Mercedes-Benz announces pricing for EQB EV

Electric SUV

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is pressing ahead with its electrification goals. Following the release of the EQS flagship electric sedan last year, the automaker is readying the EQB, an electric SUV with up to seven seats. Today, Mercedes announced pricing for the vehicle, and it's surprisingly reasonable. Two trim levels will be offered for the EQB in the United States: Exclusive and Pinnacle, and wecould see an AMG variant at some point down the road.

The EQB comes in two variants, including the EQB 300 and EQB 350, both of which come with all-wheel drive. The EQB 300 offers 225 horsepower and the 350 delivers 288 ponies. Those aren't super-serious numbers and they don't have to be. The EQB competes with vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.4, so mind-blowing performance isn't exactly the goal. Mercedes hasn't given range estimates yet, but they should fall in line with the competition.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB The EQB will come in two powertrain variants, each with two trims.Mercedes-Benz

The SUV comes standard with a 10.25-inch configurable digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Mercedes includes a good list of standard safety features, including lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and active brake assist. Additionally, the EQB's navigation system routes the vehicle for the best efficiency and can help locate charging stations.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 starts at $56,800, including a $1,050 destination charge. A range-topping Pinnacle trim is available for $59,350. The EQB 350 starts at $60,350. Mercedes says the SUV will go on sale in summer 2022.

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Peek inside Factory 56, Mercedes-Benz's carbon-neutral EQS manufacturing plant

Manufacturing

The Mercedes-Benz factory in Sindelfingen, Germany is the home of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS. Factory 56, a home within the larger manufacturing facility, is where the EQS is produced, in both regular- and long-wheelbase form.

The hub is a carbon-neutral facility that has several measures in place that help it achieve that status. For example, the photovoltaic systems on the roof of the hall cover yearly around 30 percent of the electricity demand. Additionally, the factory's assembly lines have been designed in such a way to allow for maximum flexibility where different models of different drive types can be put together on the same line.

Mercedes EQS production at Factory 56

Mercedes EQS production at Factory 56

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

The processes and equipment of Factory 56 have been specially adapted for the EQS. This is most apparent at the point in the production process called the "Fullflex Marriage". It is then that the vehicle body is connected to its drive system. It happens over the course of the car's visit to several stations. Because of this order of operations, different powertrain variants can be connected to the respective vehicle bodies on the same line. This, along with enhanced digitization, has allowed the efficiency of the line to be increased.

The MO360 digital ecosystem is the basis for production. In installing the system, Mercedes has committed to focusing on people and providing them the support they need via digitization. Factory 56 has more than 1,500 employees.

The first finished EQS models have begun rolling off the assembly line. Deliveries of the all-electric luxury sedan for U.S. customers will begin in the later part of 2021.

"The future of our global Mercedes-Benz production network begins with EQS production in Factory 56: this future is CO2-neutral, sustainable, fully digitalized, connected and highly flexible," said Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Production and Supply Chain Management. "The start of production of the EQS is a highlight in our unprecedented electric vehicle initiative in the production area. In 2022, a total of eight Mercedes-EQ electric vehicles will be produced at seven locations on three continents."
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

10 best features of the 2022 Mercedes EQS electric luxury sedan

Closer Look

The 2022 Mercedes EQS is the company's first all-electric luxury sedan. It's designed to be a full-size sedan option for wealthy customers who perhaps want to trade in their Tesla Model S for a new type of luxury ride, without sacrificing traditional Mercedes amenities, technology, and ride quality. Scroll down to take a look at the best features of the new sedan.

Over-the-air updates ensure you're constantly up to date.

Mercedes, like many other automakers, has ensured that its vehicle's software will be frequently updated by installing a modem in the car. This modem allows owners to download updates on the fly and install them while the car is driving, idling, or sitting turned off in a parking spot. Updates can include new drive mode configurations, added features, and fresh navigation points, among other features.

It's the most aerodynamic production vehicle to date.

2022 Mercedes EQS

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz says that the EQS has a coefficient of drag value of 0.201. The next closest is the Tesla Model S's value is 0.208, followed by the Porsche Taycan at 0.22. Being the slipperiest model has a number of benefits including a quiet cabin and fuel efficiency.

"Hey Mercedes" supports 27 languages with Natural Language Understanding.

