Our Rating
4.5/5
Pros
Cons
Introduction
It wasn’t too many years ago that Mercedes didn’t sell a single electric model, but in the last few years, its line-up of EVs has expanded significantly. Starting with the EQC SUV, it’s expanded into van-based MPVs, saloons and crossovers.
But sitting at the top of the line-up as its electric flagship is the EQS. Intending to offer all the luxury and refinement of the brand’s well-known S-Class saloon, the EQS – unlike other Mercedes EVs to date – gets a bespoke electric platform. By using this, it frees up more interior space, while also allowing for the fitment of some more impressive powertrains, with the EQS offering an electric range of up to 453 miles – the most of any electric car on sale today.
It’s also a true tech showcase, particularly with the optional ‘Hyperscreen’ fitted, which essentially covers most of the dashboard with a digital display, and makes the EQS feel particularly futuristic.
Performance
While Mercedes is now offering an AMG version of the EQS as well, if you want the regular saloon, there’s just a single more efficiency-focused powertrain on offer – called the 450+. With a single electric motor at the rear, it puts out 328bhp and 568Nm of torque. These might not be as headline-grabbing as other EVs but still allows for a respectable 0-60mph time of six seconds and a top speed of 137mph.
But it’s the huge 108kWh battery that impresses most, and allows for that show-stopping electric range of 453 miles – for context, that should mean a trip from South London to Edinburgh could be achieved without having to stop to charge. But if you do need to charge, the EQS’ 200kW charging speeds will come in useful, with a 10 to 80 per cent charge with a quick enough unit taking just 31 minutes.
Ride and handling
The S-Class is already a superbly refined model, but the EQS really takes it up a level. The lack of engine noise makes the experience incredibly hushed, with minimal wind and road noise too. It’s more than quick enough too, though this is a car you’ll want to cruise down the motorway in, rather than fly down a country road.
The EQS’ rear-wheel steering is also a fantastic innovation. Though not unique to Mercedes, it essentially means both wheels can turn to improve manoeuvrability, and it makes this five-metre-long saloon no more difficult to park or do a three-point turn than a regular hatchback.
Interior
Undoubtedly the star of the show is the EQS’ interior. Starting with the tech, and though our test car didn’t come with the £7,995 Hyperscreen, the regular setup of digital dials and a large touchscreen was still superb and very responsive. The quality and comfort are of the highest grade, too. One small gripe is with the steering wheel button controls, which – like other Mercedes models – can feel a bit clumsy to use.
Rear passengers are also well catered for, and there’s a vast amount of room on offer – helped further by the flat floor. The 610-litre boot is a great size as well.
Equipment
A broad range of trims are available on the EQS, though it’s impressively well equipped as standard. The ‘entry-level’ AMG Line is equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, rear-wheel steering, a panoramic roof, leather sports seats that are heated in both and the front and rear.
Upgrade to the ‘Premium’ package and this adds more advanced headlights, a 360-degree camera and a Burmester sound system. Premium Plus builds on this with a head-up display, acoustic glass and park assist.
Up next is the Luxury grade, bringing 22-inch alloy wheels, less sporty styling (the rest are all AMG-badged) and comfort seats. At the top of the line-up, the Exclusive Luxury gets multi-contour massaging seats and Nappa leather upholstery.
Cost
For all this luxury and technology, it’s perhaps no surprise the EQS is accompanied by a rather steep price.
Kicking off from £102,160 for the AMG Line model, prices rise to £116,160 for the top-spec AMG Line Premium Plus and Exclusive Luxury versions.
Verdict
The EQS is a great execution of what an electric luxury car should be. Blending the level of quality expected from these cars with superb refinement, it’s a worthy range-topper for Mercedes’ line-up of EVs.
With that impressive electric range, there’s no penalty for choosing it over a petrol or diesel, either.