Overview
The primary discussions around gas-powered vehicles often concern aspects of driving—acceleration, cabin noise, or ride quality, for instance. The primary discussions around electric vehicles generally focus on their array of features—how many screens, how many apps, how connected they can be to the rest of your digital life. The Mercedes-Benz EQS electric luxury sedan is one of the best demonstrations of that difference, a mobile digital living room that is far more interesting to experience than to drive. The instrument panel is 56 inches of glass-panel Hyperscreen. The navigation system overlays arrows onto live video of a route so that drivers know exactly which lane to be in and which turn to take. There are wireless charging pads for front and rear passengers and six USB ports, a fingerprint-recognition system, content-streaming capability for the various in-cabin screens, and much, much more. And all of this extensive tech comes on top of the opulence implied by any S-Class sedan, from ventilated front seats to heated rear seats with matching pillows, plus gorgeous cabin materials and superb build quality throughout. Unfortunately, Mercedes skimped on the basics of everyday driving dynamics. The EQS is neither pleasing nor engaging to pilot thanks to syrupy responses, unremarkable handling and odd brake-pedal feel—an ailment that Mercedes claims it’s addressed with a new brake system for 2024.
What’s New for 2024?
Mercedes designed an all-new braking system with new regenerative software for the 2024 EQS, which the company says delivers more confident brake feel. If that proves true, it eliminates one of the major drawbacks we experienced in our time with last year’s EQS. Several other new features aim to improve efficiency and range. An updated battery chemistry produces increased energy density, resulting in more energy for the same battery size. The all-wheel drive system adopts Intelligent Disconnect, a feature that disengages the front motor to reduce powertrain drag and improve range. Another range-boosting feature is the standard heat pump, drawing heat off the drivetrain components to heat the cabin. Having a heat pump means the sedan’s main propulsion battery doesn’t need to power the cabin heating system, leaving it more energy for the motors. Performance and comfort changes start with more powerful motors. The EQS450+ gets six more horsepower and two more pound-feet of torque, peak outputs reaching 335 horsepower and 419 pound-feet. The EQS580 4MATIC gets 20 more horses and two more pound-feet, its motors maxing out at 536 horsepower and 633 pound-feet. Inside, front occupants now enjoy the impressive wall-to-wall MBUX Hyperscreen as standard on all trims; it was only available on the EQS 580 previously. Newly standard equipment for rear seaters includes heated, power adjustable seats with extended cushions, a comfort armrest with a wireless charging pad, and rear side airbags.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The EQS sedan is available in three models with three different powertrains and three trim levels. We recommend the EQS 450 4Matic in top Pinnacle trim. The sedan’s packed with luxury, convenience, and safety features all the way down to luxury rear head restraints, which are like regular headrests with a cushy pillow topper. This year that model makes the same 335 horsepower as the rear-wheel drive model, but the extra motor increases torque to 590 pound-feet. Estimated range with all-wheel drive is only ten miles less than the rear-wheel-drive sedan, although the new Intelligent Disconnect feature could shrink that gap.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The single motor on the rear axle of the EQS450+ produces 335 horsepower and 419 pound-feet of torque. The EQS450 4MATIC adds an electric motor to the front axle for all-wheel drive. Combined horsepower holds at 335 horsepower, but torque climbs to 590 pound-feet. The EQS580 4MATIC makes a combined 516 hp and 611 pound-feet torque. In our testing, the EQS450+ accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The more powerful EQS580 hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds in our testing. Every EQS rides on an adaptive air suspension and wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Standard rear-axle-steering can angle the rear wheels up to 10 degrees. With the 207.3-inch-long EQS being just three inches shorter than a Chevy Tahoe, rear-wheel steering makes sedan easier to maneuver in tight spots and increases stability at high speeds. In our testing, we found the luxury sedan delivered the kind of quiet and silken ride that one would expect of an electric Mercedes flagship. It’s not as composed around town, however, thanks to our test car’s disconnected-feeling brake pedal. When we get a 2024 model in for testing we’ll see if the EQS’s all-new braking system addresses our issues.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
All EQS models feature a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of 108.4 kWh, a bit above the previous 107.8-kWh capacity. The latest EPA information on the new battery only covers the 2023 EQS450 4MATIC at the moment, rating its range at 340 miles. That’s the same EPA rating as the 2022 EQS580 4MATIC and ten miles behind the EQS450+ 4MATIC. With 200-kW fast-charging capability, every EQS can replenish its battery from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes. Plugged into a 240-volt Level 2 charger, getting from 10 to 100 percent takes 11.5 hours. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we observed an impressive 350 miles of range in the EQS580.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
