Operating an EQS is filled with instances of sudden understanding alongside periods of complete bewilderment. I doubt we'll be reverting to our old ways, though.
Operating in the future can be quite challenging. No one understands this better than Mercedes-Benz. This German firm has established itself as a pioneer in automotive technology, setting trends that will likely become standard features in ordinary vehicles over the next decade or two. From antilock braking systems to electronic stability controls and superchargers—their innovations span an extensive range.
However, this method carries significant risks. Get it right, and you'll become the trailblazer who revolutionized the industry. But get it wrong, and you could end up burdened with perplexing, untested technology and considerable wasted resources.
No car embodies this quite like the Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan. Praised as the pioneer of the electric age, it debuted with lukewarm reception and poor sales figures. Recognizing this, Mercedes is shifting focus away from the oval-like aesthetics. ditching the EQ names And moving forward with hybrid alternatives. The upcoming electric S-Class will indeed be one of those— an electric S-Class In terms of both name and appearance, it’s not a separate standalone model like this one.
However, the EQS has arrived now, and Available as a bargain on the second-hand market too. . It also got a light facelift for 2025, with a slightly more traditional front-end faux grille and a bigger battery for more range. Let’s look at what it gets right and what it gets wrong about the future.
(Transparency Note: Mercedes provided me with a 2024 EQS for a week to use during this evaluation. The vehicle was delivered to me with a full charge.)
Mercedes EQS: Driving Experience
Step into any electric vehicle (EV), and it becomes clear why high-end car manufacturers have placed such significant bets on this technology from the outset. The advantages of an electric powertrain include effortless and quiet driving experiences. While the S-Class' inline-six and V8 engines offer delightful smoothness, they fall short compared to the exceptional refinement of the EQS' drive system.
The EQS offers four variants: 450+ rear-wheel drive, 450 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and 580 AWD. AMG AWD. The EQS 450+ model I tested produced 355 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque via its solo motor setup. In comparison, the all-wheel-drive variant delivers identical horsepower along with increased torque at 590 lb-ft. While these figures might not stand out among today’s high-performance vehicles, one notable aspect about electric cars like this is their silent operation—there's no audible effort from the drivetrain even under heavy load.
A gasoline engine with 335 horsepower would struggle to propel the 5,500-pound EQS. However, the electric motors face no such issues. Given that luxury vehicles like this aren’t typically used for drag races, its acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds is sufficiently fast; your personal comfort, rather than the performance of the engine, will likely determine how quickly you travel.
Mercedes refreshed the EQS for 2025 by redesigning the grille to resemble its gas-powered models. Although I tested the 2024 version, this review also covers the modifications introduced in the 2025 update.
For those seeking additional horsepower, the EQS 580 could be more appealing as it delivers 516hp and 611lb-ft of torque. If you're inclined towards extravagance, consider the outrageous AMG EQS Sedan with its impressive output of 649hp and 700lb-ft of torque. However, since I found ample power even from the standard model and considering the substantial starting cost of $117,375 for theEQS 450+, investing further in higher-power variants seems unnecessary. In fact, the basic configuration was thoroughly enjoyable.
Choosing electric power turned out to be a wise decision. However, by providing a vehicle with increased mass, altered weight distribution, and a sophisticated rear-wheel steering system, Mercedes seemingly missed the mark on delivering the smooth ride characteristic of an S-Class. The exceptional comfort level remains the primary factor that would lead me to endorse this model. In comparison, the latest gasoline-driven S-Class offers the most comfortable drive experience outside of a Rolls-Royce.
Mercedes EQS 450+ review
Mercedes EQS 450+ review
Mercedes EQS 450+ review
The EQS doesn’t fall short on comfort; it remains an excellent choice for long drives on highways. However, navigating through city streets and traversing small bumps reveals that even advanced air suspensions cannot mask its heaviness. The vehicle feels ponderous when crossing hills and lacks agility when settling into dips. While these comments might seem severe—the ride quality still surpasses most cars—those seeking flawless handling will not find their ideal match with this model. Hence, our initial caution from the Ghost of Mercedes Future: As you pursue innovation, remember your roots.
I agree with the notion that German manufacturers' hesitance to provide an authentic one-pedal drive feature seems odd, particularly since they frequently present "customizable" settings that nearly achieve this functionality without fully delivering it. For instance, in the EQS, you have the option to intensify regenerative braking until it closely mimics single-pedal operation; however, the vehicle won't halt entirely by itself. This inconsistency defeats the purpose. If they're going to implement such a system, they should do it properly rather than settling for incomplete solutions.
