Presen Luxurious Mile-munching

The EQS 580 is the first premium electric model from Mercedes-EQ to be locally produced in India and it has a remarkable ARAI-rated range of 857 kilometres

- Kurt Morris

THE EQS 580 4MATIC LUXURY saloon has been introduced in India by Mercedes-Benz. This marks the company's second electric vehicle (EV) début in less than two months, the first being the premium AMG EQS 53. Priced at Rs 1.55 crore (exshowroom), here is what you need to know about the first Mercedes-EQ car made in India.

The EQS 580 is the 14th Mercedes-Benz model to be "made in India" and the first electric vehicle that the company has ever built (assembled) in India. Its local production highlights Mercedes-Benz India's global competencies accomplished in flexible production at their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which now produces offerings from sub-brands Maybach, AMG, and EQ luxury EVs all under one roof. It is a perfect blend of technology, luxury, and safety.

In many ways, the Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC is a first for the German company and the Indian market. The Chakan plant's adaptable production line makes it the first facility to produce the EQS outside Germany.

Now let us start with the design of the EQS 580, which is undoubtedly unique. A spaceship-like vehicle, this luxury EV can cut through the air like no other thanks to its nearly perfect curved form which, Mercedes claim, was inspired by a bow. With a coefficient of drag (Cd) of just o.20, Mercedes claim it to be one of the most aerodynamically efficient vehicles in the world. To aid this aero-drag efficiency the bonnet is sealed shut and can only be opened at an authorised Mercedes-Benz service centre. The connected all-LED headlamps with digital light internals, which enable the light to dance around traffic at night, have to be the standouts.

Compared to the AMG EQS 53, this luxury EV has a more understated exterior. It has a re-designed front bumper, a blanked-out grille with several lighted threepointed stars, and smaller five-spoke 20-inch wheels.