Although we’re still waiting on full EPA numbers, the new battery chemistry delivers more efficiency. The 2023 EQS450 4MATIC returns 101 MPGe city, 105 MPGe highway, and 103 MPGe combined, which is about five percent more efficient than the rear-wheel drive EQS450+ from 2022. We expect the 2024 EQS450+ to return slightly higher MPGe figures than the EQS450 4MATIC, the 2024 EQS580 4MATIC to return slightly higher numbers still. For more information about the EQS’s efficiency, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
It’s not like Mercedes would forget how to make an S-Class just because the powertrain is electric instead of gas-powered. The interior furnishings satisfy every expectation and make a plush home for massive amounts of tech. Even the entry-level EQS450+ comes with LED headlights, air suspension, a panoramic roof, augmented video navigation that overlays arrows onto the map to identify lanes and turns, Burmester 3D audio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cabin climate preconditioning, adaptive cruise control, active park assistant, 64-color ambient lighting, and much more. And there’s also the standard 56-inch-wide Hyperscreen, actually three screens that turn the entire instrument panel into a glass-panel display. Thanks to a completely flat floor and a lengthy 126.4-inch wheelbase, the EQS has a spacious interior. Cargo space is also especially generous, thanks to its large hatchback.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The EQS features a fingerprint scanner that activates individual driver profiles, the “Hey Mercedes” voice-command system, and augmented-reality navigation in the head-up display. Every model also includes six USB-C ports throughout the cabin, and Burmester audio. Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment software runs on the standard Hyperscreen. The display includes the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, the 17.7-inch central touchscreen, and the 12.3-inch passenger-side touchscreen, all fronted by a door-to-door glass topper. Planned over-the-air (OTA) updates for vehicles with the Entertainment Package Plus will add features like the YouTube web app and Dolby Atmos surround sound.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2024 EQS comes packed with standard driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control and self-parking assist. For more information about the EQS’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes’ limited and powertrain warranties are competitive with other German automakers, but its terms aren’t particularly noteworthy. There’s also no complimentary maintenance, which is something BMW offers.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for 10 years or 155,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS580 4Matic
Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $126,895/$141,585
Options: nappa leather upholstery, $4450; Exclusive trim package (massaging and rapid heating front seats, 4-zone climate control), $3475; augmented reality head-up display, $2000; natural grain dashboard and door trim, $1515; laminated safety glass, $1010; active ambient lighting, $590; air control plus with HEPA filtration, $450; illuminated seat belt buckles, $300; heated steering wheel, $250; 110-volt home charging cord, $250; integrated toll payment system, $200; dashcam, $200
POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Mid Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Combined Power: 516 hp
Combined Torque: 631 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 107.8 kWh
Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.4-in vented disc/14.9-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
265/40R-21 105H MO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 126.4 in
Length: 207.3 in
Width: 75.8 in
Height: 59.6 in
Cargo Volume: 22 ft3
Curb Weight: 5806 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.7 sec
100 mph: 9.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.1 sec @ 114 mph
130 mph: 16.6 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 131 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 177 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 366 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 84 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 350 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 95/92/99 MPGe
Range: 340 mi
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+
Vehicle Type: rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $105,450 /$118,395
Options: MBUX Hyperscreen package (12.3-inch driver display, 17.7-inch center display, 12.3-inch passenger display), $7230; Natural Grain Yacht-Design Brown Walnut trim with aluminum lines, $1515; multicontour front seats with massage, $1100; laminated safety glass, $1010; active ambient lighting, $590; Energizing Air Control Plus with HEPA filter, $450; rapid heating front seats, $450; emergency-use 110-volt charging cable, $250; dashcam, $200; integrated toll-payment system, $200; 20-inch wheels with summer tires, $0; Valet/Beginner drive mode delete credit, -$50
POWERTRAIN
Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 329 hp, 417 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 107.8 kWh
Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 200 kW
Transmission: direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.4-in vented disc/14.9-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
255/45R-20 105H Extra Load MO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 126.4 in
Length: 207.3 in
Width: 75.8 in
Height: 59.6 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 58/45 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 63/22 ft3
Curb Weight: 5530 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.4 sec
100 mph: 13.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.0 sec @ 101 mph
130 mph: 25.1 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 351 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.90 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 83 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 400 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 97/97/97 MPGe
Range: 350 mi
