Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ and Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ launched in Singapore

Singapore - Early adoption is best indulged by those with ‘means’, because at this relatively nascent stage of electrification, this is the only group to be able to embrace and absorb the 'hit' in both depreciation and obsolescence, especially if you’re talking about EVs in the S$500k and up segment.

If you need to think about the COE, wonder where you’re going to charge or ask how much, you're probably in the category that should wait for the technology to mature and no, it isn’t the government’s role either to help you buy your first electric vehicle. After all, one vehicle on the road is still one vehicle on the road in land-scarce Singapore, regardless of whether it is ICE or EV.

However, if you're looking to make an ‘electrifying’ statement in the large luxury limo segment, there's nothing like the latest and shiniest machinery to get the attention of your peers.

As far as electric luxo-barge-type four-door coupe-cruisers go, Mercedes-Benz enters the zero-emissions fray in Singapore with two 400V model variants running the same 107.8kWh Lithium-Ion battery – the S$527,888 rear-drive EQS 450+ with 245kW (or 333hp) / 565Nm and the S$753,888 all-wheel-driven EQS 53 4Matic+ AMG with 484kW (or 658hp) / 950Nm – to do battle against the incumbent Audi e-tron GT in its two guises.

The full-charge range of the 450+ and 53 AMG are rated at a mega 762km and 570km respectively, which trumps the existing similar-class offerings from Audi and Porsche, but as is the case with technology, it’s normally a matter of when, not if!

The 450+ will scamper from 0-100km/h in 6.8secs, with the 2.6-tonne 53 AMG accomplishing the same in 3.8secs, although the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package momentarily boosts output in Race Start launch control mode to 560kW/1020Nm for a staggering 3.4secs time.

Going fast in a straight-line might impress the spec-sheet specialists, but the EQS incorporates rear-axle steering into its dynamic repertoire as well – much like the S-Class – for surprisingly agile handling that better becomes a smaller car.

On the EQS 450+, the rear-steer works at an angle of up to 4.5º as standard (like the W223 S-Class), but this can be further ‘upgraded’ to 10º as a cost-option, which reduces the turning radius of this 5.2m-long four-door coupe to just 10.9m.

For the 53 AMG, the rear-axle steer works with the variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drivetrain at up to an angle of 9º, although the AMG’s responses are better geared towards performance driving than convenience, naturally!

With a Cd of 0.20, the EQS is also notable for being the most aerodynamic production vehicle in the world today, which translates to a whisper-quiet cruising experience thanks to the reduction in wind-noise.

It may be a close relative to the S-Class in proportions, plush luxury and comfort/convenience tech, but the all-electric EQS rides on Mercedes-Benz’s purpose-built all-electric architecture, so everything is optimised to accommodate the electric hardware and powertrain.

Powertrain technology aside, one of the star highlights of the EQS is the MBUX Hyperscreen, which is optional on the 450+ but standard on the 53. The lushly vibrant Gorilla Glass-encased curved display spans 141cm, which is almost the full width of the front cockpit (practically from one A-pillar to the next), with a 12.3-inch OLED display for just the front passenger alone! 

“As the pinnacle, all-electric, flagship luxury model in our Mercedes-EQ line up, the EQS impresses in every aspect. Designed on an entirely new EV architecture and with a segment-leading range of up to 762km per full charge, the EQS combines the latest technology, design and connectivity. The EQS offers insight into the potential and future of the luxury electric vehicle category, redefining automotive luxury and sets a new benchmark in sustainable mobility. We are excited for consumers to come and experience the cutting-edge of innovation and luxury, and can’t wait to see the first units of the EQS on our roads,” said Claudius Steinhoff, President & CEO of Daimler South East Asia/Mercedes-Benz Singapore.

PHOTOS Mercedes-Benz