The Exterior Design of the new EQS

Innovative aesthetics in unmistakable purpose design

The new EQS: the exterior design

The EQS is the first all-electric premium saloon from Mercedes-EQ. The innovative and holistic design is based on a new vehicle architecture. It differs from vehicles with internal combustion engines at first glance: highest demands on function and aerodynamics are combined with innovative aesthetics in the unmistakable purpose design. Sensual Purity is reflected in generously modelled surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions (seamless design).

The sporty, low and slim front of the EQS forms a coupé-like silhouette with a bow (one bow) stretched tightly over the greenhouse. The A-pillar, which has been moved far forward, and the C-pillar at the rear generate space for a generous passenger compartment. Unique in this segment is the cab-forward design: the overhangs and the front-end assembly are short, the rear is smoothly rounded. The flush-positioned wheels measuring just under 75 cm in size and ranging from 19 to 22 inches, give the EQS a sporty character in concert with a muscular shoulder section.

The design philosophy of Sensual Purity is implemented with the clear, generous and surface-emphasising modelling. Seamless design is realised with reduced lines, precise joints and flowing transitions. Aerodynamics combined with formal aesthetic appeal. The detailed design expresses innovation and exclusivity.

Black Panel front with Mercedes-Benz pattern on request

The front is combined into a 'Black Panel' unit. Innovative headlights connected by a light band and the deep black radiator grille (Black Panel) form the distinctive face. This makes the EQS the model for a new luxury-class generation from Mercedes-EQ. Three light dots, combined with the characteristic Mercedes eyebrow, form the striking daytime running light signet. LED High Performance headlamps are standard, DIGITAL LIGHT is available as an optional extra.

The exclusive look of the Black Panel radiator grille with central Mercedes star can be enhanced still further: in conjunction with AMG Line exterior or Electric Art exterior, they are also available as an optional extra with the Mercedes-Benz pattern, a three-dimensional star pattern. This references the original star of the Daimler-Motorengesellschaft company, which was registered as a trademark in 1911. In addition to its unique look, there is also a function behind the Black Panel surface: the various sensors of the driver assistance systems such as ultrasound, camera, radar and lidar (laser) are integrated there. The seamless design is reflected in the front-end design in particular. Examples include the reduced gap dimensions and overlapping bonnet. The latter does away with the traditional divide between bonnet and wings.

Striking one-bow line

The aerodynamic silhouette with frameless, coupé-like doors and the high, arched beltline are independent design elements in the profile. The exterior mirrors sit on the beltline and are aerodynamically and aero-acoustically optimised. Chrome accents highlight design focal points like the one-bow line of the window graphics. High-quality painted contrasting surfaces can be found in the lower area of the vehicle.

Flush door handles are standard on all models. A panoramic sunroof is available as an option. It consists of two modules that together form a large glass surface and thus provide a lot of transparency and light in the interior.

The service flap for wiper fluid was integrated into the side of the left wing. The bonnet is only opened by the specialist workshop for maintenance work, such as replacing the interior air filter.

Light band with LED lamps in 3D helix design

The round, coupé-like rear end is sensuously designed. In contrast to this is the rear spoiler with a sharp spoiler lip. The flush tailgate was integrated almost seamlessly with precise gaps. The rear camera is hidden behind the star, protected from dirt. The highlight at the rear are the innovatively designed LED lamps: Their insides have the shape of a curved and illuminated 3D helix. As at the front, the EQS also has a continuous light band at the rear - a distinguishing feature of Mercedes-EQ vehicles.

Paintwork with high-quality effect pigments

The EQ-specific exterior paints sodalite blue metallic and velvet brown metallic emphasise the one-bow line and give the EQS a dynamic appearance thanks to eye-catching pigments.

Here are the most important differences between the design and equipment lines:

Embarking on the new era of purpose design

The new EQS under the magnifying glass: the design concept (exterior)

Although the EQS is a close relative of the new S-Class, it is built on an all-electric architecture. This completely new concept made a rigorous Purpose Design possible: with its one-bow lines and cab-forward design with fastback, the EQS is clearly distinguishable from vehicles with combustion engines even at first glance. This is further emphasised by the Black Panel front and the design of the front and rear lights. Highest standards on function and aerodynamics go hand in hand with innovative aesthetics. The design philosophy of Sensual Purity, combined with Progressive Luxury, is reflected in generously sculpted surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions (seamless design).

