Mercedes-Benz: Upgrading Class-Leading SUVs and Sedans
Mercedes-Benz, perhaps befitting its status as the world’s oldest, and one of its most prestigious, automakers, produces some very impressive EVs. The EQS and EQE models, available both as sedans and SUVs, are tech leaders, and they also regularly outperform their impressive EPA range estimates. But for 2024, they are getting even better, with updates that further improve their range, particularly in colder climates.
Standard Heat Pump and Updated All-Wheel Drive
For 2024, the EQE and EQS are both getting a standard heat pump – a far more efficient way to heat the vehicle than a conventional heater. Because electric cars don’t have an engine that generates a massive amount of excess heat which can be diverted to warm up the cabin, they have to generate heat themselves. Instead of an electric heater, a heat pump sort of acts like an air conditioning unit in reverse – amplifying and transferring heat from the surrounding environment into the cabin. The EQE and EQS’ new heat pumps mean that they can warm up occupants faster and more efficiently, while using less energy than before.
4Matic models of the EQE and EQS sedan and SUV also get new programming for the electronic all-wheel drive system. The system, which uses dual motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear – now has an all-wheel drive disconnect feature, which switches off one of the motors when it’s not needed. This reduces power consumption with no penalty to traction. Unlike a gasoline engine, an electric motor can switch on instantaneously when needed to power the extra wheels in slippery conditions.
Mercedes-Benz EQ Models: Increased Range and More Horsepower
Mercedes-Benz claims that the addition of the heat pump and the all-wheel drive disconnect feature will further improve the real-world range of EQE and EQS models, which are already among the best-performing vehicles compared to their EPA estimates.
While the EPA ratings haven’t changed for most models, the EQS 450 4Matic sedan has had its range estimate bumped by 2 miles to 345 miles, while the EQS 580 4Matic has had a 5-mile bump, also to 345 miles. The high-performance EQS AMG sedan gets a 23-mile EPA estimate boost, to 305 miles.
What you do get in the 2024 EQS sedan models is more power. The EQS 450+ now has 355 hp, up from 328 hp, and 419 lb-ft of torque, up from 417 lb-ft. The higher-end EQS 580 4Matic now produces 536 hp, up 20 from previously, and 633 lb-ft of torque, up 2 lb-ft. All 2024 EQE and EQS models receive a new braking system with improved regeneration and a more consistent pedal feel.
More Usable Battery Capacity
The EQS SUV models also get upgrades, in the form of more usable battery capacity – while the battery itself hasn’t changed, 118 kWh is now available for the car to use, though it doesn’t increase the EPA range estimate. The EQE 350+ SUV and EQE 500 4Matic SUV now have 96 kWh of usable battery capacity, while the standard EQE 350 now has 90.6 kWh.
