Yahoo News Mercedes-Benz EQS review: Ultra-modern luxury saloon with 481 mile range
Mercedes-Benz has one of the largest all-electric ranges that comprises luxury cars (like this EQS and the slightly smaller EQE), a host of EV SUVs that follow the same naming convention but just adds SUV to the end (so there’s an EQS SUV) and even vans.
The EQ range sits alongside the traditional Mercedes-Benz line up wit the EQ models mirroring their petrol or diesel equivalents. So the EQS is the electric offering alongside the S-Class, the EQE is roughly the same size as the E-CLass, and so on.
With a range of over 481 miles in its longest-range configuration, the EQS stands clear of many key rivals. This excellent range is great news for high-mileage company car (or salary sacrifice) drivers Mercedes-Benz may be looking to attract.
Futuristic on the outside, it’s also ultra-modern on the inside. The dashboard comprises a dazzling full-width array of digital screens, all mounted beneath a single piece of glass – Mercedes calls it MBUX Hyperscreen. It is packed with features and fully connected online, too, further enhancing the space-age feel.
However, affordability is a relative term with the Mercedes-Benz EQS. That high-tech interior can look and feel a little plasticky and gimmicky although some tech can add to the luxury feel, like the gentle music that’s still playing to you when you stop and move from inside to outside the car.
Build quality isn’t what it once was, though, which is quite a surprise given the brand’s reputation for luxury built over generations of S-Class models. However, whether you’re sitting in the front or the back, the EQS is supremely comfortable with a supple ride – few go over the bumps better. A BMW i7 may now be a more convincing all-round electric luxury saloon these days, but crucially it can’t match the superb range of the EQS.
How we tested
We tested the Mercedes-Benz EQS from the firm’s UK HQ in Milton Keynes. It sounds an unlikely base for a memorable drive, but the sheer variety of roads around there meant we drove it in all sorts of conditions, and we even got the chance to spend time in the back.
Mercedes-Benz EQS: From £99,835, Mercedes-benz.co.uk
Independent rating: 6/10
Pros: Huge range, very luxurious, onboard tech
Cons: Huge price tag, fails to vie with an S-Class for luxury
Price range: £99,835 to £161,860
Battery size: 90.6kWh, 107.8kWh
Maximum claimed range: 481 miles
Miles per kWh: 3.6
Maximum charging rate: 200kW
Battery, range, charging, performance and drive
The Mercedes-Benz EQS comes with two sizes of battery. The EQS 350 has a 90.6kWh battery, and if that substantial size is not big enough, the EQS 450+ has a 107.8kWh capacity.
This means headline-grabbing range figures. The Mercedes-Benz EQS 350 has a range of up to 409 miles, and the EQS 450+ has an impressive range of up to 481 miles. Both have fast 200kW DC rapid charging, so they can go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in just over half an hour.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS 350 has a rear-wheel-drive electric motor that produces 292PS, for 0-62mph performance in 6.7 seconds. The EQS 450+ is also rear-wheel drive, and its 360PS gives 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds. Both figures are swift, but a BMW i7 and Porsche Taycan are much faster. The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ is the really potent one. With two motors and all-wheel drive, it produces 658PS for 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds.
With air suspension as standard, the Mercedes-Benz EQS rides in a very cushioned and cosseting way. Few cars ride over British roads with more comfort, it is gorgeous to travel in on fast, smooth roads. Drivers will find the steering is accurate, too. Where things get livelier is on undulating roads, where the soft suspension can see it roll a little through corners. It can be firmed up, but a BMW i7 strikes a better overall balance.
Interior, practicality and boot space
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz EQS is dominated by its three digital displays that span the entire width of the dashboard. They are mounted beneath a single piece of glass. This system is called Hyperscreen, and is standard on all model lines. It creates a very futuristic feel.
However, for some luxury car customers, it might be a bit too futuristic. The traditional wood, leather and other premium materials seem a little relegated into the background in favour of fancy lighting effects. Overall quality doesn’t feel quite up to S-Class standards either – from the wobbly retractable outside door handles, to the cheap-feeling electric window switches (that you will catch with your hand each time you get in and out).
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a multi-adjustable driving position, with comfortable seats. Taller drivers might find the roof feels a little close, due to the aerodynamic rake to the windscreen. While space in the rear is generally OK, it’s not up to S-Class levels although the seats themselves are sumptuous to sit in whether you’re in the front or the back, with super-comfortable headrests.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS has a hatchback boot, rather than a saloon opening. While it means your VIPs will get chilly as you load the boot, it is more practical and reveals a truly enormous 620-litre space. Fold the rear seats and it expands to 1,700 litres, a figure more akin to an estate car.
Technology, stereo and infotainment
The Mercedes-Benz EQS backs up its futuristic design with plenty of technology. The Hyperscreen runs the very highest level of MBUX infotainment across 12.3-inch driver and passenger displays, and a very impressive 17.7-inch portrait-format centre touchscreen, complete with haptic feedback. However, with an excellent head-up display in front of the driver, too, it’s actually possible to display – for example – the navigation instructions across four screens: two in front of the driver, one in the centre and one in front of the passenger. Perhaps that’s a screen too many.
You can control MBUX via touch or by voice, using the ‘Hey Mercedes’ command. We found the feature-packed system to be full of engaging tools and tricks, and it works seamlessly with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, too. Finding public charge points on the move is effortless, and the sat nav automatically brings in en-route chargers. Having the passenger display means they can take over responsibility for route guidance or music choice – or simply stream videos to watch themselves.
If you love good music, you’ll be delighted to read the Mercedes-Benz EQS comes with a standard Burmester 3D surround sound system, even in the most accessible AMG Line Premium grade. Its clarity of sound is superb, and it’s a very powerful system too.
Prices and running costs
As a range-topping electric car, you’d expect the Mercedes-Benz EQS to be expensive. It doesn’t disappoint, with a starting price of almost £100,000. The temptation of going for the longer-range EQS 450+ version may be tempered by the fact it costs from almost £113,000. The range-topping Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ is almost £162,000. Mercedes-Benz is perhaps now reflecting this with some very striking deals on the EQS, including 0 per cent finance and big money-off savings.
The bespoke EV design means it is pretty efficient for a large luxury car, covering around 3.6 miles for every kWh of electricity. Thank that slippery, ultra-aero design. Any savings will soon be offset by car insurance and other luxury-grade running costs.
Mercedes-Benz EQS rivals
FAQs
How long does it take to charge?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS has enormous batteries, but thanks to 200kW DC rapid-charge functionality, it will still go from 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 31 minutes.
How much does it cost - is it worth it?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is very expensive. You’ll almost certainly be spending a six-figure sum. The smaller but similar-looking EQE looks better value.
Does Mercedes-Benz replace batteries for free?
Mercedes-Benz has a particularly generous battery warranty, that lasts for 155,000 miles, or 10 years from the date of first registration.
The verdict: Mercedes-Benz EQS
If the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has traditionally been the best car in the world, surely the Mercedes-Benz EQS should be the best electric car in the world? Alas, while it’s good, it’s not *that* good, and is just bettered by the mighty BMW i7. You can bet Mercedes-Benz won’t take such a defeat lying down.
