MERCEDES EQS FULL DEBUT, AUDI Q4 E-TRON ARRIVES AND BATTERY CRISIS AVERTED WITH $1.8BN SETTLEMENT

EV Channels Review

The Mercedes-Benz EQS has officially debuted, aiming for S-Class luxury with an industry-leading drag coefficient of 0.20. Available in rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+ (329 hp) and all-wheel-drive EQS 580 4MATIC (516 hp), it boasts a 108.7 kWh battery offering over 435 miles of WLTP range. While the technology and interior, particularly the optional MBUX Hyperscreen, are praised for their integration and thoughtful features, the exterior design has drawn mixed reactions, with some finding it generic. The hood's accessibility and the placement of the windshield washer fluid were noted as peculiar design choices. Despite these critiques, the EQS represents a significant step in German EV engineering, offering a deeply integrated, over-engineered luxury experience that caters to traditional Mercedes buyers seeking more than just screens and a steering wheel. The Audi Q4 e-tron also debuted, built on the MEB platform, offering a sportier interior than the ID.4 and available with two battery sizes and RWD/AWD. While its pricing is attractive, its performance and range are comparable to the ID.4, raising questions about its value proposition against both the VW and a used e-tron SUV.