Voice commands are able to control a large number of functions that traditionally require finger inputs on a touch screen or dial. Fresh technology from Mercedes expands the systems knowledge to 27 languages, not just German, English, and French like many voice command systems started out offering years ago. Additionally, the system is able to grasp natural language patterns and words rather than just require a predetermined command for a function.

The car's HEPA filter offers a very high filtration level.

The HEPA filter that Mercedes has installed inside the EQS cleans the air, making it free of fine dust, minute particles, pollen, and unpleasant odors. About 21 ounces of activated charcoal are used in the filter, which has the absorption equivalent of about 150 football fields.

The advantage is cleaner air to breathe and well as less particles that end up on the car's screens and piano black plastic surfaces.

Additionally, Mercedes will offer the EQS with an active fragrance as part of the Air Balance Package. A new scent, No. 6 Mood, offers the aroma of fig and linen. The fragrance takes its name from the It bears the fact that the first electric cars were added to the model range in 1906 with the "Mercédès Electrique" vehicles.

Behold, the MBUX Hyperscreen.

MBUX Hyperscreen

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

The screen measures over 56 inches wide and has 377 square inches of surface area. There is no vehicle on the market today with a similarly sized screen. Earlier this year we took a deep dive into the screen. Check that out here.

The EQS can take a nap (and so can you).

Naps are great, even for electric vehicles. When the EQS is at service areas or a charging station, the driver an enable the three-phase Power Nap program. The falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up functionality is designed to increase the driver's performance and give them "new energy".

The short sleep program enhances the interior of the car to a more relaxation-focused zone. The driver's seat is moved into a rest position, closing the side windows and roller blinds, activating the ionization of the fresh and recirculating air and adjusting the ambient lighting accordingly. Mercedes says that soothing sounds and the depiction of a starry sky on the central display support falling asleep in this mode and if Power Nap has been started for the front passenger seat, this also appears on the front passenger display.

Waking up is accompanied by a pleasantly activating soundscape, the car's fragrance component is active, and there is subtle massage and seat ventilation. Finally, the seat is raised again and the roller blind in the roof liner is opened. This ends the program and returns the driver to the task of driving.

The EQS offers an interactive sound experience.

2022 Mercedes EQS: Hyperscreen sound scape Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Ambient lighting helps users customize their ride experience. The new EQS allows drivers to choose their own soundscape, a customized, interactive sound experience that includes various soundscapes.

The EQS comes straight from the factory with two soundscapes: Silver Waves and Vivid Flux. Drivers can turn them on and off via the central display. An aura sound accompanies locking and exiting the EQS. An optional driving sound is reproduced by the speakers and projected into the interior.

Drivers are also able to choose from the Energizing Nature and Energizing Comfort listening experiences. Forest Glade, Sounds of the Sea, and Summer Rain sounds are also available. In Energizing Comfort mode, other senses are piqued with lighting moods and images. Hyundai and Kia offer a similar listening experience in their vehicles.

Plug & Charge capability means no waiting for credit cards to clear.

2022 Mercedes EQS: Hyperscreen battery state Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

The EQS has the ability to plan a navigational route based on charging station locations. When drivers arrive at those locations, they can simply, open the flap, plug in, and the current starts flowing. This is possible thanks to the Mercedes me Charge and the Ionty charging network in Europe. Details about the functionality in the U.S. is forthcoming.

The EQS contains recycled material.

The floor coverings of the EQS are crafted from a new yarn made of regenerated nylon. One ton of this yarn saves over 6.5 tons of carbon dioxide compared to all-new material. The steel processed for the EQS at the Mercedes-Benz stamping plants consists of 80 percent secondary steel, most of which is obtained from recycled steel scrap.

Comfort doors open and close automatically.

2022 Mercedes EQS

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Buyers can add Automatic Comfort Doors to the front and rear of their EQS. When the driver approaches the car, the door handles extend when this option box is checked. As the driver gets closer to the car, the driver's door open automatically.

The EQS will launch in the U.S. market fall of 2021.
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

2022 Mercedes EQS is an all-electric offering for high falutin eco warriors

New Car

The first all-electric luxury sedan from Mercedes-Benz has been unveiled. The car, designed to take on the Tesla Model S, will come to the U.S. in two variants as part of the company's initiative to achieve a carbon-neutral car fleet within 20 years.

Mercedes has designed the car with aerodynamics front and center. Designers were able to achieve a 0.202 coefficient of drag, making the vehicle the most aerodynamic production car in the world.

The car has been built on new all-electric architecture. This is different than the architecture of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Mercedes-Maybach S580 despite the fact that the EQS is a close relative of those models.

