Mercedes-Benz EQS Review: Effortless Luxury And Performance

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Mercedes-Benz produces two flagship sedans—did you know that? Along with the well-known internal combustion S Class, the business also offers the EQS, a brand-new battery EV.

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Although both of these cars offer opulent luxury, their intended markets are distinct. The EQS represents the company’s future with radical design and technology, while the S Class is targeted at the classic Mercedes consumer.

The mid-size EQE sedan, the EQS, and the EQE SUVs will all soon be supported by the new EVA battery-electric platform. The EQS is the flagship model for Mercedes-Benz’ all-electric EQ brand.

Recently, we drove the RWD EQS 450+ for a week and the AWD EQS 580 4Matic and AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ for a day, all in US-spec.

The EQS models have a minimum EPA range of 340 miles and range in horsepower from 329hp (0-60mph in 5.9s) for the EQS 450+ to 649hp (0-60mph in under 3.4s) for the AMG variant (671 km WLTP).

The real-world range of the EQS 450+ appeared to be closer to 385 miles during our week with it, which is a wonderful bonus.

The EQS resembles eggs in most ways, so we hope you like them. Despite being quite aerodynamic (0.20 Cd), the exterior design is very clumsy, especially when compared to the gorgeous EQS Concept from 2019 or the present-day exquisite S Class.

In essence, the front proportions are completely off and remind us more of a front-wheel-drive economy car than a luxury sedan. However, the back is much better organized.

Inside, things are much more interesting. With its high-end materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and best-in-class features, such as quilted, heated, cooled, and massaging front seats, as well as 4-zone climate control with aromatherapy, the EQS oozes luxury. The luxurious, elegant, yet roomy and friendly interior design is Mercedes at its best.

But what really steals the show is the futuristic 56-inch Hyperscreen ($7,000).

The EQS’s secret weapon is rear-wheel steering, which makes this big sedan turn like a small car and increases agility at greater speeds.

When you first experience it, it doesn’t seem like a big problem, but it really makes a difference. Additionally, the EQS is incredibly comfortable on any road thanks to the standard air suspension.

Whatever EQS you choose, there is a ton of power available. Here, the AMG version shines out in terms of both dynamics and performance. It is undoubtedly more sporty than the other models, yet comfort is not compromised.

Driving the EQS is a lot of fun and it’s great for long distances. This experience is further enhanced by Mercedes’ Level 2 ADAS (advanced driving assistance system).

Self-parking, a 360-degree view, LTE connectivity, WiFi hotspot support, OTA (over-the-air) software updates, phone-as-a-key functionality, phone remote control via the “me Connect” app, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi wireless phone charging, internet audio streaming, and the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant are all included with the EQS.

Three independent screens are housed under a huge curved glass panel in the $7000 option known as the Hyperscreen, which is a standard feature on AWD vehicles. The Hyperscreen essentially covers the whole dashboard. It has a very futuristic appearance and responds to touch with haptic feedback.

However, there’s still more. Additionally, the EQS has a sizable color HUD with AR (augmented reality). It is quite useful and surprisingly accurate. A built-in toll payment system, remote parking via a phone app, and V2X (vehicle to everything), which shows traffic light information, are further noteworthy technological features.

Without high-quality audio, no infotainment system is complete, and Mercedes’ 15-speaker Burmester sound system is outstanding. An array of 190 color LEDs that provide adjustable and interactive indoor ambient lighting enhances the sensory experience.

Despite its impressive technology, the EQS is a very well-rounded flagship. While it heralds the future of Mercedes, it also offers seamless luxury, an opulent interior, exceptional workmanship, and a wonderful EV experience for driver and passengers thanks to competitive range and performance.

In other words, and we mean this in the most affectionate of ways, the EQS is the ultimate electric luxo-barge.

In the end, the EQS’s exterior is the one serious flaw. We don’t like the direction Mercedes is going in here, especially when the Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, and Tesla Model S all have better-looking automobiles despite having imperfect designs.

