Mercedes-Benz lettering and Mercedes-Benz pattern. The floor mats have an embroidered Mercedes star and are edged in deep white with rose-gold stitching.

The trim parts are made of anthracite open-pore linear-structure lime wood, and an exclusive “Manufaktur Selection” edition badge sits on the centre console. Microfibre MICROCUT black was selected for the interior headliner.

Availability

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is yet to announce local availability and pricing of the updated EQS.