Operating an EQS brings about numerous epiphanies and moments of sheer bewilderment. I doubt we’ll be reverting to our old ways.

Operating in the future can be quite challenging. 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 most vehicles over the next decade or two. From antilock braking systems to electronic stability controls and even superchargers—their innovations span an extensive range.

However, this method carries significant risks. Get it right, and you’ll become the trailblazer who revolutionized the industry. 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 pioneer of the electric age, it debuted with average reviews and disappointing sales figures. Understanding 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 model like this one.

However, the EQS has arrived now, and
Available for purchase with just a tune on the secondary market as well.
. It also got a light facelift for 2025, with a slightly more traditional front-end faux grille and a bigger battery for more range. Let’s look at what it gets right and what it gets wrong about the future.

(Transparency Note: Mercedes provided me with a 2024 EQS for a week to use during this evaluation. Upon arrival, the vehicle was completely charged.)

Mercedes EQS: Driving Experience

Step into any electric vehicle (EV), and it becomes clear why high-end car manufacturers have placed such significant bets on this technology from the start. The electric powertrain offers effortless, quiet driving experiences. While the S-Class’ inline-six and V8 engines are notably smooth, they cannot compare to the exceptional performance of the EQS’ finely tuned drivetrain.

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 produced 355 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque using a solo motor setup. In comparison, the all-wheel-drive variant delivers identical horsepower with a significantly higher torque output of 590 lb-ft. While these figures may not stand out against today’s high-performance benchmarks, it’s important to keep in mind that electric vehicles typically operate silently without ever hearing the engine work hard under load.

A gasoline engine with 335 horsepower might struggle to propel the 5,500-pound EQS. However, the electric motors face no such issues. Given that you typically don’t utilize a luxurious sedan for sprint races, its acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds is sufficiently swift, ensuring that your personal comfort rather than the performance of the engine becomes the primary constraint at high speeds.

For those requiring additional horsepower, consider the EQS 580 which delivers 516hp and 611lb-ft of torque. If you’re inclined towards extravagance, the outrageous AMG EQS Sedan offers a staggering 649hp and 700lb-ft of torque. However, since I found ample power with the standard model and considering the substantial starting price of $117,375 for theEQS 450+, upgrading to higher-power variants doesn’t seem necessary. The basic setup was more than sufficient and 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 ride characteristic of an S-Class. The hallmark velvety-smooth suspension is primarily why I would endorse it. In comparison, the latest gasoline-driven S-Class offers the most comfortable journey outside of a Rolls-Royce.

The EQS doesn’t fall short on comfort; it remains an outstanding choice for long drives on highways. However, navigating through city streets and traversing small irregularities reveals limitations despite advanced air suspension technology. The vehicle feels heavy as it moves unevenly across rises and drops heavily into dips. Although these descriptions might seem severe—the ride quality still surpasses many cars—those seeking flawless handling will not find their ideal match with this model. Consequently, our initial cautionary message from the Ghost of Mercedes Future emphasizes: As you pursue future innovations, remember the foundation upon which you built your success.

I agree with the notion that German automakers’ hesitance to provide an authentic single-pedal drive feature seems peculiar, particularly since they frequently introduce customizable settings that approach this functionality without fully achieving it. Take the EQS for example; you have the option to intensify regeneration which nearly mimics single-pedal operation. However, the vehicle stops short of halting entirely under its own power—a rather counterproductive limitation. They should either commit wholeheartedly to full single-pedal capability or avoid such compromised 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. While
Cybertruck
Leveraging its assertive rear-wheel steering, Mercedes’ system enables a massive pickup truck 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 an experience akin to driving a compact vehicle. Executing U-turns on standard urban roads poses no challenge either. The sole difficulty lies in acclimating oneself; initially, I tended to make the parking turns too sharp and had to readjust frequently as a result. This indicates success: such advanced tech forces you to reassess your spatial awareness.

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+ variant. While this might fall short compared to models 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, sporting a smaller, earlier version of the battery that resulted in a 352-mile (566 km) range. In my view, this figure represents just the right balance.

Below are the range details for the other 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

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, problems with the charger prevented me from accurately measuring the 10-80% charge time for the EQS. However, I observed charging rates very near to Mercedes’ advertised maximum of 200 kW. Additionally, selecting a charger via the navigation menu caused the vehicle to pre-condition the battery for rapid charging autonomously. What stood out to me was how consistently high the charging speed remained; even up to about 65%, it was drawing power at an impressive 137 kW, placing it well within the upper range expected for a 400-volt setup.

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 quite adequate.

Mercedes EQS: Interior

Here is where taste plays a crucial role. The interior quality of the Mercedes EQS Sedan remains impeccable. The brand employs high-quality materials and enhances the design quite effectively. However, the traditional combination of leather and wood has been replaced by an abundance of black plastic within the EQS. This shift stems from the vehicle’s emphasis on its massive “Hyperscreen,” which features a continuous end-to-end display consisting of three individual screens.