2022 Mercedes EQS: Exterior

2022 Mercedes EQS: Exterior

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

The front of the car, as shown as part of the debut, features a 'Black Panel' unit that has a band of lights that connects to it. The grille features three-dimensional star patterns. This Mercedes-Benz Star pattern is available in conjunction with AMG Line Exterior or with the standard Mercedes-EQ body styling.

The 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ will have 329 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque and gets from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The 2022 Mercedes EQS 580 4Matic will have 516 horsepower and 611 pound-feet of torque at the ready and hit the 60 mph mark from a standstill in 4.1 seconds. Mercedes is working on a higher-performance version of the car that will have up to 630 horsepower.

Electricity is derived from an electric motor at the rear of the car. 4Matic models also have a motor at the front. Rear-axle steering is standard on the EQS 450+. The EQS 580 4Matic comes standard with all-wheel drive.

The debut of the EQS marks the beginning of a new era of Mercedes batteries. The larger of the two batteries available in the car is a 107.8 kilowatt-hour unit that uses in-house battery management software.

Engineers have designed the EQS to recovery energy where appropriate. Drivers can set the the EQS to their choice from three recovery levels via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. There is also a coast function.

Mercedes says that the EQS's range maxes out at 478 miles (WLTP). Expect U.S. electric range estimates to be slightly less.

The EQS can be charged at a rate of up to 200 kilowatts via DC fast charging stations. The German automaker brags that fast charging can give the car another 186 miles of range in just 15 minutes. An on-board charger is available for at-home AC charging.

Charging the EQS is easy thanks to Mercedes me Charge. When utilize the function, the driver can simply drive to the appropriate charging station, open the flap, plug in, and the current starts flowing. No credit card swipe or code entry required.

2022 Mercedes EQS: Hyperscreen

2022 Mercedes EQS: Hyperscreen navigation

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes has equipped the car with up to 350 sensors. These sensors recorded distances, speeds, accelerations, lighting conditions, precipitation, temperatures, seat occupancy, the driver's blink of an eye, and passenger speech. The information is processed by control units that are controlled by algorithms that make decisions.

The cabin of the EQS features Energizing Air Control Plus, an air filtration system that uses High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter that works to reduce the presence of pollen, pollutants, viruses, and bacteria in the cabin. Using pre-entry climate control, drivers are able to clean the car's interior air before they get in the vehicle. Outside air particulate levels can be displayed on the MBUX screen inside the vehicle. If air quality is low, the EQS may recommend that the driver close windows.

Buyers can check the option box for automatic comfort doors at the front and rear. As the driver approaches the car, the door handles extend. As the driver gets even closer, the door opens automatically. When the driver presses the brake pedal, their door begins automatically close. Using MBUX, the driver is also able to open the passenger and rear doors.

The expansive MBUX Hyperscreen is the prime feature of the dashboard. It offers a 12.3-inch OLED display in front of the passenger as well as two screens in their traditional location (in front of the driver and at the center). The passenger's screen's entertainment functions are only available while the car is being driven in accordance with the country-specific legal regulations

2022 Mercedes EQS: Interior

2022 Mercedes EQS: Interior cockpit

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes has given the model navigation with built-in intelligence that helps drivers find the fastest route that can also include charging stops, based on dynamic functionality. The MBUX system is able to show drivers their battery level and calculate the cost of charging via stations along the route.

The EQS will be capable of over-the-air updates (OTA), These updates will make it possible for buyers to purchase individual functions, subscriptions, and temporary activations as well as allow for free test phases of some products.

Engineers have created a surround-sound experience that can customize the acoustic set-up according to who is in the vehicle. A Burmester surround sound system is standard, as are two soundscapes. Other programs can be unlocked via OTA updates.

The EQS features the next-gen of Mercedes safety technology including Attention Assist, which monitors the driver's eyelid movements using a camera on the driver's display (only available with the MBUX Hyperscreen).

Pricing and an official on-sale date will be announced in due course.
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Here's everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen

In-Car Tech

Mercedes-Benz has been lauded for the two screens, one housing approach to infotainment and driver's information in their latest vehicles. Then along came Cadillac's immense 37-inch three-screen approach to data and entertainment in the 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Mercedes is upping the game with its new MBUX Hyperscreen, which will debut in the EQS all-electric sedan.

