A large hatchback, the EQS is Mercedes’ flagship electric car, and the brand also offers an EQS SUV with similar powertrains and design. The EQS takes on the likes of the BMW i7, Genesis Electrified G80, and Tesla Model S.
It’s a comfortable, high-tech EV with more than 350 miles of range and a luxurious cabin. The slippery body costs it some interior space, but it still gets a high 7.8 out of 10 TCC Rating. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Mercedes introduced the EQS for 2022, and this year it makes changes to increase electric driving range, increase power, and improve brake feel. The addition of a heat pump improves cold-weather driving efficiency, while a disconnect for the all-wheel-drive system increases range slightly for models that can power all four wheels. Mercedes also adds more standard equipment, including making the Hyperscreen standard across the lineup.
The EQS sports an aerodynamic soap bar shape that isn’t exactly beautiful and not up to the standard of elegance of the S-Class. It has a long wheelbase and a cab-forward look, though the roofline stretches all the way to the rear end to resolve into a hatchback body style.
Inside, the three-screen Hyperscreen can bombard occupants with information and a light display, and the latter is furthered by active ambient lighting. From there, however, it’s modern and welcoming with soft leather and multiple choices of wood trim.
Front passengers have lots of space, but the low roofline robs some interior room from the rear seat. The hatch area has more space than any sedan’s trunk, though.
Mercedes offers the EQS with single- or dual-motor powertrains, with outputs ranging from 355 to 649 hp. The base model is quicker than most gas cars but not particularly fast for an EV, with a 0-60 mph time of about 5.9 seconds. The AMG model cuts that all the way to 3.4 seconds.
Like the S-Class, the EQS aims for a smooth ride rather than sporty handling. The air suspension and adaptive dampers iron out the pavement but don’t control body lean all that well. The EQS also weighs at least 5,600 pounds, so it can’t shift its weight back and forth like a sport sedan.
A standard 108-kwh battery pack gives the EQS a range of 305-352 miles, and while a 400-volt electrical architecture allows fast charging at up to 200 kw, some EVs with 800-volt systems can charge at considerably higher rates, which shortens wait times. Still, it takes a reasonable 30 minutes to go from 10-80% battery charge.
The EQS is replete with other technology, though, including safety features. Highlights include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian dictation, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors with steering support, and a surround-view camera system.
How much does the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS cost?
Mercedes offers the EQS in 450+, 450 4Matic, 580 4Matic, and AMG trim levels, and each offers Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trim levels with ascending levels of equipment.
The base EQS 450+ Premium starts at $105,550 and comes standard with leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats with massage, the Hyperscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging front and rear, heated rear seats with power adjustments, Burmester audio, a panoramic sunroof, and 20-inch wheels. Pricing tops out at $155,700 for the AMG EQS in Pinnacle trim.
Where is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS made?
In Germany.
