The EQS: Design Concept

Although the EQS is a close relative of the new S-Class, it is built on an all-electric architecture. This completely new concept makes 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 emphasized by the Black Panel front and the design of the front and rear lights. In the EQS, the 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 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 optimization. With a lot of meticulous detail work, the aerodynamicists, in close cooperation with the designers, were able to achieve the new best cd value starting from 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 coupe-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: With reduced lines, precise gaps and flowing transitions, the designers have realized 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: an 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 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.

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For more information:

Sinead Brown
sinead.brown@mercedes-benz.ca