MERCEDES-BENZ is set to grow its EQ range, with the creation of a new generation of electric vehicles based on a custom-developed architecture, which is scalable in every aspect and can be used across model series.
The modular design system allows for the wheelbase and track, as well as all other system components, including batteries, to be variable, ensuring the company can meet every requirement of a future-oriented, battery-electric model family.
This vehicle architecture makes it possible to build Mercedes-Benz electric cars from saloons to large SUVs, and will see the launch of the EQS, a progressive saloon in the S-Class segment with a range of up to 700km.
First hinted in 2019 via the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS concept car, the new model’s camouflaged prototypes foretold key design features that are revolutionary for the luxury segment, such as the cab forward design or the coupé-like ‘one-bow’ styling.
Via its new electric vehicle range, Mercedes-Benz has also pioneered cross-sector technologies such as the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) control and display system, or the driving assistance systems.
Further details of the progressive design of other expected models in the range, including and SUV version of the EQS, an EQE (based on the E-Class), and an SUV variant of that model, will remain a secret to the public for the time being.
Mercedes-Benz will introduce the all-electric architecture internationally in 2021, and at the same time, add the all-electric EQV people carrier, and compact EV SUVs in the form of the EQA and EQB, to the already launched EQC.
Production of the EQA will commence before the end of this year. The EQS is currently undergoing the last tests on the way to production maturity, including at the Test and Technology Centre in Immendingen.
The systematic validation of the overall vehicle serves to guarantee the high quality standards and is one of the extensive measures in the development process of every Mercedes-Benz model series.
Stations include tough winter testing in Scandinavia, chassis and drive train tests on proving grounds, public roads and on the high-speed test track in Nardo, as well as the integrated testing of the overall vehicle in the heat of Southern Europe and South Africa.
Test drives are currently also being conducted in China and the USA. In the case of the EQS, special attention is paid to the electric power train and the battery, of course.
They too are tested and approved in accordance with the strictest Mercedes-Benz standards.
“The EQS has already piled up far more than two million test kilometres from the heat of South Africa to the cold of Northern Sweden”, says Christoph Starzynski, Vice-President Electric Vehicle Architecture at Mercedes-Benz and responsible for the EQ vehicles.
“The EQS will be the S-Class of electric vehicles. That is why it is undergoing the same demanding development program as any other vehicle that has the privilege of proudly bearing the three-pointed star,” he added.
“In addition, there were quite a few tests specifically for electric cars that cover important development priorities such as range, charging and efficiency”.
As part of its Ambition 2039 initiative, Mercedes-Benz is working on offering a CO2-neutral new car fleet less than 20 years from now.
The company wants electrically powered cars including all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to account for more than half of its sales already by 2030.
In the compact class, production of the EQA, the fully electric brother of the GLA, will start later this year, followed by the EQB in 2021, while the the all-electric member in the new S-Class range and will launch internationally next year.
