Mercedes-Benz has begun road testing its new electric car. Spy photographers managed to capture the eco-friendly liftback during tests for the first time. Photos of the car were published by Motor1. According to the publication, the new model will be called EQS and will be presented at the beginning of the next decade. The main competitors of the car are called Tesla Model S and future Porsche Taycan, Audi E-Tron GT, and electric Jaguar XJ. The car will become one of ten models to be released by 2025 under the electric sub-brand EQ.
In the spy photos, the car is hidden under camouflage, but it is already clear that the electric car will feature S-Class traits. The new model will have flush door handles and triangular headlights. Mercedes-Benz will be smaller in dimensions than the current E-Class, but in terms of interior space it will be comparable to the flagship S-Class sedan.
The EQS liftback will be built on the MEA platform. According to unofficial data, the car will be powered by two electric motors located on the front and rear axles. The total power of the car will exceed 400 horsepower. The range of the electric car will approach 600 kilometers.
In early May 2019, Mercedes-Benz launched production of the EQC crossover, which became the first representative of the electric EQ line. The new model was equipped with two electric units (one on each axle), developing a total of 408 hp and 750 N·m of torque. The car can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, and its top speed is 180 km/h.
The engines are powered by a set of lithium-ion batteries with 80 kWh, providing a range of 445–471 km (according to the European NEDC cycle). The battery can be replenished in 11 hours from a Wallbox wall-mounted device. When using the fast charging system, the time will be reduced to 40 minutes.
