The Mercedes-Benz EQS is an electric luxury liftback launched in September 2021 in Germany and in the US. It is basically an S-Class-sized EV on a platform that is huge enough to hold an enormous 107.8kWh battery.
Mercedes’ EQS all-electric model is among the most technologically advanced premium sedan, featuring the automaker’s giant Hyperscreen touchscreen, fingerprint-based driver profiles, and six USB-C ports.
Indeed, this EV marks the German automaker’s effort to launch an electric alternative for the S-Class model.
New Features in 2023
The entry-level EQS450+ 4MATIC model is now available in the Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan portfolio. It combines the all-wheel drive capabilities of the more potent EQS580 4MATIC model with the less potent EQS450+.
The Pinnacle trim level has also been improved by the automaker with new comfort pillows and rear seat cushions. Additionally, a new Executive Rear Seat Package with adaptable lighting is available. Furthermore, all EQS variants are now available with 20-inch AMG wheels.
Design and Aesthetics
The German automaker claims that the design of the Mercedes EQS is the “future.” It boasts a more “flexible and airy” characteristic compared to traditional saloons.
The single bow throughout the vehicle makes the EQS more elegant. Its front also has the iconic EQ Black Panel radiator grille along with light bands and LED lamps for a more modern touch.
The EV is also equipped with remarkable 20-inch light-alloy wheels to improve performance.
Inside, the EQS has an enormous interior space with impressive cabin materials. It has headrest pillows, massage features, and neck-shoulder heating technology.
Apart from that, it has the following features:
- extensive ambient interior lighting
- an Executive Rear Seat package
- adjustable back seats with massage functions
- individual tablet to control the MBUX infotainment system.
There is also the optional “Hyperscreen,” which is a giant glass wall-to-wall panel stretching throughout the instrument panel and encompasses the infotainment display.
The build quality of the EQS is impressive upfront. However, the rear seat lacks adjustments and controls except for the windows, indicating some cost-cutting.
The interior of the EQS has a flat floor and a long 126.4-inch wheelbase, giving it sufficient space. It has five passenger seats.
Its cargo space is also enormous due to its large hatchback. It has 22 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. It also has a top capacity of 63 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. Notably, this space is very accessible because the car is a liftback.
Performance and Driving Dynamics:
| EQS 580 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450+ SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC Sedan | EQS 450+ Sedan | EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan | |
| Engine | Dual Perm. Synchronous Electric Motors | Dual Perm. Synchronous Electric Motors | Dual Perm. Synchronous Electric Motors | Dual Perm. Synchronous Electric Motors | Permanently Synchronous Electric Motor | Dual Perm. Synchronous Electric Motors |
| Engine Order Code | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Engine Type and Required Fuel | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Displacement (liters/cubic inches) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Fuel System | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Maximum Horsepower @ RPM | 536 | 355 | 355 | 355 | 329 | 516 |
| Maximum Torque @ RPM | 633 | 590 | 419 | 590 | 417 | 631 |
| Cooling System Capacity (quarts) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Engine Oil Cooler | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Battery protection | Battery w/Run Down Protection | Battery w/Run Down Protection | Battery w/Run Down Protection | Battery w/Run Down Protection | Battery w/Run Down Protection | Battery w/Run Down Protection |
| Battery | 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack | 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack | 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack | 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack | 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack | 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack |
As for the acceleration and top speed, the EQS450+ can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Meanwhile, the higher trim EQS580 can reach 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.
Unfortunately, these are the only data we were able to collect.
These are the features that enhances EQS’s handling and ride quality:
| EQS 580 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450+ SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC Sedan | EQS 450+ Sedan | EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan | |
| Driving modes | Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode and Oil Cooler | Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode and Oil Cooler | Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode and Oil Cooler | Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode and Oil Cooler | Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode and Oil Cooler | Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode and Oil Cooler |
| Drive | Full-Time 4MATIC All-Wheel | Full-Time All-Wheel | Rear-Wheel Drive | Full-Time All-Wheel | Rear-Wheel Drive | Full-Time 4MATIC All-Wheel |
| Shock absorbers | Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers | Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers | Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers | Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers | Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers | Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers |
| Suspension | 4-Corner Auto-Leveling Suspension | 4-Corner Auto-Leveling Suspension | 4-Corner Auto-Leveling Suspension | 4-Corner Auto-Leveling Suspension | 4-Corner Auto-Leveling Suspension | 4-Corner Auto-Leveling Suspension |
| E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL | Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars | Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars | Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars | Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars | Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars | Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars |
| Automatic Height Adjustable | Automatic w/Driver Control Ride Control Suspension | Automatic w/Driver Control Ride Control Suspension | Automatic w/Driver Control Ride Control Suspension | Automatic w/Driver Control Ride Control Suspension | Automatic w/Driver Control Ride Control Suspension | Automatic w/Driver Control Ride Control Suspension |
| Locking Hubs | Permanent | Permanent | – | – | – | – |
| Front suspension | Multi-Link Front Suspension w/Air Springs | Multi-Link Front Suspension w/Air Springs | Multi-Link Front Suspension w/Air Springs | Multi-Link Front Suspension w/Air Springs | Multi-Link Front Suspension w/Air Springs | Multi-Link Front Suspension w/Air Springs |
Meanwhile, below are the braking performance and regenerative braking of the EQS models:
| EQS 580 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450+ SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC Sedan | EQS 450+ Sedan | EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan | |
| Brake | Regenerative 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front And Rear Vented Discs, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake | Regenerative 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front And Rear Vented Discs, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake | Regenerative 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front And Rear Vented Discs, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake | Regenerative 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front And Rear Vented Discs, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake | Regenerative 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front And Rear Vented Discs, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake | Regenerative 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front And Rear Vented Discs, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake |
Range, Charging, and Efficiency
| EQS 580 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450+ SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC Sedan | EQS 450+ Sedan | EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan | |
| EPA-estimated range | – | – | – | – | 350 | 340 |
The EPA EQS450+ has an EPA-estimated range of 350 miles while the EQS580 has 340 miles range.
