2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS facelift debuts – 926km WLTP range, 800V, steer-by-wire

The Mercedes-Benz EQS has received another facelift just two years after its previous update in April 2024. This time, it features more extensive design changes along with new technology additions.

The major highlight is the switch from a 400-volt to an 800-volt electrical architecture. With this upgrade, the EQS now supports DC fast charging of up to 350 kW (previously 200 kW), available only for the EQS450+, EQS500 4Matic, and EQS580 4Matic variants. Battery capacity has also been increased to 122 kWh (from 118 kWh) for these versions. The newly introduced EQS400, meanwhile, supports 330 kW DC fast charging and comes with a 112-kWh battery. All variants retain an 11-kW onboard charger, with an optional upgrade to a 22-kW unit.

The updated powertrain features newly developed electric drive units (EDUs) that are more compact, efficient, and powerful. Every variant includes a rear motor paired with a two-speed transmission, providing strong initial acceleration and improved efficiency at higher speeds. Models with 4Matic also feature a front motor with a Disconnect Unit (DCU), which can decouple the front axle when not needed, allowing the car to operate in rear-wheel drive to improve range. Additionally, energy recuperation has been enhanced, and the battery now supports both vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-home functionality.

The table below shows the powertrain details and performance for all Mercedes-Benz EQS variants.

	EQS400	EQS450+	ESQ500 4Matic	EQS580 4Matic
Electric Motor Combined Power Output	367 PS	408 PS	476 PS	585 PS
Electric Motor Combined Torque Output	505 Nm	505 Nm	750 Nm	800 Nm
0 – 100 km/h	6.2s	5.9s	4.5s	4.1s
Top Speed	210 km/h	210 km/h	210 km/h	210 km/h
Battery	112 kWh	122 kWh	122 kWh	122 kWh
WLTP Range	817 km	926 km	876 km	876 km
DC Charging	330 kW (305 km in 10 minutes)	350 kW (320 km in 10 minutes)	350 kW (305 km in 10 minutes)	350 kW (305 km in 10 minutes)
AC Charging	11 kW	11 kW	11 kW	11 kW

The facelifted EQS features a more prominent front grille with trim-dependent design options. The Electric Art Line includes a black panel with chrome slats, animated lighting, and an illuminated bonnet star, while the AMG Line replaces the chrome elements with a sportier illuminated grille and central star.

The exterior design also includes new headlamps with star-shaped daytime running lights, alongside improved Digital Light technology that broadens illumination while reducing energy consumption. Both the front and rear light bars are now more prominent, with the rear featuring taillights that incorporate helix-style elements. Despite these updates, the Mercedes-Benz EQS retains an extremely low drag coefficient of around 0.20.

Inside, the facelifted EQS remains largely unchanged. However, seatbelts now feature a heating function, while rear passengers benefit from beltbags that inflate during a collision for added protection. The MBUX Hyperscreen is retained with its triple-screen layout (12.3-inch driver display, 17.7-inch central touchscreen, and 12.3-inch front passenger display), while rear passengers continue to have access to two 13.1-inch touchscreens.

Mercedes-Benz claims it will be the first German automaker to offer a series-production vehicle with full steer-by-wire technology, reducing steering effort. The system will be available as an option with 170° of steering from lock to lock, enabling the use of a yoke-style steering wheel that improves ease of entry and exit while enhancing visibility of the driver’s display. The steer-by-wire setup removes the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels, replacing it with electronic control that enables variable steering ratios and eliminates road vibrations felt by the driver. The option additionally introduces rear-wheel steering with up to 10 degrees of movement, compared to 4.5 degrees in the standard setup. Customers who prefer a conventional steering wheel will still be offered electromechanical steering.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS facelift also features a revised Airmatic air suspension system with intelligent damper control for improved ride comfort. Its driver assistance systems are supported by ten external cameras, up to five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. The parking system has also been upgraded, now supporting diagonal parking, higher operating speeds, and an improved 360-degree camera with a redesigned interface.