Pros
- It’s essentially an electric S-Class sedan
- Bursting with high technology
- Rear-wheel drive (EQS 450+) or all-wheel drive (EQS 580)
- Expected range: EQS 450+: about 400 miles / EQS 580 4Matic: about 350 miles
- Airmatic air suspension
Cons
- Not inexpensive
- Tech overload?
What’s new?
- Everything: The EQS is an all-new electric luxury sedan
- Two models: EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4Matic
- Mercedes-EQ is a subbrand of Mercedes-Benz
- Arrives this fall, starting at an estimated $ 100,000
Price: We expect the 2022 Mercedes EQS to start at around $ 100,000.
The Mercedes-EQ EQS
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz expects more than half of its cars to be fully electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids by 2030. One of the first steps in that direction is the all-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS, a large electric luxury sedan that goes on sale later this year. Think of the new EQS as an electric version of the large and luxurious S-Class sedan, and you won’t be too far off the mark.
The new EQS, though, is built on its own chassis – an all-new and modular dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform. As you’d expect of Mercedes, this new EQS positively bristles with technology, and we’re certain it will dazzle folks with its futuristic design and digital connectivity.
Mercedes makes its own batteries in Germany.
Mercedes-Benz
The U.S. will get two versions: a rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+ with a rear-mounted electric motor or an EQS 580 with 4Matic all-wheel drive an extra front motor. Both EQS models headed to the U.S. will have a large 107.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack when they arrive in the fall.
The battery packs are integrated into the floor of the new Mercedes-EQ EQS, and both are heated and cooled as necessary.
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In Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP) testing, which produces higher numbers than EPA testing, the EQS 450+ has a range of about 480 miles. In more conservative EPA figures, that figure likely will drop to about 400 miles, still an outstanding number.
The 2022 Mercedes-EQ 580 4Matic is expected to have an EPA range of about 350 miles, another stout figure.
Mercedes makes its own batteries, with reduced cobalt and high energy density, in Germany. Further improving range is an exceptionally sleek EQS body with a smooth bottom. This new electric Mercedes luxury sedan also has a drag coefficient of only 0.20, the lowest of any production car on the road.
Another reason the EQS range is so astounding? Through its highly advanced controllers, various electrical systems can be switched off automatically, unbeknown to the driver, to extend range.
“Energy management is an art,” explains Sajjad Khan, Chief Technical Officer for Mercedes-Benz AG.
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2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS pricing
KBB expects the 2022 Mercedes EQS to start at about $ 100,000 when it arrives for sale this fall. That’s about the same as the price of a new 2021 S-Class.
Competitors for the Mercedes-Benz EQS include the Tesla TSLA, -2.17% Model S, the Audi e-tron GT, the Porsche POAHY, +0.94% Taycan, and, in a weird sort of way, even the new GMC Hummer EV, which also is packed with luxury and technology.
Driving the 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS
KBB has not driven the new Mercedes-Benz EQS. Check back with us later this year. We do know this: You can use steering wheel paddles to help control the amount of regenerative braking, and Mercedes tells us the top speed of the new electric EQS is limited to 130 mph.
We also look forward to trying out the new EQS’s available rear-axle steering, said to make the big sedan get around with the agility of a compact car.
Also see: EV sales continue to gain ground
Interior comfort
As the top model from the Mercedes-EQ subbrand, the new EQS exudes luxury and quality. As you’d expect, many elements have been digitized.
The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Interface) Hyperscreen, a massive vehicle-wide information/infotainment screen, sets the tone for the modern 5-seat cockpit, which comes across as avant-garde and features a slim band of vents with turbine-style outlets on each side.
Because the EQS is an electric car, no transmission tunnel is necessary. This gives this large sedan an open and airy feel, and the intricately stitched leather upholstery is complemented by natural wood trim.
The seats look simple in design, and the door panels of the EQS have a modern look, with armrests, pull handle, and side pockets all integrated into one pod. The power driver door, of note, closes automatically with a press of the brake pedal. No reaching needed.