It gets worse when you contrast the EQS with the substantially more enticing internal combustion S Class. The EQS is unquestionably one of the greatest EVs on the market right now if you can get beyond this.

Mercedes EQS price and availability

EQS price from $102,310 (before incentives) / £99,995
Hyperscreen display a $7,000 extra on base model
Three models and three trims

The RWD (single motor) EQS 450+ ($102,310 before incentives) and the AWD (dual motor) EQS 580 4Matic ($119,110 before incentives) are the two EQS models that Mercedes currently offers in the US.

Early in 2022, the AWD (dual motor) AMG EQS 53 4Matic+, a third variant, will be offered (pricing TBD). The EQS 580 4Matic and AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ come standard with the Hyperscreen; the EQS 450+ offers it as an option for $7,000.

Additionally, there are three trim levels for US EQS models: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. Almost all of the comfort aspects mentioned in our two-minute assessment are included in Premium.

Exclusive includes ionizing air filtration, aromatherapy, 4-zone climate control, and massaging front chairs. Consider an executive limo with Pinnacle’s addition of power heated and cooled rear seats, rear Qi wireless phone charging, and rear side-impact airbags.

There are two models available in the UK. The RWD (single motor) EQS 450+ model is available in five trim levels: AMG Line ($99,995), Luxury ($106,995), Exclusive Luxury ($113,995), and AMG Line Premium ($113,995).

Additionally, there are two trim levels for the AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ model: Night Edition and Touring (both £154,995). Australia will receive the AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ in mid-2022 (pricing TBD).

The EQS 450+ we evaluated cost roughly $121,000 when equipped with the Hyperscreen ($7,000), Exclusive trim (+$3,400), and a few options, such as the stunning interior made of Natural Grain Yacht-design Brown Walnut wood ($1,515) and Neva Grey/Biscaya Blue Nappa leather ($4,450).

Mercedes EQS design

Ungainly egg-like exterior
Luxurious and spacious interior
Best-in-class amenities

The EQS has an uneven design. Although the car’s exterior is futuristic and sleek, it looks ungainly and is far different from the beautiful Vision EQS Concept that dazzled us at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Its proportions are peculiar, especially up front. The EQS has an unsuitable exterior design for a large luxury sedan, seeming more like a FWD economy car with its forward-leaning A pillars, short hood, high cowl, and front quarter windows.

The egg-like shape is at least very aerodynamically efficient, with a coefficient of drag (Cd) for the EQS 450+ and 580 4Matic of just 0.20 and 0.23 for the AMG EQS 53 4Matic+.

It’s interesting that the EQS has a power retractable panoramic sunroof (and power sunshade), something most electric vehicles do not have and which Tesla provided on the Model S for several years before removing the option in 2018.

In several ways, the EQS is more similar to the Tesla Model S than the S Class, such as the frameless windows and flush, motorized, slide-out door handles. Additionally, despite being a hatchback, it lacks a frunk.

The hood doesn’t even open, in fact. Instead, a tiny rectangular panel that can be opened in the front left fender to fill it with windshield wiper fluid is there. Since this car costs over $100,000, it is not very elegant.

Much more pleasant interior design is present. The EQS is incredibly high-tech in addition to being extremely elegant and roomy inside. The 56-inch Hyperscreen is an option for the EQS 450+ and comes standard on AWD variants for $7,000.

It dominates the dashboard and serves as the focal point of this futuristic environment. But unlike the Lucid Air, which combines elegance and minimalism, the EQS gives the Mercedes S Class interior a contemporary makeover.

For instance, the Exclusive trim that we tested is brimming with first-rate features, such as 4-zone climate control, air quality monitoring, ionizing air purification, and aromatherapy. The front seats are also quilted, heated, cooled, and massaged, and come with headrest cushions.

The EQS features premium materials like Nappa leather, open-pore wood, and machined aluminum, all of which contribute to its exquisite build quality and craftsmanship. Even just the window switches are exquisite.

There isn’t a trunk, which is unfortunate, but there is plenty of storage space in the trunk, which can hold up to 63 cubic feet (1770 liters) of cargo when the 40/60 split rear seats are folded down and 22 cubic feet (610 liters) when they aren’t.

