The first long-range Mercedes-Benz offered in the US is getting some tweaked cosmetics and a few big mechanical updates for 2027. Styling changes to the polarizing EQS sedan won't convince naysayers, but the facelift also brings longer range, faster charging, and a sophisticated steer-by-wire setup that could appeal to those technology-savvy customers that are still in love with the rounded, space-pod styling that first debuted for the 2022 model year. A Fake Grille With Some Real Problems Unfortunately for the EQS, the changes that Mercedes-Benz made to its front end could actually be less attractive than the 2026 model. The front fascia retains the sedan's narrow, sleek headlamp profile and full-width LED light bar, subbing in some intricate three-pointed-star motifs inside the headlights. But unfortunately, the faux grille panel that sits between them now takes on the proboscis-like maw of the likewise-electric CLA-Class and the redesigned compact GLB. which brings the look further downmarket than Mercedes might like for its theoretical S-Class EV equivalent.Mercedes-BenzIf there's a saving grace, it's that the new EQS doesn't fall prey to the gloss black grille surround found on its gasser sibling (as well as the recently updated GLS and GLE sport-utes). Apart from the new front end, styling changes appear limited to new wheel designs and other detail tweaks, meaning the EV's record-breakingly aerodynamic shape carries over mostly intact from before. The same is true of the cabin, which mostly looks the same as its 2026 equivalent except for one big change facing the driver. Steering By Wire, A Mercedes First That would be the new steering tiller (don't call it a wheel), which jettisons about 50 percent of the rim's circumference in favor of improved forward visiblity and ingress/egress. The optional yoke may draw some comparisons to the problematic Tesla implement offered on the company's sedans and SUVs, but the EQS promises to avoid the pitfalls of its American rivals by hooking up with a genuine steer-by-wire system.Mercedes-BenzThe tiller itself only offers about 270 degrees of rotation – less than one full turn – meaning drivers can keep both hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions at all times. Depending on vehicle speed and drive mode, the car's computer decides how much front- and rear-wheel steering to dial in, with parking lot speeds providing much more steering angle for a given driver input, with the ratio relaxing at speed for greater stability. We've experienced such systems in the global-market Lexus RZ and found it to be reasonably easy to use after some familiarization, and we predict the EQS will be similar. If it comes to the US, it will be the first such steer-by-wire system from the automaker and only the second ever offered in America, following up on the tech-stuffed Tesla Cybertruck. Longer Distances, Faster Recovery The current Mercedes EQS is already one of the longest-range EVs offered in the US market, but the 2027 update promises even more in the way of charging performance. For starters, the automaker is targeting a range rating of 925 kilometers (575 miles) on the optimistic WLTP standard, an improvement of 109 km overall. Translated to EPA testing, we bet the single-motor EQS, which will probably retain its EQS 450+ nomenclature, will achieve a total range of 450 miles or so. The 2026 model is rated by the Feds for up to 390 miles between charges using a 118-kilowatt-hour battery, while the revised 2027 model's new chemistry gives it 123 kWh of usable capacity.Mercedes-BenzFurthermore, the updated EQS will also receive a new 800-volt charging system with a DC fast charge rate of 350 kilowatts – the outgoing EQS could peg the meter at 200 kW. Using a little napkin arithmetic, that means adding 170 miles of range in just about 10 minutes. Furthermore, when hooked up to a 400-volt charging station, the car's electronics can split the single battery into two units, both charging at 175 kilowatts to make pit stops as short as possible. Mercedes will also endow the EQS with new, in-house-developed electric motors, which include an internal two-speed transmission for improved energy efficiency on the highway.Mercedes-BenzPricing and US-specific specifications for the 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS will probably arrive closer to the car's market launch, which should happen this summer or early fall. Plan on this being the last udpate the EQS gets before it's retired in a few years, its reign headlined by a lack of brand cachet (and sales). The next-generation S-Class will get an all-electric equivalent that will carry on the EQS' tech-focused mission, but with far more traditional styling.Source: Mercedes-Benz