Operating an EQS is filled with revelations and sheer bewilderment. I doubt we'll be reverting to our old ways, though.
The future presents a challenging landscape. No one understands this better than Mercedes-Benz. This German firm has earned a reputation as a pioneer in automotive technology, setting trends that will likely become standard features in mass-market vehicles over the next decade or two. From antilock brakes to electronic stability control systems, and even superchargers—their innovations span an extensive range.
However, this method carries significant risks. Get it right, and you'll be remembered as 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 vehicle embodies this quite like the Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan. Praised as the pioneer of the electric age, it debuted with average reviews and poor sales performance. Understanding this, Mercedes is shifting focus away from the oval-shaped designs. 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.
But the EQS is here now, and Available for purchase with just a tune on the secondary market as well. It received a mild makeover for 2025, featuring a somewhat more conventional front-end pseudo-grille along with an enlarged battery for increased range. Now let's examine its strengths and weaknesses regarding the future.
(Full Disclosure: Mercedes loaned me a 2024 EQS for a week for this review. It arrived fully charged.)
Mercedes EQS: Driving Experience
Get into any EV and you can see why it’s the luxury automakers that bet so big, so early on this technology. Electric powertrains are simply better for effort-free, silent cruising. So while the S-Class’ inline-six and V8 engine options are both delightfully smooth, they can’t hold a candle to the EQS’ utterly perfected drivetrain.
The EQS offers four variants: 450+ rear-wheel drive, 450 4Matic all-wheel drive, and 580 AWD. AMG AWD. The EQS 450+ I drove made 355 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque from its single-motor powertrain. The all-wheel-drive version makes the same hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Neither figure is particularly impressive in this period of stratospheric power, but remember that in an EV you never hear the powertrain strain.
A 335-hp gas engine would be groaning to move the 5,500-lb EQS around. But the electric motors register no such complaints. Since you hardly ever use a luxury limo for drag racing, its 5.9-second 0-60 time is quick enough that your comfort, not the motor, will be the limiting factor on speed.
Mercedes updated the EQS for 2025 with a new grille meant to mimic its internal-combustion lineup. I sampled the 2024 model, but this review explains the 2025 changes as well.
Those who demand extra power might want an EQS 580 instead. That makes 516 hp and 611 lb-ft of torque. The gluttons among you can opt for the absurd AMG EQS Sedan and gorge yourselves on 649 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. But given that I never wanted for power and the already hefty $117,375 sticker price on the EQS 450+ I drove, I wouldn’t spend up for the big power versions. Even the base powertrain is delightful.
Betting on electric motivation, then, was a smart play. Yet in offering a car with more weight, different weight distribution and a trick rear-steer system, somewhere along the way Mercedes lost sight of making it ride like an S-Class. The marque’s signature buttercream ride is the main reason I’d recommend one. The new gas-powered S-Class is the best-riding car this side of a Rolls-Royce.
Mercedes EQS 450+ review
Mercedes EQS 450+ review
Mercedes EQS 450+ review
The EQS isn’t. It’s not uncomfortable. It’s still a phenomenal highway car. But around town, over bumps and divots, all the air suspension trickery in the world can’t hide the thing’s weight. It lumbers over crests and flops into depressions. Those words may be harsh—it still rides better than the average car—but those chasing on-road perfection won’t find it here. Thus, our first warning from the Ghost of Mercedes Future: In your quest to chase what’s next, don’t forget how you got here.
I also think the Germans’ reluctance to offer a true one-pedal driving mode is bizarre, if only because they keep offering “configurable” options that get close, but not all the way there. In the EQS, you can crank up regen so it almost feels like one-pedal driving. But the car will never come to a complete stop on its own. That’s self-defeating. Bet on one-pedal or don’t. Skip the half-steps.
Don’t think that all the new chassis tech is for nothing. Mercedes implemented a rear-wheel-steering system in the EQS that simply blows other such systems out of the water. While a Cybertruck uses its relatively aggressive rear steer to give a giant, 35-inch-tire-wearing truck with bad wheel clearance a merely acceptable turning range, Mercedes’ system makes the EQS handle parking lots like a compact car. Completing u-turns on normal-sized city streets is not an issue. The only problem is that my brain wasn’t used to it, so I found myself cutting parking maneuvers too tight, and having to adjust. That’s a good sign: Tech so good it makes you recalibrate your senses.
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+ version. Although this might fall short compared to vehicles like the Lucid Air or Tesla Model S, it still outperforms much of the traditional competitors. The one I tested featured larger wheels and was actually from the 2024 model year with a slightly less advanced, older-style battery pack, resulting in a range of 352 miles (566 km). In my view, this figure represents just about the right balance.
Below are the range details for the additional 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 indicate that Mercedes is committed to providing the extended-range electric vehicles that high-end American consumers desire. During mixed highway and city driving, 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 holds up well even when considering trips involving multiple passengers and luggage, such as a golf outing with five people and their 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 quite near Mercedes' advertised maximum of 200 kW. Additionally, selecting a charger via the navigation menu caused the vehicle to preheat the battery for rapid charging automatically. What stood out was the sustained high charging speed; even up to approximately 65%, the EQS maintained a robust 137 kW draw, which falls within typical parameters for a 400-volt setup but remains impressively quick.
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. —however, I find this performance satisfactory enough.
