Operating an EQS brings about numerous eureka moments intertwined with bouts of bewilderment. It seems unlikely that we'll be reverting to our old ways, though.
The future presents formidable challenges. No one understands this better than Mercedes-Benz. As a German automaker, they have established themselves as pioneers at the forefront of automotive technology, setting trends that become standard features in ordinary vehicles over the next decade or two. From antilock brakes to electronic stability control systems, and even supercharged engines—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. Guess wrong, though, and you could end up burdened with perplexing, untested technology and considerable wasted resources.
No vehicle embodies this quite like the Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan. Praised as the vanguard of the electrified age, it debuted with lukewarm reception and poor sales figures. Recognizing this, Mercedes is shifting focus away from the oval-shaped 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 isn’t a separate model like this one.
However, the EQS has arrived now, and Available for purchase with just a tune on the secondary market as well. . 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. Upon arrival, it was completely charged.)
Mercedes EQS: Driving Experience
Step into any electric vehicle (EV), and you'll understand why luxury carmakers invested heavily and early in this technology. The electric powertrain offers effortless, quiet travel that traditional engines struggle to match. Although the S-Class' inline-six and V8 engine choices are impressively smooth, they fall short compared to the exceptionally refined drivetrain of the EQS.
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 delivered 355 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque via its solo motor setup. In comparison, the all-wheel-drive variant generates identical horsepower with 590 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers may not seem extraordinary for today’s high-performance standards, keep in mind that electric vehicles do not produce audible signs of exertion from their drivetrains during operation.
A gasoline engine with 335 horsepower might struggle to propel the 5,500-pound EQS. However, the electric motors face no such issues. Given that using a luxury vehicle like this isn’t typically for rapid acceleration, its 5.9-second zero-to-sixty time is sufficiently fast; thus, your personal comfort rather than the performance of the motor will likely set the limit on how quickly you can go.
Mercedes refreshed the EQS for 2025 with a new grill designed to echo its gas-powered models. Although I tested the 2024 version, this review also covers the modifications introduced in 2025.
For those seeking additional horsepower, consider the EQS 580 which delivers 516 hp and 611 lb-ft of torque. If you're inclined towards excess, the outrageous AMG EQS Sedan offers a staggering 649 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. However, since I found ample power with the standard model priced at $117,375 for the EQS 450+, investing more for higher-power variants seems unnecessary. Even the entry-level engine provides a remarkable experience.
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 when it came to ensuring it handled as smoothly as an S-Class should. The brand’s hallmark smoothness is primarily why I would suggest opting for one. In comparison, the latest gasoline-driven S-Class offers the most comfortable ride experience outside of owning a Rolls-Royce.
Mercedes EQS 450+ review
Mercedes EQS 450+ review
Mercedes EQS 450+ review
The EQS doesn't fall short in 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 suspension technology cannot fully compensate for its substantial mass. The vehicle tends to roll over hills and crash heavily into dips. Although these descriptions might seem severe—considering it still provides a smoother ride compared to most cars—the pursuit of absolute road excellence will remain unfulfilled with this model. Therefore, our initial cautionary message from the specter of future Mercedes models advises us: As we strive towards innovation, let’s remember the foundation upon which past successes were built.
I agree that the German automakers' hesitation to provide an authentic one-pedal driving mode seems odd, particularly since they often present "adjustable" features that nearly achieve this capability without fully delivering. For instance, in the EQS, you can increase regeneration significantly, making it feel akin to single-pedal operation; however, the vehicle won't halt entirely by itself. This inconsistency undermines their efforts. They should either commit wholeheartedly to full one-pedal functionality or avoid such halfway measures altogether.
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 Cybertruck Utilizing its notably assertive rear-wheel steering, the vehicle enables a massive pickup equipped with 35-inch tires and poor wheel clearance to achieve just adequate maneuverability. This technology from Mercedes transforms how such large trucks navigate through parking areas as smoothly as smaller cars do. Executing U-turns on typical urban roads poses no challenge either. However, adapting my driving habits proved somewhat tricky at first; I often ended up making turns sharper than necessary and had to make corrections accordingly. It's encouraging though—such advanced tech forces you to readjust your spatial awareness.
