Selected Mercedes-Benz EQS saloon models are set to receive an incremental boost in power and economy as part of a series of 2024 model year running changes, officials from the German car maker have confirmed to Autocar.
The power increase is achieved through an update to the upmarket saloon’s power electronics, liberating an added 27bhp at 355bhp in the EQS450 4Matic and 21bhp at 537bhp in the EQS580 4Matic.
Mercedes-Benz has also equipped the EQS saloon with a so-called DCU (disconnect unit).
Introduced on the EQE SUV, it allows drive to the front wheels on four-wheel drive versions of the upmarket electric saloon to be disconnected on light throttle loads and periods of trailing throttle for increased efficiency and energy saving.
The upshot is a 14 mile increase in range for the EQS450 4Matic, whose WLTP range has been revised from a previous 360-433 miles to 366-447 miles.
A similar increase in range is touted for the EQS500 4Matic.
The WLTP range of the EQS580 4Matic has increased by 16 miles, from an earlier 361-430 to between 366 and 446 miles, according to figures supplied by Mercedes-Benz to its German dealer network.
Autocar also understands the EQS53 AMG 4Matic+ has gained an added two miles of range with a newly certified WLTP range of between 313 and 357 miles.
All models use a 107.8kWh battery.
Part of a range of 2024 model year changes brought to the EQS saloon, the DCU is also set to be adopted by the EQE saloon and EQS SUV by the end of 2023 to provide them with similar energy savings.
Further updates brought to the EQS saloon include a heat pump unit in place of the earlier air compressor. Although it does not bring any change in the official WLTP range figures, Mercedes-Benz claims its lower energy requirement and greater efficiency lead to improvements in real-world economy and range right across the line-up.