Don't assume that all this new chassis technology goes to waste. Mercedes introduced a rear-wheel-steering system in the EQS that significantly outperforms similar systems from competitors. While a Cybertruck Leveraging its notably assertive rear-wheel steering, Mercedes' system enables a massive pickup truck equipped with sizable 35-inch tires and poor wheel clearance to achieve a reasonably adequate turning radius. This technology transforms maneuvering through parking lots into an experience akin to driving a compact vehicle. Executing U-turns on typical urban roads poses no challenge either. However, the sole difficulty lies in acclimating oneself; initially, my mind struggled to adapt, causing me to execute parking maneuvers too sharply and requiring frequent corrections. This outcome signifies success: such advanced tech forces you to readjust your perceptions.
Mercedes EQS: Driving Range, Battery Capacity, and Real-World Efficiency
Every 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan comes equipped with an 118 kWh battery, providing up to 390 miles (628 kilometers) of range for the EQS 450+ variant. Although this might fall short compared to vehicles like the Lucid Air or Tesla Model S, it still outperforms much of its traditional rivals. The one I tested featured larger wheels and was actually a 2024 model sporting a smaller, earlier version of the battery, which resulted in a range of 352 miles (566 kilometers). In my view, that figure represents just about the perfect balance.
Below are the range details for the other trims in 2025:
- EQS 450 4Matic: Up to 367 miles (590 km)
- EQS 580 4Matic: Up to 371 miles (591 km)
- AMG EQS: Up to 316 miles (509 km) of range
All of those figures are respectable and show that Mercedes is serious about offering the sort of long-range EVs American luxury buyers demand. I observed efficiency of 2.9 miles per kWh in mixed highway and around-town driving, giving me a projected real-world range of around 342 miles. That’s pretty solid given that my driving included a golf trip with five passengers and three bags of clubs.
Mercedes EQS: Charging Experience
Regrettably,charger-related problems prevented me from accurately measuring the 10-80% charge time for the EQS. However, I did observe charging rates approaching Mercedes' advertised peak of 200 kW. Notably, selecting a charger via the vehicle’s nav system triggered automatic pre-conditioning of the battery for rapid charging. Additionally, the EQS maintained impressively high charging speeds; it sustained approximately 137 kW even up to about 65%, which is quite commendable within typical 400-volt systems.
Mercedes states that the EQS Sedan can charge from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes. From my observation, this seems credible. However, there are definitely quicker-charging vehicles within its segment. A Porsche Taycan can accelerate from 10% to 80% battery charge in approximately 16 minutes. , and a The Lucid Air can achieve this in 20. —however, I find this performance satisfactory enough.
Mercedes EQS: Interior
Here is where taste plays a significant role. The interior quality of the Mercedes EQS Sedan stands out as exceptional. They use high-quality materials and do an adequate job with the decor. However, the traditional combination of leather and wood has been replaced by extensive use of black plastic in the EQS model. This change reflects their emphasis on the large "Hyperscreen," which features a continuous pillar-to-pillar display consisting of three individual screens.
It's impressive, yet that pretty much sums up what you get to view. The largest piece of timber within the cabin serves as the cover for the cup holders and wireless charging station. Considering this space will likely house your keys and smartphone, you might never even notice the wooden design. Consequently, the majority of the interior consists of glossy black accents and areas occupied by screens.
If you're looking for a vehicle that impresses with cutting-edge technology, this model delivers exactly what you desire. However, those anticipating the traditional luxurious cabin reminiscent of earlier Mercedes models might feel letdown. The brand commits entirely to displays, voice control systems, and advanced technologies; they show no signs of reversing course. Fortunately, the seating remains top-notch despite some discomfort from an oddly positioned driving seat caused by the elevated waist line and unusual design dimensions.
Technology, Infotainment & UX
Mercedes thinks that technology holds the key to the future. For this reason, they developed the EQS by incorporating every advanced feature available. The car comes equipped with standard amenities like massage seats and premium Burmester audio systems. Additionally, it includes cutting-edge technologies such as Spatial Sound and Dolby Atmos support (which is impressive). These allow for vibrations synchronized with the soundtrack. Furthermore, an interactive voice assistant manages these functions and even suggests dining options during trips.
The device includes a web browser suitable for streaming videos. Additionally, it features "augmented reality" navigation, which superimposes directional indicators over video footage captured by cameras at the vehicle’s front, potentially causing significant distraction. Music streaming comes pre-installed, yet it also supports CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Essentially, this system presents an extensive array of choices akin to a Cheesecake Factory menu displayed across a large 17.7-inch display, complemented by dual 12.3-inch screens positioned alongside.
In summary, it’s overly complex for my taste. Despite the system being very speedy and reliable, I often felt confused by all the menus and options available. Additionally, the voice assistant wasn’t satisfactory. It always starts with "How may I help you?" which disrupts whatever you were trying to say and only allows a brief moment to state your request. Surprisingly, it frequently failed as well.
Tech-savvy owners will ultimately get the hang of it. However, being only 27 years old, I am roughly three decades younger than the typical buyer for a luxury car priced around $100,000, which left me feeling quite daunted.
The EQS has reliable onboard navigation that supports route planning for extended journeys.
