The Mercedes-Benz EQS has been spied for the first time.

It will be an electric flagship counterpart to the next-gen S-class but will ride on a newly developed platform.

The EQS looks longer than the S-class, and it has an egg-like shape with a hatchback rear end.

While, at first glance, the weird blob-shaped camouflaged car you see here might look like the next-gen Mercedes-Benz S-class, it's something different entirely—and something much more interesting. This is the upcoming Mercedes EQS, a fully electric flagship model that will be marketed under Benz's EQ electric subbrand.

View Photos KGP Photography

The S in the name makes the connection to the venerable S-class, although in reality the EQS won't share much with its conventionally powered counterpart. While the S-class will ride on Mercedes-Benz's MRA platform that underpins cars like the current E-class, MRA isn't well suited for battery packs and electric powertrains. Instead, the EQS will be the first car to use the new MEA platform, which has been specifically designed for EVs. We don't know much else about the platform or what exactly will power the EQS, but it should have a range of around 300 miles and at least one motor at each axle to provide all-wheel drive.

View Photos KGP Photography

Now, back to this prototype's wacky styling. Because of a number of tacked-on panels, we can't see the exact design of any of the surfaces, but the overall shape is visible; the super-cab-forward, almost one-box proportions are reminiscent of the F015 concept from 2015. The EQS should have a distinctive face like that of the EQC crossover, with trapezoidal headlights and a large fake grille that will probably light up. We also expect smooth surfacing, a long LED taillight strip, and blue and copper detailing, which are part of the EQ brand signature.

Details like frameless door windows and a massive sunroof are visible, and one of the pictured prototypes has flush pop-out door handles, but we're a bit surprised that the EQS doesn't use cameras in place of rearview mirrors. Under the low hood is a frunk with some cargo space, while the rear has a large hatchback instead of a conventional trunk as on the S-class.

View Photos KGP Photography

The EQS's wheelbase looks extremely long, and along with the sweeping tall greenhouse it should provide the car with a more expansive and open interior than the S-class. The S-class's redesign for 2020 is bringing along a futuristic interior with a massive touchscreen, and since the EQS will be positioned as Mercedes's technological flagship, it should take amenities up a few extra notches. We also expect the EQS to have a host of advanced semi-autonomous features, with many likely to make their debut on the EQS.

There's still a ton we don't know about the EQS such as pricing and on-sale date, but we think the car should be revealed next year as a 2021 model, a few months after the S-class. The EQS will be the second EQ model to be revealed, following the EQC crossover that is soon to be on sale (and rides on the GLC's platform). Our biggest question: Will there be an AMG or a Maybach version?

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