Mercedes EQS: Interior
Here is where taste significantly comes into play. The interior quality of the Mercedes EQS Sedan stands out. They use high-quality materials and present them quite nicely overall. However, traditional elements like leather and wood have been replaced by an abundance of black plastic inside this model. This shift reflects their emphasis on the large "Hyperscreen," which features a continuous pillar-to-pillar setup composed of three individual displays.
It's impressive, yet that essentially encompasses everything worth noticing inside. 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 storing items like your keys and phone, you may never even lay eyes on the wooden surface. Consequently, much of what remains consists primarily of piano-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 in an older Mercedes may be let down. Mercedes is fully committed to incorporating displays, voice controls, and advanced tech features into their cars. This strategic direction shows no signs of changing. Fortunately, the seating remains top-notch, although some might find the driving posture slightly uncomfortable because of the car’s elevated waist line and unusual shape.
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.
It has a browser that you can use to stream videos. It has “augmented reality” navigation, an extremely distracting setup whereby it overlays arrows onto camera feeds from the front of the car. It has built-in music streaming but still offers CarPlay and Android Auto. It is a Cheesecake Factory menu of options piled onto a 17.7-inch screen, with two 12.3-inch displays for sides.
In summary, it’s overly complex for my taste. Despite the system being very swift 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 keeps asking "How may I assist you?" which disrupts the interaction and limits the time frame to state your request. Furthermore, it frequently failed to understand what was said to it.
Tech-savvy owners will ultimately get the hang of it. However, being 27 years old means I am roughly three decades younger than your typical purchaser of a luxury car priced around $100,000, and even then, I found myself 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 thoughtful reduction. Providing an extensive array of options isn't as beneficial as delivering a cohesive software experience where each section feels purposeful. This is something Tesla and Rivian excel at, and in my view, they're surpassing Mercedes in this aspect.
Mercedes has embraced over-the-air updates similar to these competitors and recently introduced ChatGPT integration through their "conversational navigation" powered by Google Gemini. However, after years of consistently introducing new elements, I sincerely hope the upcoming version of MB.OS takes a more minimalist approach.
Safety & ADAS
At this point, Mercedes performs much better. The EQS includes an excellent highway driving assistant along with a comprehensive set of advanced driver assistance features. This lane management system can take complete control of steering, braking, and acceleration, including making automatic lane changes to bypass slower vehicles.
I appreciated the car's adherence to Germany's strict lane-discipline rules—returning promptly to the correct lane after overtaking. However, this feature caused constant lane-switches on California's congested, high-speed multi-lane highways. The vehicle would emit alerts to notify me about these shifts, which disrupted my music playback, causing several interruptions during even short tracks. While having such warnings seems essential for safety reasons, thus making it somewhat justified, I found myself wanting fewer disruptions. To achieve a calmer driving atmosphere, I'd prefer disabling automatic lane-change features altogether.
Currently, Mercedes provides the sole genuine hands-free driving system in an American-made vehicle, though this feature is limited to cars sold 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 momentarily look away from the road under particular conditions. Such "Level 3" technologies, as defined by SAE standards, surpass Level 2 systems such as Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise, both of which demand 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 predetermined 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
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.
Among the additional choices available for my tester were the $2,150 Exclusive package which features massage functions for the front seats, the 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-of-the-line AMG EQS Sedan priced at $148,700.
Mercedes EQS: Verdict
When introducing the EQS Sedan, Mercedes took a gamble by treating the shift to electric vehicles as an opportunity for reinvention—not merely staying ahead through technological advancements but being completely shaped by them. If you examine the resale value of pre-owned EQS models, it becomes clear that their strategy paid off handsomely; two-year-old examples of these luxury cars priced between $100,000 and $150,000 often sell for around $45,000.
The market weighed in, and what it said about these cars wasn’t particularly flattering. However, this assessment might be somewhat harsh. The EQS is indeed a fairly dependable vehicle, yet it seems to lack a clear sense of purpose. As an electric vehicle, it holds up well enough, though it doesn’t excel above others in its class. In terms of luxury, it performs adequately; however, within the Mercedes lineup, the S-Class remains superior with its smoother performance. Additionally, despite being a fascinating display of technology, it comes from a brand that hasn’t quite matched the seamless user experiences offered by fully software-driven vehicles.
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 mediocre ride quality, and the overwhelming abundance of features can be quite noticeable.
This was an experimental move. When Mercedes entered this market with full force, they seemed to absorb numerous lessons swiftly. Although their output didn’t result in a unified, captivating offering, one must commend them for boldly diving completely into electric vehicles when most car manufacturers are proceeding cautiously. In a landscape dominated by hesitant advancements from various automakers towards electrification, Mercedes deserves recognition for taking such a daring leap forward.
Although it didn't pay off this time, over an extended period, the market tends to favor businesses bold enough to embrace genuine risks.
Contact the author: Mack.Hogan@insideevs.com .
More Mercedes EV Coverage
- In 2026, the Mercedes CLA-Class will offer both an electric vehicle with a range of 500 miles and a hybrid option as well.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLC EV Demonstrates That The Brand Is Changing Its Approach
- The Head of Mercedes Design States AI Will Shape the Future of Car Design: 'My Heir Will Be a Robot'
- Mercedes-Benz Electric Vehicles Gain Access to the Tesla Supercharger Network Today
- 2025 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV: Is It Worth $199,250?
- The Substitute for Mercedes EQS Will Indeed be a Genuine Electric S-Class
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class Electric Vehicle: All the Details We've Gathered So Far
- A Pre-owned Mercedes-Benz EQS Could Cost You as Much as a New Tesla Model 3
| 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 |
EmoticonEmoticon