Mercedes has significantly updated the EQS, fitting its electric flagship with a new 800-volt battery system and several luxury improvements. The goal is to bring the EQS closer to the standard set by the S-Class. The updated model offers a WLTP range of up to 790 to 816 km and supports DC charging at up to 200 kW, not the 350 kW figure that circulated earlier. Consumer Reports and AutoHled list these figures for the 2026 model year.
The EQS has struggled to step out of the S-Class's shadow. Despite a high-profile launch and heavy investment, buyers remained unconvinced that it could truly replace Mercedes' combustion flagship. Sales lagged, and Mercedes had to cut prices in China, its most impressive overseas market. The smaller EQE is already on the chopping block, with an electric C-Class set to replace it. Still, Mercedes is sticking with the EQS and focusing on refinement and technology. Industry analysts see the changes as part of a broader effort to reposition the model closer to the S-Class, particularly in response to competition in China and changing customer expectations.
GoAuto reports that the updated EQS has already launched in several countries, including Australia, with specific pricing for the 2026 model year.
Technological leap
The basic change is a new battery chemistry and architecture. The EQS now has 122 kWh of capacity, up from 118 kWh, giving it a range that rivals diesel sedans and even challenges the S-Class. Depending on the version, output ranges from 408 to 585 CV. There is also a new entry-level EQS 400 with 367 CV and 112 kWh, bringing the starting price below 100,000 euros. Official data shows that WLTP range varies by market and specification: some UK reviews list up to 574 miles (about 925 km), while others cite 790 to 816 km. DC charging tops out at 200 kW, allowing a charge from 10% to 80% in about 31 minutes, below some earlier claims.
Mercedes has also worked to close the gap with the S-Class inside. The cabin now uses more leather, with detailed stitching and plush headrest cushions. It even has heated seatbelts. The grille is larger and can be illuminated, while the headlights are more advanced. The hood features two powerdomes, with an optional illuminated star. These details are intended to evoke the prestige of Mercedes' most iconic sedan. Auto Express says the changes aim to give the EQS true flagship status and address earlier criticism of its luxury and comfort.
Still, the EQS does not match the S-Class in every area. Rear-seat comfort falls short, and although the front seats are better than before, they do not reach the level expected at this price. The cabin feels more confined, a reminder that the EQS was designed as its own model, not as a direct electric copy of the S-Class.
Automoto.it reports that Mercedes is restructuring its electric sedan lineup, with industry sources indicating that the EQE may be discontinued in favor of a future electric C-Class. Upcoming electric sedans are expected to share more unified platforms and architectures, reflecting a strategic shift in the brand's EV development.
Driving experience
Mercedes now offers an optional steer-by-wire system, replacing the traditional steering column with electronic controls. The setup allows for variable steering ratios and makes maneuvering in tight spaces easier. It also improves stability at speed, while creating extra room in front of the driver. It takes some getting used to, especially with rear-wheel steering also available, but after a day behind the wheel, it feels natural.
On the road, the EQS is quiet and composed. The suspension smooths out bumps, while the cabin is well insulated from outside noise, on par with the best in its class. Improved range and faster charging make long trips more practical. As reported earlier, efforts to refine electric interiors and driving dynamics are gaining momentum across the industry, and Mercedes is determined to keep pace.
Luxury meets reality
Even with these upgrades, the EQS is still defined more by ambition than by legacy. The new battery and steer-by-wire system give it a technical edge. Interior updates bring it closer to the S-Class experience. But it still cannot fully match the space and indulgence that have made the S-Class a benchmark for decades. Digital features such as the MB.OS operating system and AI voice controls are impressive, but they do not make up for the platform's physical limits.
Mercedes has made the EQS a more convincing flagship, but the current model remains a bridge between the brand's combustion past and its electric future. For buyers seeking the longest range and fast charging, the EQS now offers a taste of next-generation luxury. It remains a strong option, though the experience differs from the S-Class. The real test will come when Mercedes launches a true successor that brings both lineages together in a single flagship.
