The all-electric luxury Mercedes EQ S sedan, first teased as the Vision Concept at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show, apparently will launch in the U.S. in 2022.
The EQ S is expected to compete with other high-end EVs including the Tesla Model S, a new electric Jaguar XJ slated for 2021 or ’22, and perhaps for some luxury shoppers, the Porsche Taycan. That later most likely be a market challenge reserved for a rumored high-performance AMG version of the EQ S.
The production model apparently will look more like a standard sedan than the futuristic concept, according to a photo provided by Mercedes-Benz of a camouflaged pre-production model.
The photo indicates that the Mercedes EQ-S will feature a short hood, triangular headlamps and a fairly clean body. That’s more like the 2020 CLS than the current S-Class, which features a larger trapezoidal grille and deeply creased character lines running from the front fender to the rear wheel well cutout.
WardsAuto, an authoritative industry journal, reports that the EQ S will be sized more like the CLS on the outside but will feature interior spaces rivaling the larger S-Class. The large interior space is made possible by the design of the Mercedes’ EQ S platform.
First of Many
The new EV will ride on a skateboard-style platform that places major electric drive components – including battery, cooling system, motors and power electronics – in a flat rectangular package that can be fitted with a variety of body styles.
While electric and hybrid-electric models are expected to account for just under 10 percent of Mercedes-Benz’ global sales this year, the company says it expects electrified models t account for close to half of its sales by 2030.
EQ Family
The Mercedes EQ S is the fifth member of the company’s EQ sub-brand.
The EQ C electric crossover was introduced in Europe last year, but won’t go on sale in the U.S. until 2021. The EQ label – denoting an electrified powertrain – has been attached to Mercedes’ Smart EVs – the ForTwo, For Two convertible and ForFour – since 2018.
Next up will be a van, the EQ V, and two compact crossovers – the EQ A, based on the new GLA that’s due later this year, and the EQ B, based on the just-introduced GLB. An EQ E, based on the E-Class sedan, also is reportedly in the works.
Wards also is reporting that a high-powered AMG version of the EQ S will hit the market in 2023, with an electric powertrain rated at more than 600 horsepower and nearly 700 pound-feet of torque.
PHEVs, Too
In addition to the all-electric EQ models, Mercedes will use EQ Power branding to denote plug-in hybirds.
The company said this week that it will have plug-in hybrid variants of every model in its lineup. More than 20 EQ Plus models will be available globally by the end of the 2020.