Mercedes EQS: Mileage, Power Capacity, and Recorded Energy Use
Every 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan comes equipped with an 118-kWh battery, providing up to 390 miles (628 km) 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 352-mile (566 km) range. In my view, this figure represents the ideal balance.
Below are the range details for the other trims in 2025:
- EQS 450 4Matic: Up to 367 miles (590 km) range
- EQS 580 4Matic: Up to 371 miles (591 km)
- AMG EQS: Up to 316 miles (509 km) of range
These numbers are impressive and demonstrate that Mercedes is committed to providing the extended-range electric vehicles that American luxury car purchasers desire. During my test drive involving both highway and city travel, I noted an energy efficiency of 2.9 miles per kilowatt-hour, which suggests a practical range of approximately 342 miles under normal conditions. This performance stands out particularly because the journey also involved transporting five people plus their golf equipment in three clubbags.
Mercedes EQS: Charging Experience
Regrettably,charger-related problems prevented me from accurately measuring the 10-80% charge time for the EQS. However, I observed charging rates very near Mercedes' advertised peak of 200 kW. Additionally, selecting a charger via the nav menu caused the vehicle to pre-condition the battery for rapid charging autonomously. Another notable aspect was the sustained high charging speed; even up to about 65%, the EQS maintained an impressive 137 kW draw, placing it well within typical parameters for a 400-volt setup.
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 options available 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 seconds. —however, I find this performance quite satisfactory.
Mercedes EQS: Interior
Here is where taste significantly comes into play. The interior quality of the Mercedes EQS Sedan remains impeccable. They use high-quality materials and generally do an excellent job with the design. However, the traditional combination of leather and wood has been replaced by extensive use of black plastic within the EQS model. This shift is largely due to their emphasis on incorporating the expansive "Hyperscreen," which features a continuous end-to-end screen setup consisting of three individual displays.
It's impressive, yet that essentially encapsulates everything worth noticing inside. The most prominent piece of wood within the cabin conceals the cup holders and wireless charging station. Considering this space will likely serve as storage for your keys and smartphone, you may never even lay eyes on the wooden surface. Consequently, much of the interior consists of glossy black finishes and areas occupied by screens.
If you're looking for a vehicle that impresses with cutting-edge technology, this model won't disappoint. However, those anticipating the classic luxurious feel inside like an older Mercedes might be let down. Mercedes is fully committed to incorporating displays, voice control, and advanced technology into their vehicles. This strategic direction shows no signs of changing anytime soon. The seating remains excellent; however, the driving posture can feel somewhat uncomfortable because of the car's elevated waist line and unusual dimensions.
Technology, Infotainment & UX
Mercedes believes that technology is the future. That’s why when it built the EQS, it basically bet on all of them at once. It has the expected massaging seats and high-end Burmester stereo. But it also has Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos Support (this rocks). It can vibrate your seats along to the music. It has a conversational voice assistant that can turn all of these features on, and provide you with restaurant recommendations along the route.
The system includes a web browser for video streaming. There’s also "augmented reality" navigation, which superimposes directional arrows over live footage captured at the vehicle's front, potentially diverting your attention significantly. The infotainment features include native music streaming alongside compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto. Essentially, it presents an array of choices akin to a Cheesecake Factory menu displayed across a large 17.7-inch central display, complemented by two additional 12.3-inch screens on either side.
In summary, it’s overly complex for my liking. Despite the system being extremely fast and reliable, I often felt confused by all the menus and options available. Additionally, I was disappointed with the performance of the voice assistant. It repeatedly asks "How may I help you?" which disrupts the user's input and provides only a brief moment to state one's request. Furthermore, it frequently failed to understand even simple commands.
Technologically adept owners will ultimately get the hang of it. However, being 27, I am roughly three decades younger than the typical purchaser of a $100,000 luxury sedan, which left me feeling somewhat daunted.
The EQS has reliable onboard navigation that supports route planning for extended journeys.
