Overview: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a high-tech luxury sedan that is worth considering if you're looking for the most advanced electric car on the market. As a direct competitor to the S-class, it boasts state-of-the-art features, such as the Hyperscreen touchscreen, fingerprint-based driver profiles, and six USB-C ports. Its spacious cabin is complemented with premium materials, headrest pillows, massage functions, and neck-and-shoulder heating. However, the EQS falls short when it comes to the fundamentals of driving dynamics. Its handling is average, and its brake pedal is unsettling. If you prioritize driving experience over luxury, the EQS may not be the best fit for you. The gas-powered S-class remains the benchmark for luxury cars, and the EQS still requires significant refinement to achieve that status among EV sedans.

Price and Variants: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz has introduced some exciting new features for the 2023 EQS sedan lineup. One of the notable additions is the EQS450+ 4MATIC, which combines the EQS450+ with the all-wheel drive capability of the EQS580 4MATIC model. The Pinnacle trim level has also been improved with updated rear seat cushions and comfort pillows, as well as an Executive Rear Seat Package that includes adaptive lighting. All EQS models now offer 20-inch AMG wheels. The 2023 EQS sedan is available in three different configurations, each with a different powertrain and trim level. We recommend the top Pinnacle trim in the EQS450+ rear-wheel drive version, which comes with features such as heated-and-ventilated seats for all passengers, massage seats for the front occupants, four-zone automatic climate control, and a head-up display. While the entry-level EQS450+ powertrain only delivers 329 horsepower, it still packs a punch. Buyers can also choose to pair it with the all-wheel drive system for added power. The EQS450+ starts at $105,550, while the EQS450 4MATIC starts at $108,450, and the EQS580 4MATIC starts at $127,100.

Power and Performance: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

The EQS sedan boasts a lineup of powerful and efficient electric motors that are sure to impress. The EQS450+ features a single electric motor on the rear axle, delivering 329 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, the EQS580 4Matic packs a punch with electric motors on both axles, providing all-wheel drive and a total system output of 516 horsepower and 611 pound-feet of torque. The new EQS450 4Matic falls in between the two, offering all-wheel drive and an increased power output of 355 horsepower and a remarkable 590 pound-feet of torque. During testing, the EQS450+ accelerated from zero to 60 mph in an impressive 5.4 seconds, while the EQS580 achieved an astonishing 3.7 seconds. The EQS sedan is equipped with an adaptive air suspension and comes with rims ranging in size from 19 to 21 inches. Additionally, a rear-axle-steering system allows the rear wheels to be angled up to 4.5 degrees, and there's an optional upgrade that can turn them 10 degrees. This feature is designed to make the sedan more maneuverable in tight spaces while increasing its stability at high speeds. The EQS offers a smooth and quiet ride quality, thanks in part to its advanced electric powertrain. However, some drivers may find the brake pedal to feel disconnected and unnatural. The adjustable regenerative braking system can help mitigate this issue by aggressively slowing the car when the driver lifts off the throttle, allowing the system to recapture energy and reducing the need to use the brake pedal. Overall, the EQS sedan offers an impressive combination of power, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.

Range, Charging and Battery: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

All EQS models come equipped with a 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers an impressive range. According to EPA estimates, the EQS450+ can cover 350 miles on a single charge, while the EQS580 can travel up to 340 miles. To recharge the battery, the EQS supports Level 2 charging using a 240-volt charger, which takes around 11 hours and 15 minutes to charge from 10 to 100 percent. The car can also recharge up to 70 percent of its battery in just 35 minutes using a DC fast charger, allowing it to go from 10 to 80 percent capacity. During our testing, which included a 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, we observed that the EQS580 had an impressive range of 350 miles.

Interior: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

The EQS boasts an impressive interior that exudes elegance and luxury. The use of premium materials and the inclusion of various high-end amenities create a sense of comfort and sophistication. Ambient lighting throughout the interior enhances the overall ambiance, while headrest pillows and an Executive Rear Seat package add an extra layer of luxury. The latter features adjustable back seats with massage functions, neck and shoulder heating, and an individual tablet to control the infotainment system. One of the most striking features of the EQS is the Hyperscreen option, which is a massive panel of glass that spans the entire instrument panel and houses the infotainment system. However, if this is too futuristic for some, a more traditional dashboard is also available as standard. Thanks to its long wheelbase and flat floor, the interior of the EQS is notably spacious. The large hatchback design of the vehicle also ensures ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for those seeking both luxury and practicality.

Infotainment and Connectivity: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

The EQS offers advanced connectivity and entertainment features through the MBUX infotainment system. Its standout feature is the Hyperscreen, which spans 56 inches and comprises three screens. The standard setup includes a tablet-like touchscreen above the center console, while the optional Hyperscreen integrates the 12.3-inch gauge cluster, 17.7-inch central touchscreen, and 12.3-inch passenger-side touchscreen into a single expansive display. The EQS also boasts driver profiles activated through a fingerprint scanner, voice-command functionality with "Hey Mercedes," and augmented-reality navigation displayed on the head-up display. Additionally, the car comes equipped with six USB-C ports throughout the cabin and a premium Burmester audio system.

Safety and Warranty: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

The 2023 EQS is equipped with a range of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and self-parking assist, as standard. To learn more about the car's crash test ratings, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Some of the key safety features included in the EQS are automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. In terms of warranty and maintenance coverage, Mercedes' limited and powertrain warranties are on par with other German automakers. However, there is no complimentary maintenance, which is a feature that BMW provides. The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty also covers four years or 50,000 miles. Additionally, the electrical components are covered for 10 years or 155,000 miles.