It’s impressive, yet that essentially encapsulates everything worth noticing inside. 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 lay eyes on the wooden surface. Instead, what catches attention is primarily the glossy black plastic accents along with substantial portions 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 traditional luxury reminiscent of earlier Mercedes models may feel letdown as the focus leans heavily towards modern gadgetry. The brand is fully committed to incorporating displays, voice controls, and advanced features into their cars, showing no signs of deviating from this strategy. Fortunately, the seating remains top-notch despite some discomfort caused by the elevated waist line and unusual body structure affecting your overall driving posture.

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.

The device includes a web browser for video streaming. There’s also “augmented reality” guidance, which superimposes directional indicators over footage captured by cameras at the vehicle’s front, potentially being quite disruptive. Although it comes with integrated music streaming services, it still supports CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Essentially, it features a plethora of choices akin to a Cheesecake Factory menu displayed across a large 17.7-inch display, complemented by dual 12.3-inch screens positioned alongside.

In summary, it’s overly complex for my taste. Despite the system being extremely fast 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 always starts with “How may I assist you?” which disrupts the interaction and limits the time frame for making requests. Moreover, it frequently failed to understand even simple queries.

Technologically adept owners will ultimately get the hang of it. However, being 27 years old, I am roughly three decades younger than the typical buyer for a luxury car priced around $100,000, and even then, I found myself feeling quite daunted.

This comes down to personal preference. For quite some time, I’ve believed that luxury involves more than just adding features; it also requires thoughtful removal. Providing an extensive list of options isn’t as beneficial as delivering a cohesive software experience where everything works seamlessly together. This is something Tesla and Rivian excel at, staying ahead of Mercedes in this regard. While Mercedes has embraced over-the-air updates similar to these competitors, they have also introduced ChatGPT integration along with “conversational navigation” powered by Google Gemini. However, considering their history of continuously introducing new elements over the past twenty years, I genuinely wish the upcoming version of MB.OS would focus on doing fewer things but better.

Safety & ADAS

At this point, Mercedes performs much better. The EQS features an excellent highway driving assistance system along with a comprehensive set of advanced safety technologies. This lane-assist feature can manage steering, braking, and acceleration entirely, including seamlessly switching lanes 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 would be paused multiple times during each maneuver, I started feeling slightly annoyed. Yet, having such notifications seems essential as they ensure safety, making this feature likely worth keeping despite the interruptions. To enjoy a smoother ride without constant disruptions, I’d personally opt out of automatic lane-change adjustments.

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 terminology, these systems surpass Level 2 systems such as Tesla’s Autopilot and GM’s Super Cruise, both of which demand constant attention. However, this capability has strict limitations: In select areas within California and Nevada, drivers may remove their hands from the steering wheel and divert their gaze when they’re caught in slow-moving traffic, not exceeding 40 mph, on predefined highways.

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

The starting price for the Mercedes EQS 450+, inclusive of the destination fee, is $105,550. Similar to most German vehicles, adding optional features will significantly increase your 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 the Chevy Blazer EV. However, luxury models like these typically offer minimal standard equipment across the board.

Among the additional choices available for my test vehicle 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 diffusion system priced at $450.

The pricing for the AWD EQS 450 4Matic starts at $108,550. The EQS 580 has an initial 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 reinvent itself—not merely as a technological frontrunner but entirely shaped by innovation. If you examine the resale prices of used EQS models, you’ll understand their strategy. You can often acquire two-year-old examples of this luxury vehicle, which originally cost between $100,000 and $150,000, for around $45,000.

The market has delivered its verdict, and unfortunately, it wasn’t very complimentary regarding these automobiles. However, this assessment 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 up well, though it doesn’t stand out as the cream of the crop within its category. When considered as a luxury model, it falls short compared to others in the lineup, particularly when measured against the S-Class with its superior refinement. Although it serves as an intriguing technological display case, it comes from a manufacturer that hasn’t quite matched the seamless user experiences offered by fully software-driven competitors.

Above all, it serves as a testing ground. Several aspects perform 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 mediocre suspension, and the overwhelming presence of its extensive feature set.

This was an experiment. When Mercedes entered this market with full force, they seemed to absorb numerous lessons swiftly. Although their output wasn’t entirely consistent or captivating, one must commend them for taking such a daring step. In today’s automotive landscape, where most manufacturers are advancing towards electric vehicles at a snail’s pace, Mercedes deserves recognition for boldly committing completely to this transition.

While it might not have yielded returns this time, over an extended period, the market compensates 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 be an electric vehicle with a range of 500 miles as well as a hybrid option.
• The Mercedes-Benz GLC EV Demonstrates That The Brand Is Changing Its Approach
• The Head of Mercedes Design States That 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 as of Today
• 2025 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV: Is It Worth $199,250?
• The replacement for the 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