The latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz S 450 EQ Boost (W222) ships with a hybrid drivetrain that includes a 3.0-liter gasoline engine churning out 367 hp (274 kW) and a minor electric motor contributing 22 hp (16 kW) of its own. The car can save up acceleration and braking energy that would otherwise go to waste and then release it using the EQ Boost feature. That said, the boost itself isn’t exactly impressive and can’t be activated too often.
This must be why performance tuner DTE Systems decided against messing with the EQ Boost and instead went for a straightforward ECU remap. Once equipped with a PowerControl RX control chip, the car’s main mill gains 40 hp (30 kW) and 53 Nm (39 lbft) of torque.
Interestingly, the upgrade also enables the owners of the Mercedes-Benz S 450 EQ Boost to use a dedicated mobile app to switch among the three available performance modes: Sport, Dynamic and Efficiency.
Aside from the power kit, DTE Systems is also selling its PedalBox(+) module that can be installed in place of the stock pedals to improve throttle response.
Photo: DTE-Systems GmbH