Here are the most important keywords about the exterior design of the EQS:

Purpose design: electric cars can either be based on an existing (combustion engine) platform ("conversion design") or, like the EQS, on an all-electric architecture ("purpose design"). This complete and consistent new concept allows freedom in the arrangement of the components and a radically different design. This leads to advantages in packaging and ergonomics for the EQS. The purpose design with smooth underbody and mostly closed radiator shutter as well as the favourable basic shape were a good starting point for the flow optimisation. With a lot of meticulous detail work, the aerodynamicists, in close cooperation with the designers, were able to achieve the new best C_d figure⁵ from as low as 0.20.

One-bow design: the roof line above the passenger compartment, the so-called greenhouse, is as taut as a bow ("one bow") in the EQS. A coupé-like silhouette is created in concert with the sportily low and slim front. This is underlined by the frameless doors and a high, curved beltline as an independent design element.

Cab-forward design ("cab placed in front"): The far-forward base of the A-pillar and the C-pillar at the rear create space in the EQS for a generously dimensioned passenger compartment. The overhangs and the front-end assembly are short, the rear is smoothly rounded.

Seamless design: body creases have had their day at Mercedes-Benz. With reduced lines, precise gaps and flowing transitions, the designers have realised the new purism in the EQS in superior fashion. An exemplary element is the front-end design: the front bonnet overlaps the wings. This also reduces the number of visible panel gaps.

Black Panel front: the deep black surface of the grille ("Black Panel") defines the striking face of the EQS. The Black Panel unit at the front is a design feature of the Mercedes-EQ model family.

Mercedes-Benz pattern: abstracted, three-dimensional star pattern based on the original three-pointed star, the early trademark of Daimler Motorengesellschaft (DMG). The company had applied for a utility model for a three-pointed star in 1909; it was entered in the trademark registry on 9 February 1911. The three-pointed star was used immediately and after a short time was already one of the best-known trademarks in the world. The star first received a wreath in 1916. The pattern is used in several places in the EQS, for example, in the exterior as a special variant of the Black Panel front or in a light-alloy wheel design. In the interior, the Mercedes-Benz pattern can be found in the backlit trim elements with laser-cut or on the front passenger display as a digital decorative image.

Light design: the headlights have a striking daytime running light signet with three light dots and are connected to each other via a light band. This is just as defining for the EQ family as the lights at the rear: the rear lights with inner workings in the form of a curved 3D helix are also connected by a light band.

Experience for all the senses

The new EQS under the magnifying glass: see, hear, smell, feel

The EQS can be experienced with almost all the senses. This elevates the all-electric luxury model to a new dimension in aesthetics and luxury. Seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling and tasting, these are the classic human senses. The new EQS appeals to the first four in many ways:

Visual perception: over 100 million rods and cones are located in the retina of the human eye. These sensory cells enable us to see, for example, the features of the EQS that are revolutionary for the luxury class, such as the cab-forward design or the coupé-like "one-bow" lines with fastback. This clearly distinguishes the EQS from vehicles with combustion engines at first glance and is further emphasised by the Black Panel front and the design of the lights.

The designers had the mission and the chance to tread a completely new path in styling the interior. They made use of this freedom: the MBUX Hyperscreen is one of the highlights in the new EQS. The concave screen stretches out in front of the occupants from the left to the right A-pillar like an ocean wave. Besides the sheer size, the high-quality, detailed design also guarantees a "wow" effect. The MBUX Hyperscreen is integrated into the instrument panel in minimalist fashion. Only a thin silver shadow frame, a vent band and a narrow leather frame surround it. The vent band spans across the entire width at the top and is very slim at the same time. These extreme proportions, together with the glass wave of the MBUX Hyperscreen, create the avant-garde architecture of the cockpit. The calm and clear design of the door panels borrows from the interior design of modern living spaces. Avant-garde as well as traditional materials and colours give the interior a special atmosphere. Another visual highlight is the head-up display with augmented reality content.

Auditory perception: people perceive sound waves with their ears. The listening impression of the EQS ranges between comfortable silence and an interactive, sensual sound experience. With a holistic sound production, the sound experts from Mercedes have made the paradigm shift from the combustion engine to the electric car acoustically perceptible. The EQS comes from the factory with two soundscapes: Silver Waves and Vivid Flux. They can be selected or switched off as sound experiences on the central display. Driver and passengers are already greeted acoustically when approaching the vehicle and when getting in. A corresponding aura sound also accompanies exiting and locking the EQS. The optional driving sound, which is reproduced by the speakers of the sound system in the interior, is also within the respective soundscape. The new ENERGIZING NATURE programs of ENERGIZING COMFORT also offer an impressively realistic listening experience. The soothing sounds called Forest Glade, Sounds of the Sea and Summer Rain were created in cooperation with nature acoustician Gordon Hempton. As with the other ENERGIZING COMFORT programs, other senses are addressed with lighting moods and images. Streaming services are another alternative to the new type of silence and interactive driving sound in the car:
Mercedes-Benz has fully integrated the major music streaming services into the MBUX infotainment system with the "Online Music" service.

