rlex Posted April 17, 2021 Posted April 17, 2021 The star brand says more about the 100% electric equivalent of its S-Class and potential alternative to a certain Tesla Model S ... Inventing is one thing, reinventing yourself is another. Self-proclaimed, in all modesty of course, as the precursor of the private car whose origins date back more than a century, Mercedes is still struggling to fully convince in terms of electrification. Blame it on an EQC, its first and only mass-produced model so far equipped with a 100% electric powertrain, with very relative arguments and commercial success. The Stuttgart firm intends to rectify the situation with the EQS, the “battery-powered” equivalent of its S-Class. To begin with, rather than relying on a base closely derived from that of a thermal car, such as that of the EQC , technically (too) close to the GLC , the new sedan with the star releases a an unprecedented modular platform , specially dedicated to its mode of propulsion. A strategy which allows, at least in theory, a much better integration of the mechanical elements (engine, battery…) and the optimization of their operation. This new flagship of the EQ range can thus be satisfied with a relatively simple architecture, but which has proven itself: two axles that can each receive an electric machine and between which a thick floor allows the integration of a lithium-ion pack. . The EQS stretching over 5.22 m long and 1.93 m wide, there is no lack of space in the heart of its foundations to accumulate as many chemical cells as possible. The useful capacity of the battery is announced at 107.8 kWh. For example, that of the EQC capped at 80 kWh of gross capacity ... The German manufacturer promises a range of up to 770 km according to the WLTP cycle. Even if it is certainly a good hundred less in reality, this is a value worthy of the Mercedes branding. To date, only Tesla boasts of doing better with an imminent Model S Plaid whose battery technology has yet to meet the demands of mass production ... This encouraging range of action is in this case that of the EQS 450+, the one equipped with a single engine in gear with the rear axle, with a power of 245 kW, or 333 hp, and a torque of 568 Nm. A second version, the 580 4Matic, is also on the program from launch. The limousine is fitted in this case with a second synchronous machine on the front axle to count four driving wheels, to accumulate 524 hp and 855 Nm. The 0 to 100 km / h would then be sent in 4 ”3, the maximum speed being limited as on the 450+, to 210 km / h. Not bad for a luxurious vessel, certainly aerodynamic with a Cx of 0.20, but which weighs between 2,480 and 2,585 kg on the scale. And Stuttgart already promises that an EQS of 560 kW, or 762 hp, is in the boxes. There is a good chance that this execution will then become the showcase of AMG which is also seeking to electrify itself. To avoid being overtaken by events, the running gear can demonstrate the same refinement as those of the thermal “S”, namely to combine pneumatic controlled damping and four-wheel steering chassis, the second axle steering up to 10 ° optional to shorten the turning diameter to 10.9 m. However, aware that autonomy is not the only obstacle to the acquisition of a battery-powered car, Mercedes also puts on the load. The system can accept a power of up to 200 kW in direct current, which would make it possible to postpone the next stop at the terminal by about 300 km in 15 minutes. Inspired in particular by Tesla, the star brand is also for the first time giving its customers the opportunity to benefit from new comfort and / or security functions through online updates. Among other things, some will no doubt be seduced by the idea of no longer having to operate the doors by themselves, their opening and closing being automated as an option.
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