Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Shares Details on New EQ S

The EQ S model is coming from Mercedes-Benz, the third installment in their EQ lineup.

Mercedes-Benz first revealed its new product brand—EQ, which stands for Electric Intelligence—dedicated solely to electric vehicles back in 2016 at the Paris Motor Show.

Since then, we've been introduced to two EQ models: the EQ C SUV and the EQ A hatchback. The SUV was debuted in 2016 as the first EQ model, and the hatchback was shown in Frankfurt late last year.

Recently, Mercedes-Benz announced its third vehicle to be added to the lineup: the EQ S, a full-size sedan that rivals the size of the S-Class. For reference, it's top competitor will be the Tesla Model S.

According to Mercedes-Benz, this sub-brand "will encompass all future battery-electric cars as well as the associated products and services from Mercedes-Benz."

EQ A Hatchback

The EQ S will sit on the newly developed Modular Electric Architecture (MEA), on which all EQ models will be built. This chassis positions the battery between the wheels for increased stability.

Michael Kelz, the Chief Engineer, spoke with Autocar recently and stated that the overhangs will be shorter and the wheelbase will be longer in an effort to better accommodate an electric powertrain.

Further details about the EQ S are pretty much nonexistent at this point. However, we do know a few notable specifications about the hatchback variant that lend us some insight to what we can expect the EQ S to debut with.

The EQ A offers an approximate 248-mile range and can travel from 0-60 in just five seconds. It utilizes all-wheel drive and a battery pack with two electric motors. This model is able to be charged via induction or a wallbox, and it can provide a range of roughly 62 miles with just 10 minutes of charging.

The EQ S model, which Kelz calls a "top-of-the-line car," is expected to enter production as early as 2020, just one year after the EQ C.

Mercedes-Benz has a somewhat optimistic goal of producing 10 new electrified vehicles by 2022—that's seven more vehicles in a four-year span. Question is will they be able to pull it off?

NEXT: THE LEXUS ES RECEIVES A MUCH-WELCOMED REFRESH FOR 2019

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