When it comes to the realm of gasoline-powered vehicles, discussions predominantly revolve around the intricacies of the driving experience: factors like acceleration, cabin acoustics, and ride comfort take center stage. In stark contrast, electric vehicles invite conversations centred on their impressive array of cutting-edge features.
They seamlessly integrate into your digital life, creating an altogether unique and captivating experience. In this landscape, the Mercedes-Benz EQS electric luxury sedan emerges as a prime example, transcending conventional driving experiences to become a mobile digital oasis.
At the heart of this technological marvel lies a colossal 56-inch Hyperscreen, transforming the instrument panel into a breathtaking panorama of glass-panel brilliance. The navigation system takes a quantum leap, superimposing arrows onto live video feeds of your chosen route, ensuring an unparalleled level of clarity regarding lane choices and turns.
With wireless charging pads for both front and rear passengers, six USB ports for all your device needs, a sophisticated fingerprint-recognition system, and seamless content streaming across multiple in-cabin screens, the EQS sets a new standard in automotive technology.
But the technological prowess is just the beginning; it’s paired with the opulence inherent to any S-Class sedan.
From ventilated front seats to rear seats adorned with matching pillows, the EQS oozes luxury. The cabin materials exude sophistication, and the build quality is impeccable throughout.
However, it’s worth noting that Mercedes did fall short in the department of everyday driving dynamics. The EQS, unfortunately, lacks the engaging and pleasing attributes one would expect due to sluggish responses, unexceptional handling, and an unconventional brake-pedal feel. Mercedes aims to address this concern with a revamped brake system set to debut in 2024.
What’s New for 2024?
Mercedes is poised to make significant improvements in the 2024 EQS, most notably through an entirely reimagined braking system featuring new regenerative software. This innovation promises to deliver a more confident and responsive brake feel, addressing a major drawback identified in previous models.
Furthermore, several enhancements focus on optimizing efficiency and extending the vehicle’s range. An updated battery chemistry results in higher energy density, effectively providing more energy for the same battery size.
The all-wheel-drive system adopts the Intelligent Disconnect feature, allowing the front motor to disengage and reduce powertrain drag, thus improving range.
The addition of a standard heat pump enhances the EQS’s range-boosting capabilities, efficiently drawing heat from drivetrain components to warm the cabin. This design choice eliminates the need for the main propulsion battery to power the cabin heating system, conserving more energy for the motors. Performance and comfort receive a boost with more powerful motors; the EQS450+ gains six additional horsepower and two more pound-feet of torque, peaking at 335 horsepower and 419 pound-feet.
Meanwhile, the EQS580 4MATIC gets an impressive 20-horsepower increase and an additional two pound-feet of torque, maxing out at 536 horsepower and 633 pound-feet.
Inside the cabin, front passengers are now treated to the impressive wall-to-wall MBUX Hyperscreen as a standard feature across all trims, a luxury that was previously exclusive to the EQS 580.
Rear-seat passengers aren’t forgotten, as they receive heated, power-adjustable seats with extended cushions, a comfortable armrest equipped with a wireless charging pad, and the added safety of rear side airbags.
Pricing and Recommendations
The EQS sedan lineup encompasses three models, each featuring distinct powertrains and trim levels. Our recommendation leans toward the EQS 450 4Matic in the top-tier Pinnacle trim.
This model exudes luxury, convenience, and safety, down to the plush rear head restraints with their cushy pillow toppers. In the 2024 iteration, this model boasts the same impressive 335 horsepower as the rear-wheel-drive variant, with the added motor boosting torque to 590 pound-feet.
While the all-wheel-drive version’s estimated range is only ten miles less than its rear-wheel-drive counterpart, the Intelligent Disconnect feature may help reduce that gap even further.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Under the hood, the EQS450+ is equipped with a single motor located on the rear axle, delivering a robust 335 horsepower and 419 pound-feet of torque.
The EQS450 4MATIC elevates the performance by introducing an electric motor on the front axle, transforming it into an all-wheel-drive powerhouse.
This configuration maintains a consistent horsepower rating of 335 but significantly boosts torque to an impressive 590 pound-feet. For those craving even more power, the EQS580 4MATIC delivers with a combined 516 horsepower and a substantial 611 pound-feet of torque.
In our rigorous testing, the EQS450+ showcased its prowess by accelerating from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 5.4 seconds. The more potent EQS580 achieved this feat in a mere 3.7 seconds.