It comes down to personal preference. For quite some time, I've believed that luxury doesn't merely involve adding features; it also requires selective removal. Providing an extensive list of options isn't as beneficial as delivering a cohesive software experience where each element seems purposeful throughout all menus. This approach is exemplified by Tesla and Rivian, which I believe still lead the way compared to Mercedes. Although Mercedes offers over-the-air updates similar to these competitors, they have recently introduced ChatGPT integration along with "conversational navigation" powered by Google Gemini. However, considering their history of continuously introducing new elements over the past twenty years, I genuinely hope the upcoming version of MB.OS will take a more minimalist path.
Safety & ADAS
At this point, Mercedes performs much better. The EQS features an excellent highway driving assistant along with a comprehensive set of advanced driver assistance systems. This lane management system can take complete control of steering, braking, and acceleration, including making automatic lane changes to overtake slower vehicles.
I appreciated the car's adherence to Germany's disciplined driving style, quickly returning to the correct lane after overtaking. However, it frequently switched lanes on California's congested, high-speed five-lane highways. The vehicle would sound alerts to notify me of these maneuvers, which often disrupted my music playback. After a few instances where four-minute songs were interrupted half a dozen times, I started feeling somewhat annoyed. Nonetheless, having the system draw attention prior to making a lane change seems essential, thus this interruption might be considered an acceptable compromise. To enjoy a smoother ride, I'd personally disable the automatic lane adjustments.
Currently, Mercedes provides the sole genuine hands-free driving system in an American-made vehicle, though this feature is limited to just Nevada and California. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to test it out.
The EQS also provides Mercedes Drive Pilot. The sole driver assistance system permitted in the U.S., allowing drivers to look away from the road under particular conditions. Known as "Level 3" according to SAE standards, these systems surpass Level 2 technologies such as Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise, both of which demand constant attention. However, this capability has limitations: It applies exclusively when driving at speeds below 40 mph during congested conditions on predefined highways in states like California and Nevada.
The press vehicle I used lacked Drive Pilot, and regardless of repeated efforts, I've never had the chance to experience this technology firsthand in actual driving conditions.
Mercedes EQS: Pricing
Pricing for the Mercedes EQS 450+ starts at $105,550 including the destination charge. Like all German cars, you’re going to end up spending a lot on options, even if the base EQS is reasonably well-equipped. My $117,375 tester didn’t have a heated steering wheel, as the Mercedes voice assistant politely told me when I asked her to turn it on. That’s silly considering it came standard on my Chevy Blazer EV, but cars in this segment have never been generous with standard kit.
Other notable options on my tester include the $2,150 Exclusive trim that includes massaging front seats, the MBUX “Interior Assistant” and four-zone climate control. The car’s perfuming system was a $450 option, too.
The starting price for the AWD EQS 450 4Matic is $108,550. The EQS 580 has an initial cost of $128,500, while the top-of-the-line AMG EQS Sedan retails for $148,700.
Mercedes EQS: Verdict
With the EQS Sedan, Mercedes took a gamble, viewing the shift to electric vehicles as an opportunity to redefine itself—not merely as a technological frontrunner but entirely through innovation. Examining the resale value of pre-owned EQS models reveals the success of this strategy. You might find two-year-old examples of this luxury vehicle, originally priced between $100,000 and $150,000, now available for around $45,000.
The market has delivered its verdict, which wasn't particularly favorable regarding these automobiles. However, this assessment might be somewhat harsh. The EQS is indeed a fairly dependable vehicle but seems to lack clear direction. As an electric vehicle, it holds up well yet doesn’t lead the pack within its category. In terms of luxury, it performs adequately; however, it falls short compared to the S-Class when it comes to refinement. Additionally, although it serves as an intriguing technological display, it originates from a brand that hasn’t quite achieved the seamless user experience offered by fully software-driven models.
Above all, it serves as a testing ground. Several aspects function well: the impressive spatial audio system, the responsive display, the seamless powertrain, and the decent range. However, some elements fall short: the ungainly design, the unremarkable comfort during rides, and the overwhelming presence of its extensive feature set.
This was an experimental move. Mercedes dived straight into this new market and appears to have absorbed numerous lessons swiftly. While the brand didn’t create a unified, captivating offering, it deserves recognition for taking such a daring approach at a time when most car manufacturers are proceeding with extreme caution toward electric vehicles. In essence, they deserve commendation for their audacity in fully committing themselves.
While it didn’t yield returns this time, over an extended period, the market compensates businesses bold enough to embrace genuine risks.
Contact the author: Mack.Hogan@insideevs.com .
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| 2024 Mercedes EQS 450+ Sedan | |
| Base Price | $105,550 |
| As-Tested Price | $117,375 |
| EV Range | 352 miles |
| Battery | 108 kWh (net) |
| Drive Type | rear-wheel drive |
| Output | 355 horsepower |
| Maximum torque | 419 lb-ft |
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