For the latest Mercedes Benz EQS pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/eqs/

This is the Mercedes Benz EQS.

There are two options available for the moment, the EQS 450+, (329 hp/419 lb-ft torque) which is what I’m driving, and the 580, (516 hp/631 lb-ft torque) which is the AWD version.

There is an even more powerful AMG EQS that’s coming out shortly.

This 450+ is rear wheel drive with a rear mounted motor, obviously, the dual motor 580 gets one up front as well. Ranger on the 450+ tops out at 350 miles while the 580 only gets 340, though that’s still quite impressive given the added weight and power.


The large 107.8kWh 400volt lithium ion batteries for the EQS are made by Mercedes. They’re made with reduced cobalt and high energy density and get a warranty of 10 years or 155,000 miles and even then, are guaranteed to still have 70% battery life.

The EQS can go from a 10% to 100% charge with a 200-watt DC fast charger in 31 minutes.


That battery and the rather compact motor all ride low in the new chassis built exclusively for electric vehicles. It’s basically like a skateboard and has a completely flat lower surface. It’s so smooth that the EQS boasts the lowest drag coefficient of any production vehicle you can buy right now. Aerodynamic and smooooth.


What else is smooth, the ride in here. This is an S class and it rides on an air suspension that is pillowly soft and comfortable. Thankfully, this EQS rides on 20-inch wheels so I’ve got a bit more tire than if I were on lower profile tires and I have no complaints about how the ride feels in here.


Again, thanks to that low center of gravity body roll is at a minimum it’s imperceptible. And with the standard all-wheel steering (10-degree rear-wheel steering) the EQS handles like a much smaller car.

The 450+ hits 0-60 in about 5.9 seconds. That’s not all that fast.

If you’re looking for something quicker, the 580 should fit the bill (EQS 580 0-60 4.1-seconds).


The steering has nice weight and feel very precise, though of course electronic, and the braking, well, the regen braking I actually like a lot. If you pull back on the left paddle you get into what’s called Normal Recuperation mode.


My favorite part about the drive is how quiet it is in here. This is how a luxury car cabin should sound. One note, if you get into sport mode, there is a fake engine sound pumped into the cabin, but I’m kind of wishing they hadn’t done that. It’s not necessary.

Oh, also, the adaptive cruise control with the lane centering and lane changing assist is as flawless as any system on the market. The EQS is a joy to drive in traffic.


The head-up display is massive. It almost gets in my way when I’m driving to the point of distraction. I’d change that for sure. And the prolific number of buttons on the steering wheel make it a pretty busy place. Especially because those buttons operate via swiping and not pressing, I’ve done some things that I didn’t intend.


Other options include the Tesla Model S, Audi e-Tron GT, and the Porsche Taycan. Those all check off the luxury electric sedan box.


When it comes to pricing, the EQS starts at $102,310 plus a $1050 destination charge. Incidentally, that’s less than the gas powered S-Class. Go figure. There is an Exclusive trim ($105,710) and a Pinnacle trim ($108,510) also available. The 580 starts at $119,110 and goes up from there.


The Hyperscreen is 56-inches of touchscreen starting with a 12.3-inch digital driver display. It’s followed by a 17.7-inch OLED center display that’s going to give you your climate controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation if you so desire it, as well as other vehicle information and way to set up and customize how you interact with the EQS. The rest of it is a 12.3-inch passenger screen.


This entire set up is insanely impressive, I love how big my Apple CarPlay map is on it, however, it’s also incredibly prone to fingerprints. The Hyperscreen comes standard on the 580, but not on the 450+, but you can tack it on as an option. ($7,230) And that package comes with a cleaning cloth, so there you go.


Standard equipment includes that all-wheel drive steering, a Burmeister audio system, panoramic sunroof, the air suspension with an adaptive damping system and surround view monitor.

Some other cool options include comfort closing doors, an air control package with HEPA filters, ambient interior lighting, rapid heating front seats and an automatic toll paying system.


The EQS is being followed up by smaller versions both sedan and crossover, but I for one am glad that Mercedes started their EV revolution off with the flagship. That’s what Mercedes is all about and the EQS does it right. Luxury, tech, impeccable looks. It’s all there, now you just plug it in.



00:00 2022 Mercedes Benz EQS
0:21 Powertrains
2:09 Driving Impressions
6:00 Competitors
6:12 Pricing
6:43 Interior