Steering an EQS offers a journey filled with enlightening revelations and sheer bewilderment. I doubt we'll be returning anytime soon, though.

Operating in the future is no easy task. No one understands this better than Mercedes-Benz. This German automaker has earned a reputation as a pioneer in automotive technology, setting trends that will likely become standard features in 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 car embodies this quite like the Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan. Praised as the vanguard of the electric age, it debuted with mediocre reviews and poor sales performance. 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 is 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 received a mild update for the 2025 model year, featuring a somewhat conventional front-end pseudo-grille along with an enlarged battery for increased range. Now let's examine what aspects of the future this vehicle captures accurately and where it falls short.

(For full transparency: Mercedes provided me with a 2024 EQS for a week to use during this evaluation. Upon arrival, it was completely charged.)

Mercedes EQS: Driving Experience

Step into any electric vehicle (EV), and you'll understand why luxury carmakers were among the first to heavily invest in this technology. The electric powertrain offers effortless, quiet driving experiences. Although the S-Class' inline-six and V8 engines are remarkably smooth, they fall short compared to the EQS' exceptionally refined drive system.

The EQS offers four variants: 450+ rear-wheel drive, 450 4Matic all-wheel drive, and 580 AWD. AMG AWD. The EQS 450+ model I tested delivered 355 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque via its solo motor setup. In comparison, the AWD variant produces identical horsepower along with 590 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers might not seem extraordinary for today’s high-powered vehicles, keep in mind that electric cars operate silently; hence, you won’t hear the engine working hard under stress.

A gasoline engine with 335 horsepower would struggle to propel the 5,500-pound EQS. However, the electric motors face no such issues. Given that you typically wouldn’t utilize a luxurious sedan for sprint races, its acceleration of zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds is sufficiently swift, ensuring that your personal comfort rather than the vehicle’s power will likely cap how fast you can go.

For those seeking additional horsepower, the EQS 580 could be more appealing with its output of 516 hp and 611 lb-ft of torque. If extreme performance is what you crave, consider the outrageous AMG EQS Sedan, boasting an impressive 649 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. However, since I found ample power even in the standard model which had a starting MSRP of $117,375, upgrading to these higher-powered variants doesn't seem necessary. In fact, the basic setup was thoroughly enjoyable.

Placing bets on electric drive proved to be wise. However, by providing a vehicle with increased mass, altered weight distribution, and a sophisticated rear-steering setup, Mercedes seemingly overlooked the importance of maintaining the smooth S-Class ride quality. The brand’s hallmark velvety-smooth suspension is primarily why I would endorse it. In comparison, the latest gasoline-driven S-Class offers the most comfortable journey short of climbing aboard 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 potholes reveals that even state-of-the-art air suspensions cannot completely mask its heaviness. The vehicle feels ponderous when crossing hills and lands heavily into dips. Although these descriptions might seem severe—considering it still offers a smoother ride compared to typical cars—the pursuit of absolute road perfection will remain unfulfilled with this model. Hence, our initial cautionary message from the Ghost of Mercedes Future: As you strive to embrace future innovations, remember not to overlook the foundations upon which you built your success.

I agree with the notion that German manufacturers' hesitance to provide an authentic one-pedal drive option seems peculiar, particularly since they frequently introduce "customizable" features that nearly achieve this functionality without fully delivering it. Take for example the EQS; although you can increase regeneration levels making it feel akin to single-pedal operation, the vehicle won't halt entirely by itself. This inconsistency defeats the purpose. They should either commit wholeheartedly to full one-pedal capability or avoid implementing incomplete solutions altogether.

Do not assume that all the innovative chassis technology is wasted. Mercedes introduced a rear-wheel-steering system in the EQS that significantly outperforms similar systems from competitors. Cybertruck Utilizing its notably assertive rear-wheel steering, Mercedes' system enables a massive pickup equipped with sizable 35-inch tires and poor wheel clearance to achieve a reasonably adequate turning radius. This technology transforms maneuvering through parking lots into something akin to driving a compact vehicle. Executing U-turns on typical urban roads poses no challenge either. However, the sole difficulty lies in adapting my mind to this new setup; consequently, I often ended up making turns too sharp and had to readjust accordingly. This is indicative of excellent tech—so advanced that it forces you to reassess your perceptions.

Mercedes EQS: Driving Range, Battery Capacity, and Real-World Efficiency

Every 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan comes equipped with an 118-kWh battery, providing up to 390 miles (628 km) of range for theEQS 450+ version. While this might fall short compared to vehicles 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 model with a slightly less advanced, older-style battery, resulting in a range of 352 miles (566 km). In my view, that figure represents just about the perfect 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

All of those figures are respectable and show that Mercedes is serious about offering the sort of long-range EVs American luxury buyers demand. I observed efficiency of 2.9 miles per kWh in mixed highway and around-town driving, giving me a projected real-world range of around 342 miles. That’s pretty solid given that my driving included a golf trip with five passengers and three bags of clubs.

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 observed charging rates nearly matching Daimler’s advertised maximum of 200 kW. When I chose a charging station via the vehicle’s nav system, the EQS pre-conditioned the battery for rapid charging autonomously. Additionally, I found it noteworthy that theEQS maintained a swift charging pace; even up to approximately 65%, it was drawing power at about 137 kW, placing it well within typical parameters for systems operating at 400 volts.