Regardless of the model, all EQS variants benefit from an adaptive air suspension and a range of wheel options ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
Notably, the rear-axle steering system can pivot the rear wheels up to 10 degrees, making this substantial 207.3-inch-long sedan surprisingly agile in tight spaces while enhancing stability at high speeds.
However, it’s important to mention that our testing identified some room for improvement in the brake pedal’s feel. The 2024 model’s all-new braking system promises to address this concern, and we eagerly anticipate testing it.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Every EQS model is equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack boasting a usable capacity of 108.4 kWh, a slight improvement over the previous 107.8-kWh capacity.
While the latest EPA ratings are currently available for the 2023 EQS450 4MATIC, which achieves an impressive 340-mile range, the 2022 EQS580 4MATIC also attains the same rating, with the EQS450+ 4MATIC not far behind.
Charging the EQS is remarkably convenient, thanks to its 200-kW fast-charging capability, allowing a rapid 10 to 80 percent charge in just 31 minutes. Utilizing a 240-volt Level 2 charger extends the process to 11.5 hours for a complete 10 to 100 percent charge. In real-world testing, the EQS580 demonstrated remarkable efficiency, achieving an impressive 350 miles of range on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
Although comprehensive EPA figures are forthcoming, the revised battery chemistry promises enhanced efficiency. The 2023 EQS450 4MATIC exhibits fuel economy figures of 101 MPGe city, 105 MPGe highway, and 103 MPGe combined, showcasing a five percent improvement compared to the rear-wheel-drive EQS450+ from 2022.
It’s reasonable to expect that the 2024 EQS450+ will achieve even higher MPGe figures, with the 2024 EQS580 4MATIC likely surpassing them. For a detailed breakdown of the EQS’s efficiency, please refer to the EPA’s official website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Despite the shift to an electric powertrain, Mercedes has masterfully preserved its legacy of crafting exquisite S-Class interiors. The EQS upholds this tradition, enveloping passengers in a cocoon of opulence and innovation. Even in the base EQS450+, you’ll find an impressive array of standard features.
These include LED headlights, air suspension, a panoramic roof, augmented video navigation, which overlays arrows onto the map for lane and turn identification, a premium Burmester 3D audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cabin climate preconditioning, adaptive cruise control, an active park assistant, 64-color ambient lighting, and much more.
Anchoring the interior is the awe-inspiring 56-inch-wide Hyperscreen, an amalgamation of three screens that seamlessly convert the entire instrument panel into a stunning glass-panel display.
Thanks to the flat cabin floor and an extensive 126.4-inch wheelbase, the EQS boasts a spacious interior that promotes comfort and relaxation.
Moreover, its large hatchback configuration translates to ample cargo space, further enhancing its practicality.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The EQS places a strong emphasis on cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity. A built-in fingerprint scanner seamlessly activates individual driver profiles, providing a personalized experience. The “Hey Mercedes” voice-command system offers intuitive control, while augmented-reality navigation projects essential information onto the head-up display.
Every model comes equipped with six USB-C ports distributed throughout the cabin, ensuring everyone stays connected. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of a Burmester sound system.
The centerpiece of the EQS’s infotainment system is the Hyperscreen, encompassing a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 17.7-inch central touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger-side touchscreen. These displays, with their door-to-door glass topper, elevate the in-cabin experience to unparalleled heights. Additionally, planned over-the-air updates, available for vehicles equipped with the Entertainment Package Plus, will introduce features like the YouTube web app and Dolby Atmos surround sound.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2024 EQS boasts a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control and self-parking assistance. For detailed information about the vehicle’s crash test results, we recommend visiting the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Key safety features encompass standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes provides competitive limited and powertrain warranties, although they do not stand out in comparison to other German automakers. Additionally, there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance program, a feature offered by some competitors like BMW.
- Limited warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles.
- Powertrain warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles.
- Electrical components warranty: Ten years or 155,000 miles.
In summary, the Mercedes-Benz EQS stands as a remarkable fusion of cutting-edge technology and timeless luxury. With its 2024 model, Mercedes has not only addressed previous shortcomings but also introduced enhancements that promise to elevate the driving experience.
Whether you seek performance, opulence, or efficiency, the EQS lineup offers a compelling choice for the discerning driver.
Source: caranddriver.com
