[Taboleo] "Yes, This Is S"... The Tri-Star Returns with the New EQS

Revival of Front Grille and Tri-Star Ornament
Enhanced Rear Seat Comfort... Strengthening 'Chauffeur-Driven' Identity
Quiet Ride... Increased Driving Range

Mercedes-Benz 2025 EQS 450+ Electric Art Line (Photo by Mercedes-Benz)

The Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle EQS has returned with a nostalgic touch of internal combustion engines. Despite being an electric car, it features a horizontal grille design on the front, and the iconic Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star standing logo is placed on the hood, inheriting the dignity of traditional internal combustion engine sedans. Additionally, the comfortable rear seats further strengthen its identity as an electric flagship sedan.

This is the 'S'... A New Face and Comfortable Rear Seats

The EQS is a pure electric sedan introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 2021, serving as the flagship sedan of the EQ series. However, the previous model received mixed reviews due to its overly futuristic design. Instead of the authoritative and solid design of the internal combustion engine S-Class, it adopted a sleek, curve-focused exterior, which some consumers felt made the front look plain and lacked luxury.

The updated model addresses these shortcomings. In particular, the front design applies a horizontal grille to preserve the traditional charm of internal combustion engine sedans despite being an electric vehicle. Instead of the large three-pointed star logo centered on the front panel in the previous model, the traditional standing logo is mounted on the hood, adding a classic elegance. This reflects the luxurious characteristics of internal combustion engine sedans in the EQS’s ‘Electric Art’ line. However, the futuristic design emphasizing curves has been retained. The ‘AMG Line’ model is also released simultaneously to offer consumers a variety of choices.

Front view of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Electric Art Line. The three-pointed star ornament on the hood and the front grille design have been revived.

The second-row rear seats have also been significantly improved. Although the previous EQS continued the lineage of the flagship ‘S-Class’ sedan, it had a strong image as an owner-driven vehicle. However, the updated model focuses on comfort as a chauffeur-driven vehicle. In particular, the second-row space has been enhanced so that rear passengers can relax more comfortably.

First, a new feature allows the front passenger seat to be fully reclined forward. By pressing a button on the right rear door, the passenger seat folds forward, expanding the rear seat space. The rear seatback angle can be adjusted from the previous 27 degrees up to a maximum of 38 degrees, providing a space befitting the so-called ‘boss’ seat. The seat foam thickness has increased by 5 mm compared to before, and additional cushions made of Nappa leather have been attached to enhance comfort. Heating functions for the neck and shoulder areas and seat depth adjustment have also been added. Furthermore, a massage function maximizes comfort.

Mercedes-Benz 2025 EQS 450+ Electric Art Line Front Row Seat Display

The front seats are equipped with the MBUX Hyperscreen, which integrates three displays into one connected unit. The driver’s seat, center, and passenger seat are all filled with displays. Separate from the central display, the passenger seat can enjoy various convenience features such as YouTube. Mercedes-Benz plans to equip this Hyperscreen as standard on all EQS trims going forward.

Quiet Ride and Improved Driving Range

At the end of last October, I drove approximately 40 km near Sindelfingen, Baden-W?rttemberg, Germany, in the 2025 EQS 450+ Electric Art Line model. The first impression was undoubtedly ‘quietness.’ While existing electric vehicles are quieter than internal combustion engine vehicles, the EQS, as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan, offered an even more comfortable and luxurious driving experience.

Due to the nature of electric vehicles, the weight is considerable, so the suspension was basically set firm. However, thanks to the air suspension that automatically adjusts according to driving speed and road conditions, a smooth and stable ride was felt. The rear seats were also impressive. The generous legroom allowed adults to stretch their legs comfortably, and the reclining seatbacks provided comfort akin to sitting in an airplane business class seat.

The second-row seats of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Electric Art Line.

The ride quality remained consistent even at high speeds. Despite being a large electric vehicle, the body’s comfort and stability were maintained during rapid acceleration, and the interior was remarkably quiet without wind noise even at speeds above 100 km/h.

A newly added lane change and overtaking function stood out in this model. When activated between 80 and 140 km/h and the turn signal is on, the vehicle autonomously changes lanes, overtakes the car ahead, and returns to the original lane. It also makes smart decisions, such as postponing lane changes if a safe distance is not secured. However, this feature is currently supported only in major European countries, including Germany and France. It is not yet confirmed whether it will be applied to models released domestically.

The measured energy efficiency during about 40 minutes of driving was 4.61 km per kWh, significantly exceeding the official combined efficiency of 3.8 km per kWh for the previously domestically released EQS. The updated model’s battery capacity has increased to 118 kWh, and the maximum driving range according to WLTP standards has risen to 821 km. It is uncertain whether the same battery will be installed in the domestic release model, but it is highly likely to significantly improve upon the previous model’s official driving range of 505 km.

The new EQS is designed to use waste heat from the electric drive (inverter and electric motor) and high-voltage battery for interior heating. Additionally, it is equipped with a Disconnect Unit (DCU) that switches between four-wheel and two-wheel drive depending on driving conditions, enhancing the drivetrain’s energy efficiency. Thanks to the increased battery capacity and new technologies, the driving range has been extended even with the same battery capacity.