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 seconds. —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 enhance the design effectively. However, the traditional combination of leather and wood has been replaced by an abundance of black plastic in this model. This change reflects its emphasis on the large "Hyperscreen," which features a continuous pillar-to-pillar display consisting of three individual screens.

It's impressive, yet that essentially encapsulates everything worth noting. The most prominent piece of wood within the cabin conceals the cup holders and wireless charging station. Considering you'll likely use this space for storing your keys and phone, you might never even notice the wooden surface. Consequently, much of the interior consists of glossy black accents and areas occupied by screens.

If you're looking for a vehicle that impresses with cutting-edge technology, this model delivers exactly what you'd hope for. However, those anticipating the classic luxurious feel inside akin to earlier models of Mercedes might be let down. The brand is fully committed to incorporating displays, voice control, and advanced tech features. This strategic direction shows no signs of changing anytime soon. Fortunately, the seating remains top-notch; however, the driving posture can seem somewhat uncomfortable because of the elevated waist line and unusual body structure.

Technology, Infotainment & UX

Mercedes thinks that technology holds the key to the future. This belief led them to create the EQS, essentially placing multiple bets on advanced technologies simultaneously. The car comes equipped with standard amenities like massage seats and premium Burmester sound systems. However, it goes beyond this with innovative features such as Spatial Sound and Dolby Atmos support—an impressive addition for audiophiles. These capabilities enable the seat vibrations to sync with the music rhythmically. Additionally, the vehicle boasts an interactive voice assistant capable of activating various functions and offering suggestions for dining spots en route.

The system includes a web browser suitable for streaming videos. There’s also "augmented reality" navigation, which superimposes directional arrows over video footage captured by cameras at the front of the vehicle, potentially causing significant distraction. The device comes equipped with integrated music streaming services yet remains compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto. Essentially, it features an extensive array of choices displayed on a large 17.7-inch screen, complemented by two additional 12.3-inch screens positioned alongside.

In summary, it’s overly complex for my liking. Despite the system being extremely swift and reliable, I often felt confused by the numerous menus and options available. Additionally, the voice assistant fell short of expectations. It always starts with "How may I help you?" which disrupts the user's request and offers only a brief moment to speak. Furthermore, it frequently failed to understand commands correctly.

Technically adept 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 at $100,000, and even then, I found myself feeling out of my depth.

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 list of options isn't as valuable as delivering a cohesive software experience where each element feels purposeful throughout all menus. This is something both Tesla and Rivian excel at, staying ahead of Mercedes-Benz in this aspect. While Mercedes has embraced over-the-air updates similar to these competitors and recently introduced ChatGPT integration along with "conversational navigation" powered by Google Gemini, my hope lies in seeing the upcoming version of MB.OS take a more streamlined approach. After years of continuously introducing new elements, simplification would be welcome.

Safety & ADAS

At this point, Mercedes performs much better. The EQS features an excellent highway driving assistant along with a comprehensive array of advanced safety technologies. This lane-assist system can manage steering, braking, and acceleration completely, 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 alerts to notify you about these maneuvers, which can interrupt your music playback. After a few instances where my four-minute song was paused multiple times, I started feeling somewhat annoyed. Yet, having the system draw attention before switching lanes seems essential, making it likely worth the distraction. For a calmer drive, though, I would keep the automatic lane-change feature turned off.

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 select areas within California and Nevada, drivers may remove their hands and gaze from the steering wheel when moving slower than 40 mph in congested freeway settings.

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. As with most German vehicles, adding optional features can significantly increase the final cost, despite the basic model being fairly well-outfitted. The test car I had, priced at $117,375, lacked a heated steering wheel; the Mercedes voice assistant informed me gently when I requested she activate it. This seems odd since such feature comes standard on models like the Chevy Blazer EV. However, luxury vehicles in this class typically do not include many items as part of their standard 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 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 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 tech pioneer but entirely through technological innovation. If you examine the resale value of pre-owned EQS models, you'll understand how effectively they achieved this. Vehicles from just two years ago, originally priced between $100,000 and $150,000, often sell for around $45,000.

The market weighed in, and what it had to say about these cars wasn't particularly flattering. However, this judgment might be somewhat harsh. The EQS is indeed a fairly dependable vehicle, yet it seems to lack clear direction. As an electric vehicle, it holds its ground well enough, though it doesn’t stand out as the cream of the crop within its class. In terms of luxury, it performs adequately; however, when compared to the S-Class, which offers a vastly smoother driving experience, it falls short. Additionally, despite being a fascinating display of technology, it comes from a brand that hasn’t quite matched up with competitors who deliver truly integrated software-driven experiences.

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

This was an experiment. When Mercedes entered this market, they dove in without hesitation and appear to have gained significant insights rapidly. While the company didn't create a unified, captivating offering, their willingness to fully commit rather than cautiously dip their toes into the electric vehicle arena deserves recognition. Many manufacturers are moving very gradually towards electrification, but Mercedes showed courage by taking such a decisive plunge.

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

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

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