The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) was unveiled inn the 2018 A-Class and there are now more than 1.8 million Mercedes passenger cars with the equipment on the road worldwide. A second generation of the system debuted a few months ago alongside the new S-Class sedan. It's set to take another leap forward when the EQS makes the Hyperscreen available to buyers.

Here's what we know.

The screen is huge.

You can tell by the images of it that the screen is big. How big is it? The large, curved screen panel extends almost the entire width of the interior, from one A-pillar to the other. It measures over 56 inches wide and has 377 square inches of surface area. There is no vehicle on the market today with a similarly sized screen.

The screen incorporates digital and analog parts. There is a large digital surface that has traditional air vents integrated into the face. The Hyperscreen is surrounded by a continuous plastic front frame. The visible part of this frame is painted in a Silver Shadow color that has been applied in a three-coating process.

Mercedes-Benz MBUX OLED Hyperscreen display illuminated thickness lighting LED

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

The large glass cover display of the Hyperscreen is curved in the molding process at a temperature of approximately 1,202 degrees Fahrenheit. The high-heat bending allows for a distortion-free view of the display unit across the entire width of the vehicle.

Ambient light has been installed on the lower part of the screen to give it the appearance of floating on the dashboard.

Mercedes has engineered the screen to have two coatings of the cover plate to reduce reflections and make cleaning easier. The screen is made a scratch-resistant aluminum silicate.

What happens to the screen in the event of an accident? Safety measures have been put in place as part of the engineering process. There are predetermined braking points alongside the side outlet openings as well as five holders that can "yield in a targeted manner in a crash thanks to their honeycomb structure" according to the automaker.

It's the brain and nervous system of the EQS.

In a recent statement, Sajjad Khan, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG and CTO said, "The MBUX Hyperscreen is both the brain and nervous system of the car." He described it further, saying, "The MBUX Hyperscreen continually gets to know the customer better and delivers a tailored, personalized infotainment and operating offerings without the occupant needing to click or scroll anywhere."

Two parts of the display feature OLED technology.

MBUX Hyperscreen width EQS

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

OLED technology is used on the central and front passenger displays of the Hyperscreen. The technology allows for images that are self-luminous while unused space appears deep black. Active OLED pixels radiate with a high color brilliance, resulting in high contrast values.

All of the graphics on the Hyperscreen are styled in a new blue/orange color scheme.

It doesn't just look high tech. It is.

The Hyperscreen has a powerful computer system running it consisting of 8 CPU cores and 24 gigabytes of RAM. It has a 46.4 GB per second RAM memory bandwidth.

There are a total of 12 actuators beneath the touchscreen that deliver haptic feedback during operation. If the finger touches certain points there, they trigger a tangible vibration in the cover plate that a person can sense to know that their touch command has been received by the system.

The Hyperscreen is connected to a multifunction camera and a light sensor, which adapts the brightness of the screen to ambient conditions.

The MBUX system can hold the information for up to seven profiles and can be individualize for multiple front passengers.

Front passengers get their own screen and operating area.

As part of the design, front passengers have their own display and operating area. Entertainment functions of the passenger display area are only available in countries where it is allowed. If the passenger seat is not occupied, the screen becomes a "digital decorative part" where animated stars are displayed.

Crisp, clean graphics help make the screen easy to operate.

MBUX Hyperscreen navigation design look size

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

The MBUX Hyperscreen features most of the functions you'd find on a traditional center console in a fully digital format. Through research, Mercedes learned that most infotainment use cases fall into the Navigation, Radio/Media and Phone categories. Because of this, they put the navigation application at the center of the screen.

Many suggestions for the use of infotainment technology can be made by the artificial intelligence within the MBUX system, which monitors user behavior and analyzes it for patterns. For example, the system can issue a birthday reminder or suggest items from a to-do list.

Even further, if you always call one particular person on Thursdays on your way home from work, a business card may appear on the screen with their contact information instead of you having to find their contact info by scrolling through your phone, utilizing a voice command, or clicking through several layers of the screen's menus. Mercedes emphasize that these prompts can be dismissed with one button touch.

Zero-layer living is designed to make the Hyperscreen easier to live with.

MBUX Hyperscreen climate controls audio radio design

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

With the Hyperscreen's zero-layer feature, users do not have to scroll through sub-menus or give voice commands to complete popular tasks. Mercedes has placed the most important applications in a "situational and contextual way" at the top of the driver's field of vision.
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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan Leaf The Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan Leaf The Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan Altima Nissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan Altima The Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.

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