The EQS is built on a dedicated EV platform, but Mercedes has been toying with the idea of using a gas engine. Not to drive the wheels, but as a generator to quickly charge the battery. A new report claims prototype testing has been carried out with a tiny 1.0-liter turbocharged range extender. However, these trials have allegedly been shelved.
Automatic Car citing Mercedes insiders who claim the German luxury brand is no longer pursuing range-extending EVs. It is considered a “transitional technology” that is expensive to produce and offers little benefit. The EQS is said to have a two-cylinder version of the “M254” four-cylinder engine with an exhaust system mounted at the front of the car. Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor with 268 hp, which draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the floor.
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A front-mounted ICE engine likely won’t hinder practicality since the EQS doesn’t have a rear bed. However, adding a combustion engine and a small fuel tank would add to the weight of an already heavy car. The EQS 450+ weighs 5,597 pounds while the AMG variant weighs 5,952 pounds.
Pricing will be another issue. Logically, the range-extending EQS will cost more given its additional hardware. The base model already costs six figures, starting at $104,400 and going up to $147,550, before options and destination charges.
We’ve reached out to Mercedes for comment, and we’ll update this story once we hear back. In the meantime, it’s worth noting that the company signed a deal with Geely in late 2020 to work on hybrid powertrains. While range-extending powertrains aren’t mentioned, we do know that the Chinese auto giant has this type of technology in its portfolio. The partnership stipulates that Geely’s Volvos will also use the powertrains.
The company that carries the legendary three-pointed star logo is now channeling its efforts into regular battery-powered electric vehicles. The recently launched 2025 EQS is already a panacea for range concerns as its enlarged battery (from 108.4 to 118 kWh) allows for a maximum WLTP range of 511 miles.
The EPA hasn’t rated the revised model yet, but the old model was rated for up to 352 miles on a single charge. The WLTP is generally more optimistic than the EPA, so don’t expect the American EQS to have the same lofty ratings as its European equivalent.