Olfactory perception: scents are constantly being introduced when we breathe. Two systems report odours to the brain independently of each other: millions of receptors in the nasal mucosa and the ends of the trigeminal nerve. The EQS has something against unpleasant odours: its large HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) not only cleans the outside air very effectively of fine dust, minute particles and pollen. Special activated charcoals in the HEPA filter and the interior air filter also filter out sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as well as odours. Due to their pore structure, they have a very large inner surface area. Around 600 grams of activated charcoal are used in the HEPA filter of the EQS. The adsorption area is equivalent to about 150 football fields.

The active fragrancing of the EQS, which is part of the AIR-BALANCE Package, also appeals to the sense of smell. A new fragrance has been composed for the new top-of-the-range electric model: No.6 MOOD Linen - carried by the green note of a fig lying on a piece of linen.

Haptic perception: the skin is the largest human sensory organ. With its help, we perceive touch and feel, for example, whether things are soft or hard, warm or cold, wet or dry. There is a lot to feel in the interior of the EQS: flowing leather surfaces with intricate seam patterns or dynamic perforation; the modern fine structure NEOTEX, which combines the look of nubuck leather and high-tech neoprene; trim elements made of open-pore real wood or in 3D relief look. The MBUX Hyperscreen's central and front passenger displays also offer haptic feedback. If a finger touches certain points on the touchscreen, the user feels pulses on the smooth surface that give the impression of a mechanical switch. Another operating aid is the so-called force feedback of both displays. Different levels of pressure on the glass change the response. For example, MBUX then jumps to another menu level. Finally, the up to ten different massage programs of the EQS can be felt not only with individual fingers, but with the whole body. They use the vibration motors in the seats and can also enhance the effect of the relaxing massage with heat based on the hot stone principle. For this purpose, the seat heating is combined with the inflatable air chambers of the multicontour seats.

Here comes the new world record holder

The new EQS: Aerodynamics

Less resistance for more range and quiet: With its C_d figure⁶ from as low as 0.20, the EQS sets a new aerodynamic benchmark for production vehicles. This benefits the range. It is also among the best in terms of quiet running. A great deal of attention to detail lies behind the very good aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance.

The purpose design with smooth underbody and mostly closed radiator shutter as well as the favourable basic shape were a good starting point for the flow optimisation. With a great deal of meticulousness, the aerodynamicists were able to achieve the new record C_d figure of 0.20 in close cooperation with the designers. The frontal area of the EQS is 2.51 m². This results in an effective air resistance from 0.5 m².

The spread of the individual variants in terms of C_d figure is comparatively small - customers thus have a wide choice of models without having to consider the range. Mercedes also offers an aero wheel optimised in the wind tunnel in sizes 19, 20 and 21 inches.

Behind the very good aerodynamic performance is a lot of detail work. The EQS is the first representative of the new electric platform. This is why the invisible details, such as those on the underbody, were developed particularly intensively. Several thousand computational runs were performed in the virtual wind tunnel alone. Below are some details of the aero development:

• Aerodynamically favourable dimensional concept and tyres with optimised geometry
• Aerodynamically optimised wheels in the dimensions 19, 20 and 21 inches
• Cooling air control system with innovative transverse louvre makes extremely efficient use of the available installation space
• Continuous seals in the front area, e.g. between service flap, Black Panel and headlamps
• Streamlined design of the A-pillar
• Wheel spoilers at front and rear. The rear, arrow-shaped wheel spoiler was developed by a fluid dynamics expert directly in the wind tunnel for the benefit of a greater range.
• Elaborately matched underbody panelling in the rear-axle area to take even greater advantage of the smooth underbody of the battery.
• The rear spoiler benefits both rear-axle lift and aerodynamic drag.

For more than three decades, the aerodynamicists at Mercedes-Benz have been achieving top results. Currently, the A-Class Saloon (V 177) and the S-Class (V 223) are the worldwide record holders with a C_d figure of 0.22. The special simulation tools and the Mercedes-Benz aero-acoustics wind tunnel commissioned in 2013 make a decisive contribution to this. The EQS also received its fine-tuning there.

Extensive sealing and insulation measures reduce wind noise

In an electric car without the usual level of powertrain noise, wind noise is particularly noticeable by the occupants. That is why the aeroacoustic behaviour is particularly important. In this area, too, the new EQS is one of the very best vehicles in its class.

