Mercedes-Benz EQS Review: Insights from the Futuristic Frontier

Operating an EQS brings about numerous epiphanies and moments of sheer bewilderment. I doubt we'll be reverting to our old ways, though.

Operating in the future is challenging. No one understands this better than Mercedes-Benz. This German firm has established itself as a leader 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 control 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. 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 electrified age, it debuted with mediocre reviews and disappointing 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 just that— 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 for purchase with just a tune on the second-hand 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, the vehicle was fully charged.)

Mercedes EQS: Driving Experience

Step into any electric vehicle (EV), and you'll understand why high-end car manufacturers have placed such significant bets on this technology from the outset. The advantages of electric powertrains become evident with their effortless, quiet driving experience. Although the S-Class' inline-six and V8 engines offer delightful smoothness, they fall short compared to the EQS' exceptionally refined drive system.

The EQS is available in 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 contrast, the all-wheel-drive variant delivers identical horsepower along with increased torque at 590 lb-ft. While these numbers may not stand out much today due to increasingly powerful vehicles, one notable aspect about electric cars like this is their silent operation—there’s no audible exertion from the drivetrain even under heavy load.

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 sedan like this isn’t typically for high-speed races, its acceleration of zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds should feel more than adequate; your personal comfort level rather than the vehicle’s power output will likely determine how fast you’ll go.

For those seeking additional horsepower, consider the EQS 580 which delivers 516hp and 611lb-ft of torque. If you're inclined towards excess, the outrageous AMG EQS Sedan offers a staggering 649hp and 700lb-ft of torque. However, since I found ample power with the standard model and considered the substantial starting price of $117,375 for theEQS 450+, upgrading to these more powerful variants doesn't seem necessary. The basic configuration was thoroughly enjoyable anyway.

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 overlooked the importance of maintaining the smooth S-Class ride quality. The brand’s characteristic plush suspension is primarily why I would endorse it. In comparison, the latest gasoline-driven S-Class offers the most comfortable journey short of climbing into a Rolls-Royce.

The EQS doesn’t fall short in comfort; it remains an outstanding choice for long drives on highways. However, navigating through city streets and traversing small obstacles reveals that even advanced air suspension technology cannot completely mask the vehicle’s bulkiness. It moves ponderously across elevated sections and lands heavily into dips. These descriptions might seem stern—considering it still offers a smoother ride compared to most cars—but enthusiasts seeking flawless handling will not find their ideal match with this model. Hence, our initial cautionary message from the Ghost of Mercedes Future: As you pursue innovation, remember not to overlook the foundations upon which you built your success.

I agree with the notion that German manufacturers' hesitation to provide an authentic one-pedal drive feature seems peculiar, particularly since they often present "customizable" settings that nearly achieve this functionality without fully delivering it. Within the EQS model, 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 is counterproductive. They should either commit wholeheartedly to full one-pedal capability or avoid implementing incomplete solutions altogether.

Don't assume that all this new chassis technology goes to waste. Mercedes introduced a rear-wheel steering system in the EQS that utterly surpasses comparable systems from others. Although Cybertruck Leveraging its notably assertive rear-wheel steering, Mercedes' system enables a massive pickup truck equipped with sizable 35-inch tires and poor wheel alignment to achieve a reasonably manageable 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 one's mind to this new dynamic; as a result, I often overestimated the space required for parking, necessitating adjustments mid-maneuver. This is indicative of highly effective tech—it forces you to readjust your spatial awareness.

Mercedes EQS: Driving Range, Battery Capacity, and Recorded Energy Efficiency

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. While this might fall short compared to models 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 version with a slightly smaller, earlier-generation battery, resulting 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)
• EQS 580 4Matic: Up to 371 miles (591 km)
• AMG EQS: Up to 316 miles (509 km) of range

These numbers are impressive and indicate that Mercedes is committed to providing the kind of extended-range electric vehicles that American luxury car purchasers desire. During mixed highway and city driving, I noted an energy consumption rate of 2.9 miles per kilowatt-hour, which suggests a practical range of approximately 342 miles under normal conditions. This performance holds up well considering I also took a trip involving five passengers plus their golf equipment.

Mercedes EQS: Charging Experience

Regrettably, some problems with the charger 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. Additionally, selecting a charger via the navigation menu caused the vehicle to pre-condition the battery for swift charging. What stood out was the sustained high-speed charging; even at about 65%, it maintained an impressive 137 kW, 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 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 regard this as a sufficiently good performance.

Mercedes EQS: Interior

Here is where taste significantly comes into play. The interior quality of the Mercedes EQS Sedan stands out as exceptional. The brand employs high-quality materials and decorates quite tastefully. However, the traditional combination of leather and wood has been replaced by an abundance of black plastic within the EQS model. This shift is due to the vehicle’s emphasis on its massive "Hyperscreen," which features a continuous end-to-end display consisting of three individual screens.

It's quite remarkable, yet that essentially sums up what you get to view. The most prominent piece of wood within the cabin conceals the cup holders and wireless charging station. Since this space will likely be used for placing your keys and phone, you might never even notice the wooden element. Otherwise, the interior primarily consists of piano-black detailing and substantial portions occupied by screens.

