by Wallace Wyss –
Mercedes has fielded an all new electric sedan, designed to compete with Tesla and possibly the Lucid.
Mercedes is confident enough to make this their electric flagship. Base engine is a 329-hp, rear-drive powertrain (EQS450+) while the big step up is a 516-hp, all-wheel-drive setup (EQS580 4Matic). They say either has 350 miles of range. There are several models but the base one is close to $103,000 and the most expensive at $126,000.
Here’s my impression of the design based upon pictures.
FRONT Grille with those “floating” points-of-light looks expensive, better than the “toothy” 52 Mercedes SL-inspired grille on some other models. I myself believe in grilles to give electric cars some personality but note they didn’t want to risk going no grille like Tesla.
REAR Very roomy for luggage, eschewing temptation to taper rear deck and lose room. But shape from rear has no “Mercedes look” tying in with anything in their past. Tailights look expensive when lit. Area below bumper looks cheap–like some sort of air vents.
SIDE Very conventional, but at least chrome surround around all the side glass gives luxury impression. Flush door handles copy Tesla but, hey, Mercedes had them back in ’54 on the SL. Adding to that is the hiding of B and C pillars under glass to make cabin seem more isolated. Upsweep of front fenders into roof resembles recent Buicks. Rear wheel wells cut high to reveal entire tire gives a sporty look for a sedan.
INTERIOR Here the design makes a great leap forward into the pure electric era, looking very modern–not just a touchscreen but the ability to showcase information electronically all across the dash. Way ahead of Tesla. Rear seat has full contoured seats cushions, looking comfortable. The glass covered hyperscreen might be prone to “washing out” in sunlight however.
IN SUM A solidly designed car taking no chances, but ironically all important these days is the answer to one question: range. Their number starts with a “3,” sounds low to me (should be over 500 miles) and that could hurt it more than any styling mis-cues.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
THE AUTHOR: Wallace Wyss is the author of 18 automotive books. He has lectured on design at Art Center College and is currently cresting oil portraits of collector cars on commission. For a list of art available write malibucarart@gmail.com
Photos compliments of Mercedes.
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