Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a comprehensive update to its flagship electric sedan, the EQS, introducing 800-volt electrical architecture, up to 926 kilometers of WLTP range, and steer-by-wire technology. The update, which the automaker says touches more than a quarter of all vehicle components, represents the most significant technical overhaul the EQS has received since its 2021 launch.
Highlights
- The EQS 450+ achieves a WLTP range of 926 km (approximately 575 miles), a 13% increase over the outgoing model, powered by a 122-kWh battery with optimized silicon oxide-graphite cell chemistry.
- An 800-volt architecture enables DC fast charging at up to 350 kW, adding 320 km of WLTP range in 10 minutes.
- Mercedes-Benz becomes the first German automaker to offer steer-by-wire in a series-production vehicle, available shortly after the EQS market launch.
- The new MB.OS operating system integrates AI-powered functions, over-the-air updates, and a redesigned MBUX Virtual Assistant with multiple avatar options.
New Electric Architecture and Battery
At the core of the update is a shift from 400-volt to 800-volt technology across the EQS 450+, EQS 500 4MATIC, and EQS 580 4MATIC. These three variants receive a 122-kWh battery pack, up from 118 kWh, using anodes that blend silicon oxide with graphite for higher gravimetric and volumetric energy density. Cobalt content has been further reduced.
A new entry-level EQS 400 joins the lineup with 270 kW of output and a 112-kWh battery, offering a lower price of entry to the EQS range. Mercedes-Benz has not disclosed pricing for any variant.
When connected to a 400-volt charging station, the battery splits virtually into two halves, each charging at up to 175 kW. The system also supports vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-home bidirectional charging, though that feature will arrive via a post-launch over-the-air update.
New electric drive units developed in-house are paired with a two-speed rear transmission. First gear delivers rapid acceleration from a standstill; the long-ratio second gear optimizes efficiency at highway speeds. Recuperation power has increased by a third to 385 kW, enabling near-complete deceleration through regenerative braking alone. Towing capacity for rear-wheel-drive models has more than doubled to 1,600 kg.
The EQS continues to set range benchmarks in the electric luxury segment. Mercedes-Benz says the 926-km WLTP figure is sufficient for trips such as Munich to Paris or Zurich to Hamburg without a charging stop. The sedan retains its position among the most aerodynamic production cars ever built, with a drag coefficient of 0.20.
Steer-by-Wire and Driver Assistance
The optional steer-by-wire system eliminates the mechanical link between steering wheel and front wheels, replacing it with electronic signal paths. Mercedes-Benz says the system enables independent tuning of sportiness and comfort, reduces steering effort, filters road vibrations, and allows a flatter steering wheel design. A redundant architecture with dual signal paths ensures steering capability at all times, with rear-axle steering and wheel-specific ESP braking as backup.
The MB.DRIVE suite draws on up to 27 sensors, including 10 cameras, five radar units, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, all processed through MB.OS. Parking Assist now detects diagonal spaces, operates at up to 5 km/h (60% faster than the previous system), and works even when the vehicle was parked manually.
MB.OS, MBUX, and Interior Updates
MB.OS replaces the previous infotainment architecture and manages all vehicle domains, from drivetrain to ADAS. It connects to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud for continuous OTA software updates. The MBUX Virtual Assistant integrates Microsoft AI and can conduct multi-turn dialogues. Three avatar options are available, including a human-like figure and a character nicknamed “LittleBenz.”
The standard MBUX Hyperscreen spans more than 55 inches across three displays. Rear passengers get two 13.1-inch screens with new portable MBUX remotes and support for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex video conferencing.
Other interior additions include seatbelt heating (up to 44°C) on the front seats, a 9.82 dm³ HEPA filter capturing 99.65% of particles, and new anthracite open-pore poplar trim. A leather-free interior option is available for the first time. The MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure program offers approximately 125 paint colors.
DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps now use micro-LED technology, expanding the high-resolution lighting field by 40% while consuming 50% less energy. The ULTRA RANGE high beam reaches 600 meters.
The 800-volt platform mirrors the architecture debuting in Mercedes-Benz’s CLA, which won European Car of the Year 2026.
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