Mercedes-Benz has shifted into a superior gear when it comes to the testing phase of the EQS, as two prototypes were spied playing in the snow, in northern Europe.

The two cars still hide their bodies under wraps, and from what we can tell plastic cladding is still present on the bonnet. The company’s flagship electric car is actually a liftback, with a hatch-like opening tailgate that will make it more practical over regular sedans, sloping roofline behind the B pillars and frameless side windows.

Review: Driving The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS Concept Feels Like Stepping Into The S-Class’ Future

On the inside, it mimics the look of the next generation S-Class, with similar digital instrument cluster, freestanding infotainment system and steering wheel. The EQS will stay true to its premium nature by offering a wide selection of high quality materials, joined by the latest tech features. Ambient lighting should be on deck and the build quality is expected to be on par with that of the upcoming flagship sedan.

A rival to the likes of the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan and upcoming BMW i7 and Audi E-Tron GT, the EQS is built on Daimler’s Modular Electric Architecture (MEA), which is dedicated to zero-emission models. It’s believed to pack a couple of electric motors, one on each axle, which should generate different outputs.

The base variant might have in excess of 400 horsepower available on tap, and an AMG version is rumored to join the lineup with close to 600 horsepower. Electric all-wheel drive will be standard and the all-wheel steering (probably an option) will make it highly maneuverable.

With a rumored driving range that could exceed 310 miles (500 km), the large electric Benz will perhaps debut more than a year from now, either as a 2021 or 2022MY.

Picture Credits: CarPix | S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops