We've driven the Mercedes-Benz EQC and the EQV is inbound - so here's possibly the next piece in the three-pointed star's electric puzzle, in the form of its Frankfurt Motor Show star, the Vision EQS.
Progressive Luxury styling
The Vision EQS gives strong hints that, after an SUV (the EQC) and an MPV (the EQV), the next all-electric EQ product will be a luxury saloon in the mould of the S-Class. The concept has the smoothed-off styling and 'one-bow' proportions of the EQ family's 'Progressive Luxury' design philosophy, with funky 360-degree Digital Light motifs giving the EQS a real sci-fi bent.
Inside, inspiration comes from the world of luxury yachts and so the dashboard blends into the front interior trim to create a sculpture-like effect to the fascia. The four individual seats are clothed in Dinamica microfibre, a material made from recycled PET bottles, while the leather is all artificial - that should please the vegans. Even the roof lining is constructed from recycled 'ocean waste' plastic, so there's a strong environmental theme to the cabin of a vehicle that is, of course, electrically powered.
Up to 700km range
The Vision EQS has twin electric motors, one on the front axle and another on the rear, with its lithium-ion battery pack integrated into the EV's floor. This layout leads to four-wheel drive with axle-variable torque distribution, handy because the EQS kicks out 350kW (476hp) and has torque of 'around' 760Nm. Mercedes is therefore claiming a 0-100km/h time of less than 4.5 seconds, with the top speed in excess of 200km/h. This performance is possible because the structure of the Vision EQS is made of steel, aluminium and carbon fibre, all of which aim to keep the car's overall weight down while maintaining structural rigidity.
But pure power is not the reason people buy EVs; it's because they're super-clean to run. With zero CO2 emissions, the EQS's 100kWh battery pack means it has a WLTP range of up to 700km, while its ability to charge at 350kW on the Ionity poles means it can suck up 80 per cent of its battery capacity in less than 20 minutes. Throw in Level 3 autonomous systems, with the modular capability to upgrade to full Level 5 autonomy at a later date, and the Vision EQS is very clearly right at the automotive cutting edge.