Another neat detail: The 2022 Mercedes EQS is equipped with Energizing Air Control Plus, which keeps fine dust, microparticles, pollen, and other substances out of the interior. Thanks to a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, the system eliminates 99.6% of the cabin’s pollutants.
This large filtration system, mounted under the hood, also cuts odors such as sulfur dioxide, thanks to active charcoal on the HEPA filter and the automatic climate control cabin filer. The charcoal, says Mercedes, comes from coconuts and is a byproduct of the cosmetics industry.
Also notable: The “Hey Mercedes” MBUX infotainment system continues improving. The one in the new EQS learns individual voices and can even be operated from the back seat. It also understands 27 languages and has what Mercedes calls a “Zero Layer,” which uses artificial intelligence to learn habits and then make recommendations. For example, if it knows you typically call the same person on your commute home each night, a tile will appear on top of the display, reminding you to do so.
Exterior styling
Because the EQS is a purpose-built electric car, the designers had a lot of freedom with this large new electric Mercedes-Benz sedan.
This means the EQS has been optimized for packaging and ergonomics, and world-class aerodynamics made possible with help from a smooth underbody and mostly closed radiator shutter.
Mercedes likens the arcing greenhouse of the EQS to a taut bow. This helps give this big 4-door the look of a coupe, an appearance enhanced by the frameless doors and high beltline. The A-pillars are far forward on the EQS, creating a “cab-forward” design that typically results in excellent interior space.
In the fashion of other new Mercedes designs that have been created with the theme of “sensual purity,” the new EQS has a minimum number of body lines along with flowing transitions and a reduced number of panel gaps.
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The deep black surface of the grille defines the face of the new EQS. Look for this design element to appear on other electric models in the Mercedes-EQ family, including an upcoming SUV.
Favorite features
The Hyperscreen
This huge 56-inch touchscreen dash panel is the highlight of the EQS interior. A scratch-resistant curved glass panel extending from A-pillar to A-pillar, the Hyperscreen incorporates three screens under a glass cover – a 12.3-inch driver display (the instrument panel), a massive 17.7-inch OLED central display, and a 12.3-inch OLED front passenger screen.
The central and front passenger displays have haptic feedback. A touch of a finger in certain spots will trigger a vibration on the cover glass, making it feel like a mechanical switch. Mercedes recommends using a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints from the Hyperscreen.
Power nap
EQS drivers who need to take a break can park their vehicle and engage Power Nap. This sleep-aid program has three phases: falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up.
When Power Nap is engaged, the driver’s seat moves into a restful position, the side windows and blinds are closed, an air ionizer activates, and the ambient lighting gets toned down. Sleep is then supported by soothing sounds and a starry sky displayed on the EQS center console.
When it’s time to wake up, a fragrance fills the EQS cabin, and the seat massages you before returning to its former position.
Battery power, charge times, and range
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ has a rear-mounted 329-horsepower electric motor. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic has front and rear electric motors with a combined output of 516 horsepower.
Both U.S. models have a liquid-cooled (and heated) 107.8-kWh battery pack that’s encased in a sturdy aluminum housing integrated into the floor structure of the dedicated EV chassis. In Europe and other markets, the EQS is available with a smaller 97-kWh battery.
The German-built batteries, with reduced cobalt, have an excellent energy density, and the electric motors are compact. What’s more, the drive torque of the EQS 580 4Matic model continually adjusts fore and aft for improved vehicle stability, and regenerative braking is available in three steps via paddles on the steering wheel.
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According to Mercedes, the EQS can get a 186-mile charge in as little as 15 minutes when using a 200-watt fast DC charger. At home, the EQS can be charged at 22 kW using the onboard charger.
Permanent-magnet electric motor (EQS 450+)
107.8-kWh lithium-ion battery
329 horsepower
406 lb-ft of torque
EPA range (estimated): 400 miles
Dual permanent-magnet electric motors (EQS 580 4Matic)
107.8-kWh lithium-ion battery
516 horsepower (combined)
611 lb-ft of torque
EPA range (estimated): 350 miles
This story originally ran on KBB.com.