Mercedes-Benz has, incredibly, stepped up its interior game. Sure, the luxury automaker is renowned for its opulent interiors. But the cars Mercedes has been releasing in 2021 have been nothing short of stunning. First, the 2022 C-Class appeared with a cockpit that looked like something at twice its price. Now, the cabin of the upcoming 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS electric vehicle (EV) has been revealed, and it’s unlike anything else we’ve seen.
The all-new EQS electric car will appear in late summer with a price tag a little north of $100,000.
Mercedes-Benz EQS interior features
While most electric vehicles, and indeed, many luxury cars, have moved toward minimalist cabins in recent years, Mercedes has simply packed the EQS with technology and luxuries.
The headline-grabber is something we’ve known about for months, but it’s still worth a moment – the hyperscreen. It essentially replaces the entire dashboard with a touchscreen surface. The only places that aren’t covered by functional glass are reserved for air vents (cool, jet-engine-looking air vents). Otherwise, the screen stretches from door to door.
The setup usually displays images as if it were three screens, with defined driver, center, and passenger areas. It is, however, an added-cost option (and Mercedes hasn’t revealed that cost). The standard dash is the usual expanse of wood and metal with a central touchscreen.
The seats sport the usual soft leather, but with illuminated piping to provide interior mood lighting. The backlit Mercedes’ 3-pointed-star emblems are laser cut into the trim.
Even the EQS’ turbine air vents are part of a unique system that treats the air.
“Energizing Air Control Plus” filters out odors, viruses, and bacteria from the cabin with a massive air filtration system of nearly three gallons in volume. It’s located mostly under the hood because nothing else is under the hood in an EV. Passengers can see data about particulate levels on the screen. If filtration isn’t enough, the system can release scents into the cabin. Among them are a mixture of “fig trees, cool air, and linen.”
Soundscapes Offer Respite
Sound is a luxury, as well. Drivers can choose from three background “soundscapes” to take the place of engine noise – Silver Waves, Vivid Flux, and Roaring Pulse. For more aural adventure, drivers can choose “Energizing Nature” sound programs, such as “Forest Glade” or “Summer Rain.” These are accompanied by light programs and temperature changes – “Sounds of the Sea,” for instance, uses alternating warm and cool air to mimic ocean breezes.
Perhaps our favorite feature, though, is “Power Nap” mode. Intended for use on breaks during long drives or charging … but we couldn’t blame the owner who decided to just use the EQS in place of a bedroom.
The nap mode moves the seats into a reclining position, closes the windows and blinds (of course there are blinds), adjusts ambient lighting, plays soothing music, and displays a starry night sky across the screens. After a time set by the driver, it wakes passengers by gently activating the massaging seats and injecting an invigorating scent into the cabin. After a few moments of this, it raises the seats and starts the car for driving.
