Mercedes-Benz EQS Luxury EV Review

Mercedes-Benz created the EQS to redefine the future of luxury sedans. The EQS does not borrow from gasoline predecessors; instead, Mercedes built it on the dedicated EVA electric platform. This decision allowed designers and engineers to craft a car with a smooth, flowing silhouette, an opulent interior, and state-of-the-art electric performance. The EQS steps into the role of an all-electric alternative to the legendary S-Class, while adding futuristic technology and efficiency that appeal to the modern luxury buyer.

Exterior Design: Aerodynamics Meet Elegance

Designers sculpted the EQS with aerodynamics in mind. The sleek, cab-forward shape reduces drag and increases efficiency. Mercedes claims the EQS has one of the lowest drag coefficients among production cars, which helps extend driving range. The front fascia abandons the traditional grille for a black panel with a luminous star and optional light bar that stretches across the width. Flush door handles pop out as you approach, while frameless doors create a coupe-like side profile. The liftback tailgate blends form with function, offering practicality in a segment that usually prioritizes status alone.

The overall design makes a statement. Instead of following the classic sedan template, Mercedes gives the EQS a futuristic appearance, signaling the shift from gasoline to electric propulsion. The proportions may not appeal to purists, but the design accomplishes its goal: aerodynamic efficiency fused with luxury presence.

Powertrain, Range, and Driving Dynamics

Mercedes offers multiple versions of the EQS, each catering to a different kind of buyer.

• The EQS 450+ delivers rear-wheel drive with around 245 kW of power and 568 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 6.2 seconds, offering smooth performance for luxury cruising.
• The EQS 580 4MATIC adds dual motors for all-wheel drive, producing about 385 kW and 828 Nm of torque. This version cuts the sprint time to about 5.6 seconds and provides extra confidence in varied driving conditions.
• The AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ takes performance to supercar territory. It produces up to 560 kW and 949 Nm of torque, propelling the car to 100 km/h in just over 3.5 seconds. AMG tuning sharpens the handling, steering, and braking, making this variant a true electric performance flagship.

Mercedes recently updated the EQS with a larger 118 kWh battery pack, replacing the earlier 108 kWh unit. This upgrade increases range and efficiency. The EQS 450+ achieves an EPA-rated range of nearly 390 miles, while WLTP testing in Europe reports up to 785 km.

On the road, the EQS emphasizes composure and serenity. The cabin isolates passengers from road noise, while the suspension absorbs imperfections with ease. Rear-wheel steering makes the large sedan surprisingly agile in tight spaces, reducing its turning radius to levels comparable with smaller cars. Drivers describe acceleration as instant but controlled, delivering power without drama.

Interior: A Technological Sanctuary

The cabin of the EQS sets a new benchmark for futuristic luxury. The centerpiece is the MBUX Hyperscreen, a 56-inch curved glass panel that stretches across the dashboard. This system combines three displays into one sweeping unit: a digital driver’s display, a massive central infotainment touchscreen, and a dedicated passenger screen. The interface responds instantly, thanks to powerful processors and abundant memory. Passengers can control navigation, climate, entertainment, and even ambient lighting with a few taps or voice commands.

Mercedes surrounds the Hyperscreen with plush materials, including Nappa leather, open-pore wood, and metal accents. Multi-contour seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions turn long journeys into spa-like experiences. Rear passengers enjoy their own entertainment systems, climate controls, and generous legroom. A panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of openness.

Mercedes equips the EQS with luxury touches such as power-operated doors that open automatically when the driver approaches, four-zone climate control, wireless charging pads, and Burmester 3D surround sound. Every detail, from the stitching to the ambient light animations, reinforces the sense of a high-tech sanctuary.

Technology and Autonomous Driving

Mercedes positions the EQS at the cutting edge of technology. The car offers Drive Pilot, a Level 3 autonomous driving system certified in Germany. The system allows hands-off driving in heavy traffic at speeds up to 95 km/h, with Mercedes planning wider availability in 2025. Drivers still must remain ready to take control, but the system reduces fatigue during commutes.

The EQS also includes augmented reality navigation that overlays arrows and directions on a live video feed in the central display and the heads-up display. This feature removes confusion at complex intersections. A suite of driver assistance systems provides lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, and 360-degree camera views.

Upcoming updates promise even more futuristic features. Mercedes engineers currently test a yoke-style steering wheel paired with steer-by-wire technology. This setup will replace traditional mechanical connections with electronic signals, giving engineers more freedom to fine-tune responsiveness. Mercedes wants the system to feel like piloting a spaceship rather than driving a car.

Real-World Ownership Experience

Owners praise the EQS for its whisper-quiet ride, rear-wheel steering agility, and plush comfort. Many highlight the cabin quality and technology as unmatched. The Hyperscreen divides opinions: some love its wow factor, while others find the sheer amount of digital controls overwhelming.

Critics point out that the EQS, while impressive, does not completely surpass the internal combustion S-Class in ride refinement. The software ecosystem also lacks the seamless simplicity of Tesla’s system, though Mercedes counters this with far superior luxury execution.

Charging infrastructure plays a key role in the ownership experience. With DC fast charging capability up to 200 kW, the EQS replenishes about 300 km of range in just 15 minutes under optimal conditions. On a long trip, that makes the EQS a practical companion, as demonstrated in recent road-trip tests across the United States.

The EQS SUV: Expanding the Lineup

Mercedes also offers the EQS as a luxury SUV, providing a higher driving position and optional third-row seating. The SUV version achieves up to 410 miles of range in independent testing, though EPA ratings remain closer to 323 miles depending on the variant. The SUV shares most of its technology with the sedan, including the Hyperscreen and air suspension. Families who want EQS refinement with more space find this variant compelling, though the third row remains tight for adults.

Recent Developments and News

In 2025, Mercedes confirmed ongoing upgrades for the EQS lineup. The new battery pack and efficiency gains highlight the brand’s commitment to keeping its flagship EV ahead of rivals. Engineers continue to refine Drive Pilot for broader global certification. The proposed yoke steering wheel experiment showcases how far Mercedes wants to push boundaries in driver-car interaction.

Cultural impact also grows. Many skeptics who hesitated to embrace EVs change their opinions after driving or riding in the EQS. A recent long-distance road trip by reviewers demonstrated how the EQS combines fast charging, comfort, and silent cruising to deliver a stress-free experience, even over hundreds of miles.

Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Strengths:

• Outstanding range and efficiency with latest battery upgrade
• Plush and futuristic interior anchored by the Hyperscreen
• Whisper-quiet cabin and refined ride
• Rear-wheel steering adds surprising agility
• Wide choice of variants, from luxury cruiser to AMG performance beast

Weaknesses:

• Price places it above most EV rivals
• Software ecosystem less intuitive than some competitors
• Exterior design divides opinion compared to traditional S-Class elegance
• AMG performance model drains range faster under hard driving

Conclusion: The Future of Luxury Mobility

The Mercedes-Benz EQS demonstrates how luxury and electrification can coexist without compromise. Mercedes chose not to simply electrify the S-Class but to create a new identity with the EQS. The car delivers opulence, futuristic technology, and long-distance capability that position it as one of the most complete luxury EVs on the market.

Buyers who prioritize tradition may still prefer the gasoline S-Class, but those who want to embrace the future while surrounding themselves with unmatched comfort will see the EQS as a landmark creation. Mercedes continues to refine the car with bigger batteries, advanced autonomy, and even experimental controls. As a result, the EQS does not just represent today’s luxury EV—it represents where the brand wants to take luxury driving in the coming decade.