Mercedes-Benz EQS was ahead of its time, says design chief
Regarding its controversial streamlined shape, Mr Wagener told Autocar, 'I think the EQS is probably 10 years too early.'
The design chief also believes the EQS shouldn't have been pitched as the electric equivalent of the S-Class. He defended the EQS as a 'very progressive car', but noted 'it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine' which typically have a 'long hood' to denote its status.
'Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class coupe or something like that,' Mr Wagener mused.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Despite this, the car's 2024 facelift made the design a little bit more traditional by junking the faux grille featuring a large three-pointed star in the middle.
It was replaced by a new faux grille with multiple horizontal slats bisected by a vertical bar, mimicking the look of a traditional S-Class. There's even a classic three-pointed star mounted as a hood ornament.
The EQS won't head into a second generation, instead it will be replaced with an S-Class EV. Although it might feature a different platform to the petrol- and diesel-powered S-Class models, it will share styling and will use the well-established nameplate. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The controversial styling of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV will be retired when those models reach the end of their lifecycle.
Indeed, the whole EQ range will slowly sail off into the sunset. Instead of offering electric vehicles as standalone models, Mercedes-Benz will put EV drivetrains into established model lines.
The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, features both EV and mild-hybrid drivetrains. Similarly there will also be EV drivetrain options for the next-generation C-Class and GLC.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz EQS
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Much as the interior offers a familiar Suzuki experience but with some new technology, so too does the drive experience. 2025 Suzuki Fronx Credit: CarExpert The mild-hybrid system doesn't allow the vehicle to drive purely on electric power like a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, but it does smooth out the engine stop/start system, making it much less jerky than the setups from some rival brands. The Fronx uses the brand's new 'SHVS' mild-hybrid system, in which an integrated starter generator (ISG) replaces the alternator. During deceleration, power generated from ISG is stored in a 12V lithium-ion battery. While Suzuki says this provides power assistance to the engine, we wonder how much more sluggish the Fronx would be without the MHEV setup because, well, she ain't quick. The Fronx would benefit from one of Suzuki's peppy turbocharged engines, because it feels lethargic. 2025 Suzuki Fronx Credit: CarExpert Even a CVT or manual could help wring out the most of this small engine, as the six-speed auto only serves to emphasise the Fronx's sluggishness. The drive route took us up some steep grades where it struggled. Flicking it to Sport made it noisier but scarcely more responsive. You can manually change gears via paddles behind the steering wheel. A motorway jaunt revealed the Fronx isn't dangerously underpowered, as we were able to overtake without breaking into a cold sweat, but the Fronx is more urban runabout than highway cruiser. It is fairly quiet and settled at highway speeds, however, and the adaptive cruise control works well. Without setting the cruise, though, we noticed in highway driving it would shuffle between fifth and sixth gear repeatedly. 2025 Suzuki Fronx Credit: CarExpert Ride comfort is up to class standards. The Fronx features torsion-beam suspension at the rear like many rivals, but bumps are well-absorbed. Alas, steering feels a bit disconnected. The weighting seems fine at first, being neither too heavy nor too light, but it's uncommunicative. It's a shame, as Suzuki knows how to make an SUV that's engaging to drive – just look at the Vitara. Throw it into a corner and the Fronx feels fairly sorted, with body roll well-controlled – this doesn't feel like an SUV, thanks to its low centre of gravity. But between the so-so steering and sluggish engine, there's not a lot of fun to be had here. This isn't intended to be a pocket rocket, but we know Suzuki is capable of making a more engaging vehicle. 2025 Suzuki Fronx Credit: CarExpert Like the Vitara, there's an annoying 'M' position on the shifter which you are guaranteed to accidentally select when looking for Drive. Once you hear the engine revving its guts out in first, you'll know to quickly move the shifter back to D. Unlike many Chinese rivals, the active safety and driver assist features are well-calibrated. The lane-keep assist gives the steering a gentle nudge if you're drifting towards a lane marking, but it never feels overbearing. There's no driver monitoring system or overspeed alert to bing and bong at you incessantly, either. Kudos to Suzuki for fitting a surround-view camera system, but the resolution is among the worst on the market. Rivals like GWM have nothing to worry about here. There's just one grade of Fronx available. 2025 Suzuki Fronx Credit: CarExpert 2025 Suzuki Fronx Credit: CarExpert 2025 Suzuki Fronx Credit: CarExpert 2025 Suzuki Fronx Credit: CarExpert 2025 Suzuki Fronx equipment highlights: Multi-reflector automatic LED headlights 16-inch alloy wheels Tyre repair kit Power-folding exterior mirrors Proximity entry with push-button start Electric parking brake Auto hold Head-up display 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless phone charger 6-speaker sound system Fabric and leatherette upholstery Heated front seats Height-adjustable front seat Power windows Leather-wrapped steering wheel Tilt and telescopic adjustment Automatic air-conditioning Illuminated vanity mirrors Centre console bin with armrest Removable luggage board The Suzuki Fronx has yet to be assessed by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. 2025 Suzuki Fronx Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment includes: Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Traffic sign recognition Surround-view camera Front and rear parking sensors Front, front-side and curtain airbags Suzuki has confirmed the Fronx will be covered by five years or 75,000km of capped-price servicing. 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