Mercedes-Benz claims its new EQS is the world’s most aerodynamically efficient road car yet.
In an announcement ahead of the electric-powered luxury sedan’s planned unveiling on April 15, the German automaker reveals to WardsAuto that the fourth model from its EQ sub-brand boasts a drag coefficient “starting at 0.20” in its most basic form.
The benchmark figure, measured in Mercedes-Benz’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Sindelfingen, Germany, places the headlining EQ model ahead of both its electric-powered and combustion-engine car rivals for outright aerodynamic efficiency.
In January, Tesla claimed a drag coefficient of 0.208 for the facelifted Model S, bettering the 0.21 of the Lucid Air.
It establishes the EQS as the most aerodynamically efficient Mercedes-Benz road car ahead of the A-Class sedan and seventh-generation S-Class, both rated at 0.22.
The record-breaking 0.20 Cd figure was achieved in combination with 19-in. AMG wheels and with the Sport driving mode which lowers the ride height, says Mercedes-Benz.
The EQS is the first model to be based on Mercedes-Benz’s EVA platform, which also will underpin the EQE sedan, EQE SUV and EQS SUV, among other upcoming models.
The new platform uses a skateboard-style architecture that has allowed Mercedes-Benz to provide the upmarket sedan with its own distinctive cab-forward proportions with the A-pillars set well forward, shorter hood and trunk than the latest S-Class together with a heavily curved roofline – the so-called one-bow lineage, as Mercedes-Benz describes it – to give it a coupe-like profile with a comparatively long wheelbase and short overhangs (below).
The new Mercedes-Benz model adopts a smooth-surfaced design devoid of body creases. Key elements used to achieve the low aerodynamic figure include an uncharacteristically low front end featuring a fully enclosed black panel grille, as previewed on the earlier EQS concept car revealed in 2019.
The front corners are heavily tapered to reduce the frontal area, while the cooling ducts feature air shutters that open and close depending on the cooling requirements of the electric driveline and brakes.
The large hood wraps around into the flanks, placing its shutlines in a more efficient position for lower drag and less turbulence than the more conventional hood of the S-Class.
Like that of the new BMW iX, the clamshell-shaped structure has been designed to remain closed during the lifetime of the car. “There is no mechanism to allow the customer to open the bonnet. It can be opened during servicing with special tooling, but it is designed to remain closed,” says Steffen Koehl, head of Mercedes-Benz advanced design.
The filler for the windshield-washer bottle is integrated into a narrow flap, which hinges outward from behind the front left-hand wheel arch.
Further back, the doors are frameless and feature flush-fitting handles similar to those available as an option on the latest S-Class. The complex 10-window glasshouse stretches well back above the rear wheel arches, while the roof features a two-piece sunroof as standard.
Departing from the S-Class, the EQS also receives a large fastback-style liftgate that hinges from above the top of the rear window – a layout also set to be adopted by the smaller EQE due to be revealed at the Munich motor show in September.
A full-width taillamp similar to that seen on the EQC and recently introduced EQA is incorporated into the liftgate.
Inside, the EQS adopts its own unique dashboard, controls and trim elements. Ahead of the driver is a steering wheel similar in style to that used by the S-Class with capacitive touch pads on the two upper spokes. A high-set center console runs through the middle of the front cabin, underneath which are sizeable stowage bins.
Customers will be able to specify the new EQ model with Mercedes-Benz’s digital MBUX Hyperscreen.
Consisting of three separate displays integrated behind a single curved panel measuring 55.5-ins. (141 cm) in width, it is controlled by the latest version of the MBUX operating system, whose 8-core CPU features 24GB of RAM and supports over-the-air software updates.
Other options include a head-up display featuring augmented reality functions, a Burmester surround-sound system with 15 speakers and output of 710 watts and a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter as part of a so-called Energizing Air Control system.
The cab-forward proportions and flat floor are claimed to create more space than that of the S-Class, with an AMG trim line offering sporting touches including more supportive front seats. The standard rear seat is designed for three-across seating, though the center seat is raised and the glasshouse tapers inward.
The EQS will be offered with a comprehensive sound package with four different modes: Silent, Silver Waves, Vivid Flux and Roaring Pulse – the latter of which has been conceived to replicate the sound of a traditional combustion engine.
