New Mercedes EQS with 800V tech, 926 km range, and steer-by-wire

Explore the updated Mercedes EQS with 800-volt electric architecture, 926 km WLTP range, 350 kW DC fast-charging, steer-by-wire system, and MB.OS. Orders start at €94,403 in Germany.
The new EQS features a completely new 800-volt electric architecture, DC fast-charging capability of up to 350 kW, and a new MB.OS operating system. It also debuts a steer-by-wire system—a first for a series-production vehicle from the German automaker. In Germany, orders can be placed starting at €94,403 (approximately $103,000 USD).media.mercedes-benz.comAccording to Mercedes, more than a quarter of the EQS’s components were newly developed, redesigned, or specifically improved for this update. This goes far beyond a typical mid-cycle refresh—it’s essentially a new car in the same body.The WLTP range for the EQS 450+ is now 926 km, equivalent to roughly 575 miles. This improvement stems from the shift to 800-volt technology. The new architecture enables battery charging at up to 350 kW, which Mercedes says can add up to 320 km (199 miles) of WLTP range in just 10 minutes.media.mercedes-benz.comAt 400-volt charging stations, the battery intelligently splits into two virtual halves, each charging at up to 175 kW. This is a clever solution that maintains high charging speeds even on older infrastructure.The usable battery capacity has increased from 118 to 122 kWh while keeping the same physical dimensions. Mercedes achieved this by switching to composite silicon-oxide and graphite anodes, which boost both gravimetric and volumetric energy density. Cobalt content has also been reduced.Regenerative braking power is now up to 385 kW—a 33% increase. Mercedes claims this is sufficient to handle almost all everyday deceleration without using the friction brakes.media.mercedes-benz.comMercedes has also introduced a new entry-level EQS 400 with 270 kW of power and a 112 kWh battery, priced from €79,330 net in Germany (~€94,403 including VAT). This makes it more competitive against the BMW i7, which starts at $107,250 in the U.S. and has a significantly lower EPA-estimated range of 311 miles.The company confirms the new EQS will use a steer-by-wire system. This technology removes the physical connection between the steering wheel and front wheels, replacing it with electronic signals. Mercedes says the system allows for a flatter steering wheel, which frees up cabin space, improves driver display visibility, and makes entry and exit easier.The steer-by-wire system won’t be available at launch—Mercedes states it will arrive “a few months after market introduction.” It works in conjunction with the EQS’s 10-degree rear-axle steering and has redundant signal paths for safety. Even in the extremely unlikely event of a complete system failure, the rear-axle steering and individual wheel braking via the stability control system maintain controllability.The new EQS runs on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS)—the same platform that debuted in the CLA. MB.OS integrates and controls all vehicle functions and connects to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud for over-the-air updates.The MBUX virtual assistant now uses AI from Microsoft and can handle complex, multi-step dialogues. The 141 cm wide MBUX Hyperscreen remains standard, and the updated MBUX Zero Layer interface allows customizing the main screen with app folders, similar to a smartphone.A new MBUX Surround Navigation feature uses the car’s cameras and sensors to display a real-time 3D map of the surroundings on the driver’s display. It shows other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians—essentially letting you see what the car’s sensors see.media.mercedes-benz.comMercedes confirms the new EQS will have bidirectional charging capability—both vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H). However, this feature will come via a future over-the-air update, not at delivery.The standard DIGITAL LIGHT system switches to micro-LED technology, providing a high-resolution light field 40% larger while using 50% less energy than the previous system. The ULTRA RANGE high beam reaches up to 600 meters.The cloud-based AIRMATIC suspension damping system uses Car-to-X data shared by other Mercedes vehicles to pre-adjust damping before hitting speed bumps. This is particularly useful in Southern Europe and the U.S., where such obstacles are common.Other notable updates include a heated seatbelt (warming to 44°C for quick cabin comfort on cold days), a HEPA filter that captures 99.65% of particles, a doubled towing capacity of 1,600 kg for rear-drive models, and a new leather-free interior option.The MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure program now offers around 125 paint options, and the parking assist system is 60% faster thanks to a new angled parking feature.