This comes down to personal preference. For quite some time, I've believed that luxury doesn't merely involve adding features; it also requires thoughtful reduction. Providing an extensive array of options isn't as beneficial as delivering a cohesive software experience where each element feels purposeful throughout all menus. This is something both Tesla and Rivian excel at, placing them ahead of Mercedes in my view. On their end, Mercedes offers over-the-air updates similar to these competitors and has introduced ChatGPT integration along with forthcoming "conversational navigation" powered by Google Gemini. However, considering Mercedes' history of consistently introducing new add-ons over the past twenty years, I sincerely wish the upcoming version of MB.OS would focus more on streamlining rather than expanding functionalities.
Safety & ADAS
At this point, Mercedes performs much better. The EQS includes an excellent highway driving assistance feature along with a comprehensive set of advanced driver support systems. This lane management system can manage steering, braking, and acceleration entirely, including making automatic lane changes to bypass vehicles moving more slowly.
I appreciated the car's adherence to Germany's disciplined driving style, quickly returning to the proper lane after overtaking. However, it frequently switched lanes on California's congested, high-speed five-lane highways. The vehicle emits an alert to notify you about these maneuvers, which interrupts the music playback. After a few instances, I found myself growing weary as my four-minute tracks were disrupted multiple times during each journey. Nonetheless, having such alerts seems essential because they ensure safety, making them likely worth the inconvenience. To enjoy a calmer drive, I would personally disable the automatic lane-changing feature.
Currently, Mercedes provides the sole genuine hands-free driving system in an American-made vehicle, though this feature is limited to cars in 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 terminology, these systems surpass Level 2 technologies such as Tesla Autopilot and General Motors Super Cruise, both of which necessitate constant attention. However, this capability has limitations; drivers may remove their hands and gaze from the steering wheel solely when they're caught in low-speed traffic, up to 40 mph, on predefined highways in 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
The starting price for the Mercedes EQS 450+, which includes the destination fee, is $105,550. Similar to most German vehicles, adding extras can significantly increase the final cost, despite the basic model being fairly well-appointed. The test vehicle I had, priced at $117,375, lacked a heated steering wheel; the Mercedes voice assistant informed me gently when I requested she activate it. This seems odd since such feature comes standard on the Chevrolet Blazer EV. However, high-end models like these typically do not include many features as part of their standard package.
Among the additional choices available for my test vehicle were the $2,150 Exclusive package which features massage functions for the front seats, MBUX "Interior Assistant," and four-zone automatic climate control. There was also an optional perfume distribution system priced at $450.
The starting price for the AWD EQS 450 4Matic is $108,550. The base model of the EQS 580 has an initial cost of $128,500, with the top-tier AMG EQS Sedan priced at $148,700.
Mercedes EQS: Verdict
With the EQS Sedan, Mercedes took a gamble, betting that it could leverage the shift to electric vehicles as an opportunity to redefine itself—not merely as a tech pioneer but entirely through technological innovation. If you examine the resale value of pre-owned EQS models, you'll understand how effectively they achieved this. Vehicles priced between $100,000 and $150,000 when new can often be purchased after two years for around $45,000.
The market weighed in, and what it said about these cars wasn't particularly flattering. However, this judgment might be somewhat harsh. The EQS is indeed a fairly dependable vehicle, yet it seems to lack clear direction. As an electric vehicle, it holds up well enough, though it doesn’t excel among its peers. In terms of luxury, it measures up decently but falls short compared to the S-Class within the Mercedes lineup, which offers a significantly smoother driving experience. Additionally, although it serves as an intriguing display of technology, it comes from a brand that hasn’t quite matched the seamless integration found in fully software-driven vehicles.
Above all, it serves as a testing ground. Certain aspects function well: the impressive spatial audio system, the responsive display, the seamless powertrain, and decent range. However, some elements fall short: the ungainly design, the mediocre ride quality, and the overwhelming abundance of features which can be quite intrusive.
This was an experimental move. When Mercedes entered this market with full force, they seemed to absorb numerous lessons swiftly. While their output wasn't entirely unified or captivating, one must commend them for boldly diving completely into electric vehicles when most car manufacturers are proceeding cautiously.
Although it didn't yield returns this time, over an extended period, markets reward 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 |