In addition to a small glove box, the center console has several storage compartments. Some versions (like the AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ we drove) come with soft-close doors, and some trims even have doors that automatically open and close.

Mercedes EQS drive, range and charging

Comfort meets performance
Generous range
Sporty AMG version

The EQS 450+ goes from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds) and has an EPA range of 350 miles (768 km WLTP) thanks to a single motor in the back.

The 516hp dual-motor EQS 580 4Matic obtains an EPA range of 340 miles and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds) (671km WLTP).

The 649 horsepower AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ doesn’t yet have an official EPA range, but it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in under 3.4 seconds.

Each of the three versions has a sizable 107.8kWh battery and supports Level 2 AC charging at up to 9.6kW and DC fast charging at up to 200kW (10-80% in 31 minutes) (for a full charge in about 10 hours at 240V 40A).

We used a 150kW Electrify America station in San Francisco’s Mission area to DC fast charge the EQS for around 25 minutes (between 37 and 80 percent), and the charging rate peaked at 138kW.

We only had a chance to drive the EQS 580 4Matic and AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ for a short period of time, so we are unable to comment on their range, but the EQS 450+’s range during our week with it was roughly 10% greater than the EPA’s 350-mile rating, even with aggressive driving.

Mercedes seems to be being cautious with the EQS’s indicated range, if anything. This is very positive and solidifies the EQS as the best long-distance cruiser.

The EQS offers two years of free charging on the Electrify America network in the US for up to 30 minutes per session with smooth plug-and-charge support.

A Mercedes-branded NFC tag is also included with the vehicle for usage with the charging infrastructure of ChargePoint. The charging network aggregation is known by Mercedes as “me Charge.” It interacts with the charging infrastructure of Ionity throughout Europe.

Given the EQS’s size and lengthy wheelbase, rear-wheel steering is a standard feature, with US models offering up to 10 degrees of turn (9 degrees on the AMG version). At both low and high speeds, maneuverability is significantly improved.

The EQS is incredibly comfortable thanks to the standard air suspension, which also helps reduce the already outstanding drag coefficient by automatically decreasing the ride height at higher speeds.

The EQS is not a slouch when it comes to performance. The AWD 580 4Matic and AMG version feel like rocket ships, easily matching the punch we experienced with the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (AWD) with Acceleration Boost, while acceleration is swift on the RWD EQS 450+.

The EQS handles surprisingly well for a 5,600-pound (2450-kg) car, despite the fact that it is obviously tuned more for comfort. The riding quality is undoubtedly excellent.

Like other modern automobiles, the EQS has a light and unresponsive steering system, but in Sport mode, both the steering and dampers stiffen up a bit.

Regen and hydraulic brakes are combined in the EQS in a manner that is rather seamless and is similar to that of the Porsche Taycan. It even has four levels of regen, low, medium, high, and automated, which are selected using steering wheel paddles (which enables one-pedal driving).

With superior steering feel and, in Sport and Sport+ modes, a somewhat stiffer, more communicative suspension, the AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ unquestionably has a sportier feel than the other two variants.

Additionally, it may be ordered with optional carbon-ceramic brakes for the strongest possible stopping force as well as AMG-specific motor and battery design changes. The AMG variant is now an even more fun and capable EV as a result of these upgrades.

If there is one complaint we have about driving the EQS, it is the high cowl, which limits forward view somewhat. However, this issue is readily resolved by moving the seats and steering wheel, provided you don’t mind having a little higher seating position with less headroom.

The quilted, heated, cooled, and massaging front seats are excellent in terms of comfort and flexibility, though, and the rear view is decent (lumbar and side bolsters).

Overall, driving the EQS is always enjoyable, especially on longer journeys. Additionally, Mercedes’ Level 2 ADAS (advanced driving assistance system) astonished us with its proficiency. It seemed exactly as reliable as Tesla’s Autopilot and was unquestionably more refined than most of the competition.

