The Mercedes-Benz EQS never complained about a lack of technology, but the electric car market is moving faster than German engineers can drink coffee. To keep up with competitors from China and the US, the company has prepared a major update for the flagship model. Engineers have redesigned over 25% of the vehicle's components, focusing on energy efficiency and charging speed.
800-volt architecture and fast charging
The main technical revolution is hidden under the body. Mercedes-Benz is transitioning the EQS from a 400-volt to an 800-volt electric architecture. For the owner, this means only one thing — no more long waits by the terminals. The system now supports charging power up to 350 kW. Under ideal conditions, you can replenish the range by 320 km in just 10 minutes.
The battery has also grown: its usable capacity has increased from 118 to 122 kWh thanks to new cell chemistry with higher energy density. The result — in the EQS 450+ version, the claimed range is up to 925 km under the WLTP cycle.
Digital control and artificial intelligence
Inside, the EQS continues its «spaceship» line. The huge 55-inch MBUX Hyperscreen hasn't gone anywhere, but it now operates under the new MB.OS operating system. The highlight of the update — an advanced voice assistant. It was developed in close collaboration with Microsoft, integrating artificial intelligence for more natural communication with the driver.
However, the real surprise — the steer-by-wire system. The Germans decided to forgo the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Now, commands are transmitted by wire, which allows dynamically changing the steering gear ratio. This solution paves the way for the use of a yoke steering wheel, which doesn't obstruct the instruments and looks as futuristic as possible. However, this was already the case with Tesla, where it received a lot of negative feedback from users.
Transmission and comfort
To get the most out of the electric car, engineers installed a two-speed gearbox on the rear axle. The first gear provides explosive acceleration, and the second — high efficiency at speeds over 120 km/h. In addition, the all-wheel-drive 4MATIC versions have learned to completely disconnect the front motor when it's not needed, saving precious kilometers.
For those accustomed to riding in the back, Mercedes-Benz has added «plushies»: improved monitors, heated seatbelts, and even more sound insulation. Externally, the EQS 2026 will be recognizable by the updated grille and the classic star returning to the hood in some versions — a nod to conservative S-Class fans.
Prices are still kept secret, but the benchmark is clear: the current model starts at €130,000. The updated version is unlikely to be cheaper.
