MERCEDES CHARGES INTO THE ELECTRIC ERA WITH THE ARRIVAL IN CANADA OF THE EQS 580 4MATIC

So what do you think? New electric cars are popping up, seemingly every week. Today, Mercedes is announcing the arrival of the new all-electric EQS 580 4MATIC to Canada. It’s the dawn of a new era for the car maker. This one is the flagship vehicle of the new EQ specialty brand.

Related: Ford Mustang Mach-E: Re-designed and electrified

Every dealership across their network started receiving the all-electric luxury sedan on Jan. 20. Prices begin at $144,200. Customer can build their own vehicle via the Mercedes site. The car generates up to 516 horsepower, and 547 kilometres of range.

New electric cars: Charging stations remain a challenge

Of course all the news and chatter about electric vehicles is all moot if Canada doesn’t improve its network of charging stations. We’ve written on range anxiety in the past. And last winter we had an interesting experience trying to get a Porsche Taycan EV charged around Toronto in sub-zero February temperatures.

Electric vehicles are fantastic and wonderful for the planet but this will accomplish little in the eyes of average Canadians if we don’t get more charging stations. No one wants the anxiety of getting stuck on an icy backroad in Orillia in the middle of February after they chanced a long drive with a battery charged halfway and lost. Car insurance quotes are also rising for electric vehicles, since the cost to replace a battery that charges the car smashed up in an accident is high.

The good news is the network of charging stations in Canada is expanding. Mercedes announced an additional 3,300 charging stations in Quebec and Eastern Ontario in December, for Mercedes-EQ drivers. The EQS 580 4MATIC sedan is capable of DC fast charging up to 200 kW, which can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 31 minutes. Or you can set up a fast charger at your home if you can. Cost ranges from $600-$1200.

Features of the Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC

One of the statement-makes in the new electric car is MBUX Hyperscreen. It’s three displays merged into one 56-inch curved glass surface. Key applications are always at the top of the screen to minimize having to scroll down or use voice command. There’s a sliding panoramic sunroof, leather heating surfaces and wireless smartphone integration.

Additional features include rapid-heating and ventilating front seats, active multicontour front seats with enhanced massage and comfort headrests, and head up display.

Images: Mercedes