The Mercedes EQS is the S-Class of Electric Cars. It was the first EQ model based on the MEA EV platform and is powered by a water-cooled motor sending torque to the rear wheels through a single-speed gearbox.
It produces about 333bhp and 568Nm of torque capable of accelerating a car that weighs about 2500kg from rest to 62mph in just 6.2 seconds, with a top speed of 130mph.
With a 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery it offers a range of up to 453 miles. The charge from 10-80% can be done in 31 minutes with a 200kW charger and Mercedes says you can get enough charge to do 186 miles in just 15 minutes.
Prices start from around £100,000 for the EQS 450+ AMG Line, but add in another £7k for this 450+ Luxury. In fact, Mercedes seems to like its £7k plus increments.
The now famous MBUX Hyperscreen that features multiple screens under one-piece of curved glass that covers the dashboard over 141cm across, alone will cost you an extra £8k!
The AMG Line Premium costs £7k over the AMG Line and adds 21-inch wheels, 360 degree camera, driving assistance plus and a Burmester surround-sound system. AMG Line Premium Plus is another £7k and includes heads-up display, remote parking, and gesture control.
This Luxury spec, which is more comfort-orientated, is equivalent to AMG Line Premium and includes Microcloud Artico upholstery combined with ship-deck wood (which you can see in my video review), comfort seats, and 22-inch wheels.
For another £7k you get Exclusive Luxury adding multi-contour massage seats and Nappa leather upholstery. The Rear Luxury Lounge package is an additional £4k.
So what’s actually included? Tons, including panoramic sliding sunroof, privacy glass, air filters, heated seats, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 12.8-inch centre display, fingerprint scanner, head-up display, Burmester stereo, driving assistance package and driving monitoring – confused? Yeah me too.
Basically when speccing up an EQS, just double check to make sure, you can’t just buy a Rolls-Royce instead for the same money. Let’s move on to the car itself.
It’s soap bar styling stands it apart, and it may be a little too blancmange for traditional Benz buyers, particularly in the S-Class league, but it serves a purpose – an aerodynamic efficiency of just 0.2Cd which is among the very best in the industry, you’d expect that on a supercar, rather than a limo.
The blanked-out grille gives the three-pointed star prominence, but unlike classic flagship Mercs, you’ll not see the bonnet mascot from behind the wheel, as the bonnet sweeps down out of view. The sloping rear looks like a hatchback – and it is, revealing a huge boot with split folding rear seats should you need more carrying space. And while the design is generally cohesive, the two lines that cut into the front wheel arch coming down from the A-pillar and headlights, are oddly jarring.
Inside, you can forget about all that. Rear space is perfectly pleasant, despite a low roofline and high-floor, and you’ll not want for comfort and space in the front either. Nor will you necessarily miss that vast glass dash, if you balked at paying the extra £7k, because the wood-panelling in its stead puts you in mind of being on board a luxury yacht. The centre screen is big enough and there’s more than enough trickery on board to keep you amused and your passengers entertained.
This is just as true on the move, as it takes a while to get used to all the systems and driver assists installed, and you do find yourself trying to second-guess what the car is doing – or perhaps it’s second-guessing what you’re doing? – as the multiple sensors predict what’s ahead, adjust the ride and dynamics and, to some extent, the EQS casts judgement over your driving.
The performance is plentiful, and the ride is excellent, as long as you stay on smooth motorways. Hit the bumps and it can be a little jarring, which was not a word I expect to use in a review for an S-Class level car, but the rigid battery-packed chassis can cause harshness.
It’s surprisingly easy to manage and peddle for what is a genuinely gargantuan car, not to mention heavy, but it’s aided by light and accurate steering, which nonetheless is devoid of any engagement. And that’s one thing to be aware of, if you’re looking for sporty involvement, seek that elsewhere.
Choose the EQS for the ultimate in luxury, quality, kit and comfort in an electric car that will serve up an easy drive over huge miles usually on a single charge with ease. But don’t expect a classic big Benz, there are no hang-ups on heritage here, just a vision of what’s ahead. Just don’t forget the calculator when speccing it up.
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