Mercedes-Benz has presented its vision for the future of the luxury electric vehicle space with the debut of the new Vision EQS concept at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Mercedes says the Vision EQS is intended to provide "an outlook on the future of Mercedes-Benz," as the world changes to rely more heavily on battery electric vehicles. The automaker even provided exact range figures for the sedan, claiming its electric motors and lithium-ion battery pack can carry it 700 kilometres on a full charge, as per WLTP testing. The automaker also claims its 350 kW charge rate can fill the battery from flat to 80 percent capacity in just 20 minutes.
Unlike many other concept vehicles and electric cars, the Vision EQS isn't placing an emphasis on autonomy and instead focuses on being fun and engaging to drive. Mercedes specifically notes the sedan's "thrilling handling characteristics," and says the vehicle places "a clear focus on the driver." The press release makes a passing mention about Level 3 autonomy and an upgradable autonomous sensor suite, but it's clear that this concept places an emphasis on human driving.
The sedan also gives us a preview of Mercedes' new, fully variable electric drive platform. Fully scalable and usable on a cross-model basis, the architecture will underpin a wide range of different vehicle concepts from Mercedes-Benz in the future and likely production models as well. The automaker says it made up of an "intelligent multi-material mix of steel, aluminum and carbon fibre, plus sustainable materials made from recyclates," helping to meet its goals for weight, performance, cost and sustainability.
As for the styling, Mercedes describes the Vision EQS as "flowing," and "majestic," adhering to its so-called "one bow" design philosophy. The sculpted look continues on the inside, where Mercedes designers took inspiration from luxury yachts to create a serene, spacious feel. The interior also uses sustainable and recycled materials, with a headliner made from ocean waste plastic and wood trim made from ecologically managed German forests.
"The Vision EQS is a first milestone on the way to a CO2-neutral mobility of the future," the automaker said in a statement. "Mercedes-Benz has always stood for technical innovation, responsibility and fascination. And sustainability is now another integral component of the brand philosophy. The show car already meets these aspirations today, and gives an outlook on the future, large electric saloons by the brand."
The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS will be on display for the duration of the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.
