Mercedes' big EQS electric saloon has been given a small update for 2024, and the big news is that it now has more range. Mercedes' claim now is that thanks to an enlarged battery capacity - from 108kWh to 118kWh (net) - the EQS 450 + can go for up to 822km on one charge while the four-wheel drive EQS 450 4MATIC can manage 799km, an increase of some 82km.
Proper Mercedes badge
There are some other updates and changes for the big battery Benz. You'll notice that the grille has been given a bit more bright work, and for the first time, the EQS comes with a proper Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star standing upright on the bonnet. Whatever effects that has on the EQS' famously slippery aerodynamics are obviously covered over by the new battery.
Better brakes
The EQS is also getting some new brakes, which are more efficient and come with improved brake energy recuperation. In fact, Mercedes says that lifting off on the accelerator can cause the big EQS to slow at 3m/s, which helps to send more power back to the battery. Because the brake energy recuperation is so strong now, and you'll probably spend less time using the physical disc brakes, there will be a new system that occasionally brushes the pads against the discs to clear off any build-up of road grime or surface rust.
More comfortable seats
In the back seats, the EQS now has the option of a Rear Comfort Package Plus, which includes 'executive' seats and footrests. The package also means that, from a control in the back, the front passenger seat can be folded flat, and the rear seat backrest adjusted by as much as 38 degrees for optimum comfort. There's also seat heating, including heating for the neck and shoulder areas. The standard EQS rear seats can adjust through 36 degrees and now have slightly thicker foam for extra comfort.
Automatic overtaking
The EQS' driving experience is also being updated with a new automatic lane-changing system that works on motorways with at least two lanes and a speed limit below 140km/h. The system is automated, and if it detects a slower vehicle in front of you and the radar and cameras show that there's enough room in the outside lane, the EQS will now automatically indicate, pull out, overtake, and return to the driving lane, without you having had to do anything.
Some new styling options from Mercedes' 'Manufaktur' range include special paint, more cushions for the back seats, rose-gold trim, open-pore lime wood, and Nappa leather in a black and white mix.
Hyperscreen now standard
The massive 141-centimetre 'Hyperscreen' dashboard, with its three integral screens (driver's instruments, central infotainment, passenger screen), will now be standard in the EQS, while a heat-pump heating system is now also standard. Already, Mercedes has been issuing over-the-air software updates, which have included such items as Dolby Atmos surround sound for the stereo, the integration of a YouTube app into the main infotainment screen, and a digital travel guide.
Finally, everyone who buys a new EQS will be given a year's free charging at super-fast IONITY chargers, which should help to keep that 800km range topped-up.