Mercedes-Benz fixes EQS errors for 2025
Launched barely 3 years ago, the large electric sedan from Mercedes-Benz, the EQSis, is already receiving improvements for the 2025 model year. In fact, the manufacturer is making some fixes linked to customer feedback.
It all starts with the style of the car. As standard, we now get a covering of the plastic plate which serves as a grille like what we see on the petrol S-Class. There is a 3-dimensional effect that imitates a fence. To stick more closely to the regular S-Class, the EQS adopts the star as a hood ornament. For the rest of the sedan, the manufacturer maintains the achievements and does not change anything else.
In the passenger compartment, it’s at the rear that we see the action. Mercedes-Benz wants to solve the headroom problem with a new Rear Comfort Plus package, priced around $5,000. This set primarily offers the possibility of reclining the backrest up to 38 degrees, which frees up more head space. If the control is activated, the front passenger seat moves forward and tilts to provide more legroom. In addition, the manufacturer includes a removable footrest. Thanks to this kit, the seats are now heated for both the neck and shoulders.
For more luxury, customization and comfort, the buyer can select the MANUFAKTUR option for a fee of approximately $20,000; this option notably enhances the equipment and the quality of the leather on board.
While Mercedes-Benz offers a Maybach version of the EQS SUV, the manufacturer confirms to us that there will be no such version on the sedan side.
Larger capacity battery
One of the most significant modifications is undoubtedly the integration of a larger capacity battery. It goes from 108.4 to 118 kilowatt hours, but is only 20 kilos (44 pounds) heavier. The manufacturer estimates that the battery will offer 9% more autonomy. Technically, the EQS 2024 offers a range of 547 kilometers. With this contribution, we will approach 600 kilometers.
In addition, Mercedes-Benz is making a significant correction by integrating one-pedal driving with full stop. This is a “technology” already integrated into the EQS SUV range since last December. It is also important to know that other vehicles built on the EVA2 platform, the EQS SUV, the EQE sedan and the EQE SUV will all be entitled to this larger battery and one-pedal driving.
Our opinion
Mercedes-Benz made a false start with the EQS when it was unveiled in 2021. Regular Mercedes-Benz owners almost universally found the EQS to have nothing of the style of a Mercedes-Benz, much less ‘an S-Class, even if the latter is electric. In fact, the failure of the EQ division was such that Mercedes-Benz prematurely abandoned this name.
The manufacturer brings a collection of improvements, but it is unlikely to succeed in attracting typical buyers of Mercedes-Benz or, even, large electric sedans. This segment is already very marginal; even the stars of the category like the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air are struggling to sell. The final unfavorable point for the EQS is that it is one of the cars whose depreciation is one of the highest on the market after one year. It is not uncommon to see EQS at only 50% of baseline after 12 months.