Naturally, the EQS also comes with a full complement of driving aid and safety systems.

Mercedes EQS specs and tech

Futuristic 56-inch Hyperscreen
Infotainment on steroids
Forward-looking tech

The EQS is completely technological. A large color HUD (heads-up display) that uses augmented reality to draw arrows and other navigation directions directly on top of the world in front of you makes it much easier to know if you’re taking the right exit or moving into the right lane. This feature is available in addition to self-parking and the standard 360-degree view.

It’s brilliant, but it’s only accessible when using the built-in navigation, not Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

However, despite the fact that the EQS supports both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, we actually preferred using Mercedes’ Hyperscreen-based infotainment system most of the time.

It has a ton of features, including built-in dashcam, LTE connectivity, WiFi hotspot support, V2X (vehicle to everything) integration, and even a toll payment system.

V2X is particularly intriguing since it enables wireless and cellular (LTE and 5G) communication between the car and numerous other objects, such as road infrastructure.

For instance, in San Francisco, the EQS detects traffic light information (TLI) automatically at the majority of intersections and shows a countdown timer in the instrument cluster. However, similar technology can also be utilized to alert vehicles, for instance, of impending work zones.

The EQS’s tech arsenal includes biometrics as well. Voice, fingerprint, and face recognition are all supported forms of identification. This makes it possible to change driver profiles and, in the future, to accept payments in-car.

Unfortunately, the fingerprint sensor can easily be mistakenly brushed with your arm or hand because it is in the middle console. You must dismiss a warning notice that appears on the Hyperscreen as a result of this.

In relation to the Hyperscreen, it appears very futuristic, especially at night. In reality, it consists of three independent displays that are joined to a single enormous curved glass panel: a 12.3-inch driver’s instrument panel, a 17.7-inch center touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger’s touchscreen.

There are numerous fascinating use cases made possible by the fact that both touchscreens have haptic feedback and each run a distinct instance of the infotainment system.

For instance, while navigation is running on the center display and music from the driver’s phone is playing over the excellent 15-speaker Burmester sound system in the EQS, the front passenger can browse the web on their screen and listen to SiriusXM satellite radio over Bluetooth headphones.

While the driver chooses a different seat massage program on the center display, the front passenger can alter the four-zone climate control on their screen.

Oh, and the Burmester audio equipment is superb. The typical audio sources are supported, including Bluetooth, USB, AM/FM terrestrial radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and internet radio. It also sounds fantastic.

The Equalizer Matrix, however, is the best feature since it allows you to choose your preferred EQ setting from a selection of 121 presets that are arranged in a square with the words “bass,” “intense,” “speech,” and “bright” at the corners.

The EQS supports audio streaming from Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Tidal when it comes to music services.

However, unlike Tesla vehicles, it does not support video streaming, so you cannot use the Hyperscreen to watch Netflix while it is charging. Bummer. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant, which allows you manage everything from the cabin temperature to the ambient light hue, has the advantage of being able to distinguish between the front passenger and driver.

Another area where the EQS excels is in lighting (pun intended). The tail lights feature a distinctive 3D helix design and adaptable matrix headlights.

With over 190 sequential LEDs that display 64 colors and cover the entire cabin, the interior illumination is stunning. These LEDs offer visual feedback for the voice assistant, numerous safety measures, ambient lighting, and more.

In the event that you don’t hear the internal combustion growl, the EQS additionally offers auditory input. Although it’s done beautifully, we quickly turned it off because, especially with EVs, artificial sounds are useless. Just savor the silence as you repeatedly leave everyone in the dust as you glide comfortably.

And you’ll be doing this a lot with the EQS. On the AMG version, the artificial sounds can’t be entirely turned off.

The “me Connect” smartphone software from Mercedes offers both phone-as-key capabilities and the standard vehicle remote control features, such as remote parking.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the EQS supports OTA (over-the-air) software updates. Oh, and while we’re talking about charging for electric vehicles, have I already mentioned the Qi wireless charging pad and the six USB Type-C ports? Wow, that’s a lot of technology in one vehicle.