New solutions had to be found due to the concept-related lack of a partition between the interior and the boot and the aluminium alloys used in many places. Low-frequency noise, which can be perceived as reducing comfort, is prevented by filling numerous cavities in the body with acoustically effective foam.

It was possible to reduce the high-frequency components of the wind noise by specific measures on the door and window seals. Special attention was paid to the sealing of the transitions between the six side windows. The seals on the flush-fitting door handles, the window support and on the raised exterior mirrors are also noise-optimised.

A further contribution was made by the newly developed A-pillar with a specially shaped piece of trim at the transition to the windscreen. The development is supported by both modern flow simulations and external noise measurements using a special microphone array in the wind tunnel. The A-pillar designed in this way not only improves the aeroacoustics, but is also important for a low C_d figure and in keeping the windows free of dirt.

For further enhanced quiet running, the standard Acoustic Comfort Package has been developed. This includes additional insulation measures in the interior. Optionally, there are acoustically effective laminated glass panels at the side and rear. The additional acoustic glazing mainly reduces the wind noises even further, but also does so for noises coming in from the outside (for example, tyre noise or passing/oncoming vehicles). Particularly on longer journeys or motorway journeys, the driver remains more relaxed and the passengers feel more comfortable as a result.

On the optional panoramic roof, various wind deflection measures (wind deflectors, covers and seals with optimised geometry) ensure a high level of quiet running despite the large opening area of the roof.

Gentleperson of the new school

The new EQS: the automatic comfort doors

As an option⁷, the EQS has automatic comfort doors at the front and rear. When the driver approaches the car, first of all the door handles extend. As he or she approaches further, the driver's door opens automatically. Using MBUX, the driver is also able to open the rear doors, for example, to let in children in front of the school. With one-touch operation, the automatic comfort doors can be closed conveniently and with little effort. The sensors of the parking assistance systems are used for obstacle detection. Their integration into Blind Spot Assist (option) provides additional safety.

Hold the door? A matter of course for cavaliers or gentlemen of the old school. Or for the new EQS: Its automatic comfort doors make entry and exit particularly convenient. Because with this optional equipment, all four doors are electrically powered and open and close automatically. If desired, the EQS can even hold the driver's door open like a chauffeur. If the driver approaches the EQS from the side, the door handle first extends at a distance of approximately six metres. If the distance is only about 1.5 metres, the car unlocks and automatically opens the driver's door. This special welcome function can be activated or deactivated via MBUX.

The comfort doors are available in combination with the Premium Plus Package. The comfort doors can be operated in many ways: as usual via the door handles (inside and outside), by vehicle key, via the central display or the optional MBUX High-End Rear-Seat Entertainment System. In addition, the driver's door closes automatically when the brake pedal is depressed.

The comfort doors have obstacle detection. Opening is also monitored by Blind Spot Assist if it is active: If the system detects that another road user is approaching from behind, a vehicle exit warning is given. The doors only open when it is safe to do so.

To protect against damage, the car also uses data from the parking sensors. If the EQS has the automatic doors and the KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package Plus, ultrasound sensors monitor the surroundings when parking. In combination with the Premium Plus Package and the included Parking Package with 360° camera, observation is also provided by cameras in the exterior mirrors. The EQS then takes detected obstacles into account when opening the doors. Proximity sensors in the doors are also active when the vehicle is stationary. They also scan the environment while opening.

There is an electric actuator on the catch strap in each door. The doors can then be swung open and closed in a controlled manner on command from the door control panel. The comfort doors were required to undergo extensive testing in true Mercedes-Benz fashion. Before being made to demonstrate their operating convenience and reliability in overall vehicle trials, they were tested on various test rigs including the climatic chamber. Naturally their acoustic properties and safety functions were also thoroughly tested.

¹ With Night Package: A-Wing trim, front splitter and horizontal fins in the outer air intakes in black chrome

² With Night Package: Upper and lower trim element of the front apron in black chrome

³ With Night Package: Decorative element with two louvres on the rear apron in black chrome

⁴ With Night Package: Decorative element with two louvres on the rear apron in black chrome

⁵ C_d figure 0.20: EQS 450+ with 19-inch AMG wheel/tyre combination and AMG Line exterior (available in the EU from the end of 2021) in the SPORT drive program

⁶ C_d figure 0.20: EQS 450+ with 19-inch AMG wheel/tyre combination and AMG Line exterior (available in the EU from the end of 2021) in the SPORT drive program

⁷ Follow after market launch