Mercedes recalls 341,000 cars worldwide and updates EQS

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 341,000 of its cars worldwide because of a fire risk. GLE and GLS models built from 2017 to 2023 are concerned. Meanwhile, the Stuttgarters are upgrading their electric flagship EQS.

The recall has been announced by the German transport authority Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA). The cause for the possible fire risk is a possibly defect screw connection on a power wire, leading to a short circuit and a possible fire risk.

The recall is aimed at 341,000 units of the aforementioned models. They will be checked at the dealers and repaired when needed. It has not been communicated whether there have actually been cars that caught fire. In Germany, some 11,000 cars are concerned; figures for the Benelux aren’t known yet.

According to the spokeswoman of Mercedes-Benz in the Netherlands, the recall concerns a 48-volt ground supply under the passenger seat that could be ill-fixed. “In the worst of cases, this can lead to a short circuit and a small fire,” she added.

In Belgium, the importer will contact the clients concerned and ask them to come to the dealer. “The intervention will take approximately one hour, and possible anomalies will, of course, be replaced without a cost,” says spokesman Bastien Van den Moortel.

A new look and a larger battery for EQS

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has revised its EQS. The electric flagship will get a makeover and upgraded equipment for the 2024 model year, and the German automaker has also upgraded the technology.

Thanks to an increase in battery capacity from 108.4 to 118 kWh, the maximum WLTP range of the EQS 450 4MATIC, for example, has increased from 717 to 799 kilometers. With a range of 683-822 kilometers, the EQS 450+ even exceeds the 800-kilometer mark. According to Mercedes, the larger battery capacity will make the EQS “more suitable for long distances.”

However, the anticipated switch to an 800-volt voltage level did not happen with this “extensive update.” The EQS continues to work with 400 volts. That means that the maximum charging power of 200 kW remains, and the charging time will increase slightly with the larger battery.

The German  newspaper Handelsblatt says the expected switch to 800 volts has not been canceled: “According to insiders, the EVA2 models should also receive the self-developed eATS 2.0 drivetrain with 800-volt technology as part of a model upgrade by 2026 at the latest.”

“Mercedes does not intend to adopt ‘a single part’ of the existing system based on Valeo engines for future models,” explained Group CEO Ola Källenius. “Everything will be redesigned,” the article states.

Another technology adaptation: the all-wheel-drive variants of the EQS (and EQE) can now tow up to 1,700 kg instead of the previous maximum of 750 kg. “This means they reach a similar level to the SUV derivatives. For example, customers can now tow a horse trailer,” Mercedes commented.

Another new feature concerns recuperation: As recuperation is frequently used in everyday driving and the brake discs are hardly used at all, a special function “will maintain the brake system by automatically applying the pads to the discs from time to time.”

With the ‘Automatic Lane Change'(ALC) function, Mercedes-Benz now offers an intelligent further development of the SAE Level 2 driving assistance systems in Europe. Automatic lane change is supported on motorways with two structurally separate lanes with a specified maximum speed of 140 kph. The function is standard in the EQS models from the 2024 model year.

A star reborn

The changes to the appearance and equipment are probably at least as important for luxury customers. Previously, the Mercedes star was integrated into the black-panel grille, which merges seamlessly into the headlights.

For customers from Asia in particular, the free-standing Mercedes star on the bonnet is a status symbol that was not previously available on the EQS – until now. “The designers have now refined this independent face for the EQS: The electric flagship is equipped with a new radiator cover with chrome applications as standard in the Electric Art Line.”

“Chrome-plated and flush-mounted slats create an elegant contrast to the deep black surroundings. This grille is combined with a standing star on the front hood and combines avant-garde EQ looks with the iconic, status-conscious Mercedes‑Benz symbol,” the press release stated.

Even more comfort in the rear

In addition, the optional ‘Rear Comfort Plus package with executive seats’ is now available. “Placed between the rails of the front seat, it noticeably increases comfort for the rear passenger because he or she can place his or her feet at an angle,” Mercedes explains.

“This latest detail is another, but by no means the only, convenience of the Rear Comfort Package Plus: the passenger seat can be folded forward, and the backrest in the rear can be adjusted up to 38 degrees. This ensures more space.”

With this model upgrade, Mercedes is apparently trying to accommodate its customers and thus boost sales. According to Handelsblatt, Mercedes had hoped for EQS sales of 50,000 vehicles per year but is currently not even managing half of that, partly due to weak sales in China.

The new EQS can be ordered from 25 April 2024. The base prices remain unchanged.