Mercedes-Benz presents new EQS with 926 km range

Mercedes-Benz reveals updated EQS with 926 km range, 800V architecture and steer-by-wire. Explore key technical changes and what they mean for EVs.

The updated Mercedes-Benz EQS now reaches up to 926 kilometers of WLTP range — but the figure only hints at a far deeper transformation that redefines the brand’s electric flagship.

The most significant changes are hidden beneath the surface. The EQS moves to an 800-volt architecture, enabling charging speeds of up to 350 kW and adding as much as 320 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes. At the same time, battery capacity increases to 122 kWh, while new electric drive units and a two-speed transmission on the rear axle improve both efficiency and performance.

This combination explains why Mercedes-Benz describes more than a quarter of the vehicle’s components as newly developed or extensively revised. The update goes well beyond design — it reshapes the core technical foundation of the car.

Another key step is the introduction of steer-by-wire. The EQS will become the first series-production car from a German manufacturer to use a fully electronic steering system without a mechanical connection. The result is a different driving experience: reduced effort during low-speed maneuvers, fewer vibrations from the road, and new possibilities for interior design. Combined with rear-axle steering of up to 10 degrees, the system is intended to improve both agility in urban settings and stability at higher speeds.

At the same time, the EQS evolves into a software-defined vehicle. The new MB.OS operating system integrates core functions and enables over-the-air updates, while digital features are supported by technologies from Microsoft and Google. The MBUX Virtual Assistant gains more advanced conversational capabilities, and navigation is based on Google Maps data, strengthening the car’s role as a connected digital platform.

The model also prepares for bidirectional charging. The EQS is designed to support vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-home scenarios, allowing it to supply energy back to the grid or a household. However, this functionality will be introduced later via software updates and depends on local regulations and infrastructure.

The broader context highlights the scale of the upgrade. The EQS originally debuted as Mercedes-Benz’s first all-electric luxury sedan and already received updates in 2024. This new version marks the next stage, introducing 800-volt technology and a fundamentally revised drivetrain.

Alongside these changes, the EQS retains its defining characteristics: a drag coefficient of around 0.20, recuperation power of up to 385 kW, and a continued focus on comfort, from advanced air filtration to enhanced rear-seat features.

The updated EQS will be offered in several versions, including EQS 400, 450+, 500 and 580 4MATIC. Rather than a routine refresh, this update signals a broader effort by Mercedes-Benz to strengthen its position in the premium EV segment through long-term technological development.