2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Gallery

Mercedes-Benz wanted to show it's taking electrification seriously, and the new EQS is the result. All-electric sibling to the S-Class, it's a distinctive new competitor to Tesla's Model S, and a vision of what the German automaker believes modern luxury should be like as we move beyond gasoline. Turns out, that vision means even more technology, among other things.

The exterior styling is heavily aero-led, with the swooping body calling to mind the equally curvaceous Mercedes F 015 concept. The EQS isn't autonomous, mind: instead there'll be up to 516 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque for whoever is behind the wheel, with a vast MBUX Hyperscreen dashboard display for them to look at. EPA range figures for the US haven't been confirmed yet, but Mercedes is expecting 480 miles (770 km) of range under the WLPT cycle, and closer to 400 miles for the US tests.

First to the US will be two versions of the EV. The 2022 EQS 450+ will be rear-wheel drive with a single electric motor, and use the extended range battery. The 2022 EQS 580 4MATIC, meanwhile, will use dual electric motors for all-wheel drive. Pricing will be confirmed closer to their release, which is expected to take pace in the fall of 2021