If your priority is a vehicle brimming with cutting-edge technology, you'll definitely find what you're looking for here. However, those anticipating the classic luxurious cabin reminiscent of an older Mercedes model might feel letdown. Mercedes has fully embraced digital displays, voice control systems, and advanced technology; this is their strategic direction, one they show no signs of reversing. Fortunately, the seating remains top-notch, although some may find the driving posture uncomfortable because of the car's elevated waistline and somewhat disproportionate design.

Technology, Infotainment & UX

Mercedes thinks that advanced tech will shape our tomorrow. This belief led them to create the EQS, essentially placing multiple cutting-edge innovations into one vehicle. The car comes equipped with standard luxuries like massage chairs and premium Burmester audio systems. However, it goes further by incorporatingSpatial Audio andDolby Atmos support—a feature sure to impress. These technologies enable your seat to pulsate rhythmically with the soundtrack. Additionally, theEQS boasts an interactive voice assistant capable of activating various functions as well as suggesting dining spots enroute.

The system includes a web browser suitable for streaming videos. There’s also "augmented reality" navigation, which superimposes directional arrows over video footage captured at the vehicle's front, potentially causing significant distraction. The device comes equipped with integrated music streaming services yet remains compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto. Essentially, it presents a vast 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 extremely swift and reliable, I often felt confused by the numerous menus and options available. Additionally, I was disappointed with the performance of the voice assistant. It always starts with "How may I help you?" which disrupts the user's request and offers only a brief moment to speak. Moreover, it frequently failed to understand even simple commands.

Tech-savvy owners will ultimately get the hang of it. However, being 27, I am roughly three decades younger than the typical buyer for a luxury car priced around $100,000, and even then, I found myself feeling quite overwhelmed.

It comes down to personal preference. For quite some time, I've believed that luxury isn't solely about adding features; it's also about making deliberate omissions. Providing an extensive list of options isn't as valuable as delivering a cohesive software experience where each element feels purposeful throughout the interface. This is something Tesla and Rivian excel at, and in my view, they're currently surpassing Mercedes-Benz in this regard. Mercedes-Benz has started incorporating over-the-air updates similar to these competitors, and recently introduced ChatGPT integration along with "conversational navigation" powered by Google Gemini. However, considering their history of continuously introducing new add-ons over the past twenty years, I genuinely wish the upcoming version of MB.OS would focus more on simplification rather than further expansion.

Safety & ADAS

At this point, Mercedes performs much better. The EQS features an excellent highway driving assistant along with a comprehensive array 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 emits an alarm to notify you about these maneuvers, which can mute your music; this happened often enough that my enjoyment of several four-minute tracks was repeatedly disrupted, occurring as many as five or six times per song. Yet, drawing your notice beforehand seems essential for safety, making it likely worth the interruption. For a calmer drive, I would disable the automatic lane changes altogether.

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 limited application: In specified areas within California and Nevada, drivers may remove their hands from the steering wheel and divert their gaze when they're caught in slow-moving traffic at speeds beneath 40mph.

The press vehicle I used lacked Drive Pilot, and even with 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 optional features will significantly increase your expenses, despite the basic model being fairly well-outfitted. The test vehicle I had, priced at $117,375, surprisingly lacked a heated steering wheel; the Mercedes voice assistant informed me courteously when I requested she activate it. This seems odd since such feature comes standard on models like the Chevy Blazer EV. However, luxury car segments typically do not include extensive default equipment.

Among the additional choices available for my tester were the $2,150 Exclusive package which features massage functionality for the front seats, the MBUX "Interior Assistant," and a quad-zone automatic climate control. There was also an optional fragrance diffusion system priced at $450.

The starting price for the AWD EQS 450 4Matic is $108,550. The EQS 580 has a base 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, seeing the shift to electric vehicles as an opportunity to redefine itself—not merely as a technological frontrunner but entirely through innovation. If you examine the resale value of pre-owned EQS models, it becomes clear that strategy paid off. Vehicles from two years ago, originally priced between $100,000 and $150,000, often sell for around $45,000.

The market weighed in, and it wasn't particularly kind regarding these automobiles. However, this assessment might be somewhat harsh. The EQS stands as a fairly dependable vehicle, yet it seems to lack clear direction. As an electric vehicle, it holds its ground decently well but doesn’t lead the pack within its category. In terms of luxury, it performs adequately; however, when compared with the S-Class, it falls short due to the latter's superior refinement. Although it serves as an intriguing technological display, coming from a brand that hasn’t quite achieved the seamless user experience offered by fully software-driven models.

Primarily, it serves as a testing ground. Certain aspects function well: the impressive spatial audio system, the responsive display, the seamless powertrain, and decent driving range. However, some elements fall short: the ungainly design, the unremarkable comfort level during rides, and the overwhelming presence of its extensive feature set.

This was an experiment. When Mercedes entered this market, they dove right in and appear to have absorbed numerous lessons swiftly. While the brand didn’t create a unified, attractive offering, their willingness to fully commit contrasts with most car manufacturers who are advancing towards electric vehicles cautiously. Therefore, I must commend Mercedes for having the courage to take such a daring step forward.

Although it didn't pay off this time, over an extended period, the market ultimately favors businesses bold enough to embrace significant risks.

Contact the author: Mack.Hogan@insideevs.com .

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