Preview: Updated 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS EV Adds Luxury and Steer-By-Wire

The optional steering system can turn all four wheels using software, sensors, and motors instead of a physical connection

Keith Barry, Consumer Reports Senior Autos Reporter.

By Keith Barry
Senior Autos Reporter

April 14, 2026

2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS driving in city — The front end of the EQS has a more traditional Mercedes look

The flagship electric sedan is getting a makeover, but the biggest changes are under the skin.

When it debuted in 2022, the Mercedes-Benz EQS was a showcase for every new technology the German automaker had to offer. Its dash-wide displays felt like a flight simulator, its interior amenities could rival a spa, and, as a result, its price tag quickly climbed into six digits.

But there were a few issues: Not many buyers were willing to spend that much on an electric sedan with a design that prioritized aerodynamics over presence. And when Consumer Reports purchased and tested one in 2022, our usability experts found that the visually impressive controls were confusing and distracting to use while driving.

Since then, Mercedes has given the EQS a few tweaks, including an upgrade to a larger battery just last year. For 2027, the automaker says that more than 25 percent of the big sedan will be “newly developed, updated and refined.”

The bulbous design is the same, but underneath it lies a new 800-volt electric architecture for faster charging, and a more efficient powertrain that could give drivers about 480 miles of electric range. Mercedes says updated software uses AI to understand more complex voice commands, and a made-to-measure design program offers 100 paint colors.

The biggest change might be the introduction of a steer-by-wire system that lacks any physical connection between the steering wheel and the turning wheels. Only a handful of vehicles, including the Tesla Cybertruck, have a similar setup. EQS sedans equipped with steer-by-wire will have a yoke-like steering wheel, but those with traditional steering will keep a round steering wheel.

Even if you don’t have plans to buy a big, expensive luxury sedan, it’s worth paying attention to the evolution of the EQS because Mercedes has historically used its flagship vehicles to debut technologies that would eventually show up on more mainstream models. In the case of the EQS, that doesn’t just include steer-by-wire but goodies like a parking assistance setup that keeps drivers from accidentally scratching their wheels on curbs.

Here’s what we know about the updated EQS so far.

What it competes with: BMW i7, Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan
Powertrain:
• 402-hp, single electric motor and rear-wheel drive (450+)
• 576-hp, dual electric motors and all-wheel drive (500 and 580 4Matic)
Price: $90,000-$180,000 (estimated)
On sale: Late 2026
Final assembly point: Sindelfingen, Germany

Consumer Reports' Take

Interest in sedans has collapsed in recent years. But the EQS is still worth paying attention to because of what it reveals about the future of Mercedes’ EV lineup. Faster charging, longer ranges, and more efficient powertrains will eventually benefit every electric Benz, not just the most expensive one. We’re skeptical about yoke-based steering, but we will be interested to try out Mercedes’ take on steer-by-wire technology when we get a chance to drive the new EQS. And we wouldn’t complain if heated seat belts became more popular!

2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS interior showing screens and yoke steering wheel — Paired with steer-by-wire, the new optional steering yoke offers better visibility and doesn't need to be turned as much when maneuvering in a parking lot.

Outside

The EQS’ controversial soap-bar shape remains, although it does have a new face that adds some traditional Mercedes-Benz design language, as well as unmistakable branding.

A Mercedes three-pointed star hood ornament sits atop a light-up grille that, on some versions, is festooned with small three-pointed stars. It is surrounded by daytime running lights that shine in a—you guessed it—three-pointed star motif. One cool feature is the EQS’ partial high-beam headlight function, which can direct glare away from oncoming traffic. It is now available for the first time in the U.S.

Inside

The EQS’ interior is still dominated by the 55-inch wide “Hyperscreen” that combines a central infotainment screen, driver display, and passenger controls under a single glass surface. Mercedes says that a new MB.OS operating system can take advantage of AI-powered voice recognition to understand complex, natural speech.

The screen is more visible when buyers choose the optional drive-by-wire steering function, which comes with a flat-topped yoke instead of a traditional steering wheel. These setups can come with quite a learning curve, so we’re glad that Mercedes still offers traditional electromechanical steering with a round wheel.

Like the new S-Class, the EQS offers heated front seat belts.

2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS parked in city — The EQS' bulbous shape remains

What Drives It?

The EQS is the first Mercedes-Benz model to offer a steer-by-wire setup, which has no physical connection between the steering wheel and the turning wheels. (The EQS offers four-wheel steering.) Instead, it uses software along with redundant sets of motors and sensors. Mercedes says that the setup makes for easier maneuvering in parking lots, and that it also isolates the driver from vibrations and road imperfections that can travel through a physical steering rack.

We’ve tried steer-by-wire on the Tesla Cybertruck and found it took some getting used to, although it did have some clear benefits on highway cruises and in parking lots. We’ll be very interested to see what Mercedes’ system feels like to drive, and whether it’s too isolated for our liking.

Mercedes has also updated the EQS’ electric powertrain with a new battery, more efficient motors, and an 800-volt charging system. The automaker says it has a range of about 550 miles in the European test cycle, which we estimate to be closer to a real-world U.S. range of 480 miles. In addition, adding about 200 miles of driving range to the battery should take only 10 minutes at a compatible public DC fast-charging station. The base version has 402 hp, and the dual-motor configuration produces 576 hp.

Finally, more computing power allows Mercedes to add features such as intelligent damping control for the air suspension. This feature uses information transmitted by other Mercedes-Benz vehicles to alert the EQS to upcoming potholes and bumps so the suspension can proactively smooth out the ride.

Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

In addition to all the standard active safety features expected on a flagship vehicle, the EQS uses 10 external cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and up to five radar sensors to adjust active driving assistance systems. These include lane-centering assistance, automated lane-change assist, and a steering-assistance feature that can automatically steer around objects or vehicles to avoid a crash.

Mercedes says that owners will be able to purchase and download some features, including a parking assistance setup that should help drivers avoid scratching the wheels on a curb, and a reverse maneuvering function that can automatically reverse a vehicle out of almost any situation it was driven into, such as a tight parking space or garage.

Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on BlueSky @itskeithbarry.bsky.social.