Mercedes-Benz has introduced a substantially upgraded version of its flagship electric sedan, the 2026 EQS, bringing notable improvements in driving range, charging capability, and onboard technology as it seeks to remain competitive against rivals including the BMW i7, Lucid Air, and the upcoming Jaguar Type 00.
At the core of the update is a revised battery chemistry that increases energy density by around 3%. This allows total capacity to rise from 118 kWh to 122 kWh without changes to the battery’s physical size or weight. As a result, the rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+ now delivers an official driving range of up to 575 miles, representing a 13% increase over its predecessor and positioning it among the longest-range electric vehicles available in Europe. The dual-motor variant also sees improvements, with its range extended to 544 miles per charge.
Mercedes has also implemented a significant shift in electrical architecture, upgrading the EQS from a 400-volt system to an 800-volt platform while retaining the EVA2 underpinnings shared with the EQE. This transition enables peak DC fast-charging speeds of up to 350 kW, aligning the EQS with the fastest charging standards currently available in many markets. Compatibility with existing 400V charging infrastructure is maintained through a system that effectively splits the battery into two sections, allowing each half to charge at up to 175 kW.
The automaker describes the updated electric motors as a “generational leap,” citing improvements in efficiency, compactness, and durability. Regenerative braking performance has also been enhanced, with maximum energy recuperation increasing by roughly one-third to 385 kW.
Beyond the powertrain, the 2026 EQS introduces new technology features aimed at improving both driving dynamics and comfort. An optional steer-by-wire system replaces the traditional mechanical steering column with a digital interface, reducing weight and freeing up cabin space. The system is paired with a yoke-style steering control and a reduced steering range of 270 degrees lock-to-lock.
Suspension upgrades include the latest Airmatic air suspension system, which uses cloud-based road data to proactively adjust damping for surface imperfections such as potholes and speed bumps. Additional enhancements include an automatic reversing assist function designed for tight parking situations, redesigned headlights that offer a 40% wider illumination area while consuming half the energy, and aerodynamic refinements to the front end to further improve efficiency.
Inside the cabin, Mercedes has added heated seatbelts capable of reaching temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius, part of a broader effort to enhance occupant comfort, particularly in colder climates.
Deliveries of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS are expected to begin in the second half of the year. Pricing is anticipated to increase slightly from the current starting level of approximately £100,000.