Meanwhile, below are the charging capabilities of the EQS models:
| EQS 580 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450+ SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC Sedan | EQS 450+ Sedan | EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan | |
| Battery, Charge Time | Lithium Ion Traction Battery w/9.6 kW Onboard Charger, 12.5 Hrs Charge Time @ 220/240V and 108.4 kWh Capacity | Lithium Ion Traction Battery w/9.6 kW Onboard Charger, 12.5 Hrs Charge Time @ 220/240V and 108.4 kWh Capacity | Lithium Ion Traction Battery w/9.6 kW Onboard Charger, 12.5 Hrs Charge Time @ 220/240V and 108.4 kWh Capacity | Lithium Ion Traction Battery w/9.6 kW Onboard Charger, 12.5 Hrs Charge Time @ 220/240V and 108.4 kWh Capacity | Lithium Ion Traction Battery w/9.6 kW Onboard Charger, 12.5 Hrs Charge Time @ 220/240V and 108.4 kWh Capacity | Lithium Ion Traction Battery w/9.6 kW Onboard Charger, 12.5 Hrs Charge Time @ 220/240V and 108.4 kWh Capacity |
Here is also the Fuel Economy and Range of the EQS models:
| EQS 580 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | EQS 450+ SUV | EQS 450 4MATIC Sedan | EQS 450+ Sedan | EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan | |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| CO2 Emissions, 15K mi/year (tons) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Range, city/highway (miles) | N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A |
| EPA Fuel Economy, combined/city/highway (mpg) | N/A / N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A / N/A | N/A / N/A / N/A |
| EPA Fuel Economy Equivalent (for hybrid and electric vehicles), combined/city/highway (MPGe) | NA | NA | NA | NA | 97/ 97 / 97 | 95 / 92 / 99 |
| Fuel Capacity / Gas Tank Size | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Aux Fuel Tank Capacity (gallons) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
For more details, you can access the EPA’s website here.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The EQS has the MBUX infotainment system, which offers the 56-inch-long Hyperscreen. It is an enormous screen that contains the following:
- 12.3-inch gauge cluster
- 17.7-inch central touchscreen
- 12.3-inch passenger-side touchscreen
However, the standard option is a tablet-like display placed at the center console.
The EQS also has a fingerprint scanner to activate the driver’s profile just like in some of the modern laptops. All models also offer 6 USB-C ports.
Furthermore, it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It is also worth noting that the EQS was the first model series from the automaker to enable OTA updates on new vehicle functions.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The EQS has the following safety features:
- Active Steering and Active Lane Change Assist
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- ABS And Driveline Traction Control
- Side Impact Beams
- Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
- eCall Emergency System Emergency Sos
- PARKTRONIC Automated Parking Sensors
- Active Blind Spot Assist Blind Spot
- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
- Active Lane Keeping Assist Lane Keeping Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist Lane Departure Warning
- Aerial View Camera System
- Collision Mitigation-Front
- Driver Monitoring-Alert
- Evasion Assist
- Collision Mitigation-Rear
- Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
- Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
- Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
- Airbag Occupancy Sensor
- Driver And Passenger Knee Airbag
- Rear Child Safety Locks
- Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
- Back-Up Camera
- Front Camera
- Left Side Camera
- Right Side Camera
Reliability, Maintenance and Warranty
Mercedes offers the following warranty for all the EQS models:
- 4 Basic Years / 50,000 Basic Miles
- 4 Drivetrain Years / 50,000 Drivetrain Miles
- 4 Corrosion Years / 50,000 Corrosion Miles
- 4 Roadside Assistance Years / 50,000 Roadside Assistance Miles
- 2 Maintenance Years / 20,000 Maintenance Miles
- 10 years / 155,000 Electrical Component miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Comparison to Competitors
The fundamentals of regular driving dynamics are scarcely present in the EQS. Driving is neither enjoyable nor intriguing.
It has sluggish reflexes, average handling, and a weird brake pedal feel that makes you uneasy. The benchmark for other luxury car manufacturers’ products is the gasoline-powered S-class sedan from Mercedes-Benz. Unfortunately, the EQS EV needs a great deal more polish to take its place among luxury EV sedans.
You could think you received a little too little for a car that costs more than $100,000. Aside from that, the EQS is a desirable alternative because of its interior. Although it officially belongs in a different size category than its Porsche and Tesla closest rivals, the cost is pretty comparable. A lot of typical features are also included.
Variants and Pricing
| EQS450+ | EQS450 4MATIC | EQS580 4MATIC | |
| Price | $105,550 | $108,450 | $127,100 |
The EQS is still worth the investment considering its technologically advanced features and space. It also offers a competitive performance.
Nonetheless, buyers must still check all other options in the market.
