The seven-seat crossover is tailored specifically to the needs and wishes of Chinese customers "in terms of space, functionality, design and, in particular, user experience," VW brand CEO Ralf Brandstaetter said.

The EQS's 770 km (478 miles) range would give Mercedes a key selling point against the Tesla Model S, as well as the Porsche Taycan and the Audi e-tron GT.

Magna Steyr President Frank Klein outlined how Fisker and Sony became customers for the contract manufacturer that already build cars for BMW, Toyota, Jaguar and Mercedes.

The former product development boss was killed in an accident on his farm in Wales, according to British media reports.