Sometimes it feels like there are more futuristic concepts floating around that there are modern cars on the road. While that may not really be the case, there certainly isn’t a deficit of concepts that represent what automakers see in their future. Not all of them are crazy, though, and that’s exactly what brings me to the concept we’re talking about today: The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS. This specific concept is actually, in at least some way, shape, or form, representative of a future electric model equivalent to the S-Class Saloon. If the production version of the EQS follows the same suit as the new EQC SUV, then it won’t look a whole lot like this concept, but that’s a story for a different time. For now, let’s take a closer look at the Mercedes Vision EQS and see what Mercedes expects out of the full-size electric saloon of the future.

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Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS Exterior Design

There’s no real way to tell what the cars of the future will look like. Hell, 20 years ago, we thought we’d have flying cars by now, yet here we are still driving around on four wheels, cutting each other off, and paying a small fortune to get off the ground if we do take to the skies.That may not be the case for the future electric S-Class, the model represented today by the Vision EQS. The front end design you see here is quite in line with what we saw on the EQC concept but the difference is that this is a full-size saloon and if this thing goes into production in the next few years Mercedes could, in theory, actually afford to put the kind of technology you see here into production. That includes the LED-backlit front “grille,” and those quirky but very attractive holographic headlights. Notice how this concept still has the LED running lights? These hint at a potential production cue. Cool, huh?

The side profile is just as smooth and sleek as the front. In fact, there are no sharply defined lines here. Instead, everything is smooth and mellow – exactly what you would expect from a luxury saloon today or in the future. The greenhouse is a bit thinner than the lower body near the beltline, but if you look closer to the ground, you’ll see a smooth concave section that adds a stylistic touch and a lot of character to what would be a somewhat dull design. The really cool thing here is that while there aren’t any sharp body lines, Mercedes has taken a step into the future by creating a backlit body line that actually traverses from the front end, all the way across the side profile, and to the rear. Mercedes says this gives the greenhouse a floating effect and, while that may be true from the right angle in the right light, I can’t really see it. It’s a nice touch nonetheless, though. Let little step that is, essentially a side skirt is a nice touch of contrast and does match that lip up front – it’s a nice touch and a great way to link the side and front together.

In place of your traditional taillight clusters, the EQS has a whole bunch of little LED Mercedes stars that all light up in proper sequence when needed. Like the rest of the body, the rear end is rather subdued in terms of design styling, but there are hints of typical Mercedes design in that insert at the bottom of the fascia with that bronze-colored lip and sporty grille layout. The downside to this design is that the rear glass, for some reason, reminds me of the glass from the Mazda RX-8 and the bubbly glasshouse feels weird at certain angles as the front fenders are so obviously wide.

Mercedes EQS Concept Interior Design

The Interior of the EQS Concept is pretty futuristic,, but it still features some modernity and most of the tech shown off here is fairly feasible in today’s market so there’s a good chance we could see some of this stuff carry over in the next five years or so when the EQS shifts into production. I’ll come right out and say that the interior of the EQS concept is very luxurious. However, it’s conceptual nature means there are some trade-offs. Take the seats, for instance. As you can tell by looking at them, they don’t offer much in terms of adjustments.So, while these futuristic seats look cool as heel and may even be comfortable, without adjustability, they’ll never work. The single-piece, full-length center console adds a bit of luxuriousness to the cabin as well, and something like this could end up in production… someday.

The wraparound dash design is very attractive and, thanks to amazing fit and finish, when the doors are shut, you feel like you’re sitting in a cabin that’s practically seamless. The doors and dash seem to come together with a fluidity that you just don’t see in the automotive industry today. The triple display units seem quite feasible for today’s market, however, this is only something that could end up in a future S-Class as this feature won’t only be expensive but isn’t something you’d expect to find in a lower-class model. Each door has its own mini control panel while the center console is dominated up front by a huge screen. Presumably, this screen also serves and as instrument cluster as there is nothing ahead of the steering wheel.

Because of the one-piece center console, passenger back here have their own space – similar to flying in the center aisle of first-class – there’s someone else there, but you’re segregated at the same time. It’s a nice touch in a luxury saloon. With that in mind, a lot of this design is doable these days and, since the car is an S-Class at its core, Merc may be able to justify adding such expensive technology and design to the production model.

Mercedes EQS Drivetrain and Performance

Now, nobody would confuse the S-Class as a sports sedan – at least not unless you jump into an AMG model, but even then it’s questionable. Even the best S-Class AMG is more like a really fast luxury saloon than it is a sports car or sports sedan. You just can’t get past the luxury. With that said, the S-Class still has to be quick enough to justify its price point in the luxury segment, and the EQS Concept (as will the production EV this concept represents) is quick enough.

Regardless, it will probably be limited to 155 mph at most. Mercedes claims that the power output of the EQS Concept’s electric drive system is about 475 horsepower and around 621 pound-feet of torque. The real important par there is that Mercedes claims that it can offer around 434 miles of all-electric range (about 700 km) and can charge from naught to 80-percent in about 20 minutes if you use a 350-kW charger. Of course, I wouldn't hold my breath for this kind of range or charging capability right now, but when this thing hits production in 4 or 5 years maybe it’ll be possible.

2019 Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS Concept specifications

Final Thoughts

I have to admit that I’m quite impressed with the Mercedes EQS Concept. However, I’m afraid that all of these “vision” concepts (and other futuristic concepts, for that matter) are setting expectations that are way too high for what we’re really going to get. Take the Mercedes EQC Concept and the EQC production model – the production model is nowhere near as advanced as the concept and the parts that made the concept cool were completely left off. As far as I’m concerned, Mercedes is talking the same big game here but will probably underdeliver once again. The only thing that may prevent that from happening is that this will be the S-Class of SUVs and will so expensive that Mercedes may be able to justify the futuristic tech and design cues. Will it happen, though? I still don’t think so, but we’ll see what happens.

Further reading

Mercedes Previews Future City Driving with Vision URBANETIC Concept

Read our full review on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Vision Tokyo.

Read our full review on the Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6.

Read our full review on the Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 Cabriolet.

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S 65.