We bought an EQS to get a glimpse of Mercedes’ latest showcase for electrification, advanced driver assistance (ADAS) systems, large hyperscreen, and augmented reality on infotainment display. Traditionally, technologies introduced on a Mercedes flagship trickle down to mainstream vehicles. So we needed to splurge to evaluate these features now.
The EQS comes in two main flavors. The EQS 450+ starts at $102,310 and has 329 horsepower, a single electric motor powering the rear axle, and a 350-mile driving range.
The EQS 580 has 516 hp from dual motors, signaled by a 4Matic badge indicating it is all-wheel drive. It has an EPA-estimated 340-mile range.
Both versions rely on a 107.8-kWh battery. A high-performance uber EQS AMG version with 649 hp is also available. An onboard 9.6-kW charger is compatible with a 40-ampere home charger. On longer trips, the EQS can accept up to 200 kW charging output at a public DC fast-charger.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is available to you below. After we log 2,000 initial break-in miles on our EQS, we’ll send it through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including those that evaluate acceleration, braking, handling, child car-seat fit, and controls. CR members will get access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.
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What we bought: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic.
Powertrain: 516-hp from two electric motors; one-speed direct drive; all-wheel drive; 107.8-kWh battery capacity.
Base MSRP: $125,900.
Options: Napa leather, $1,370; 110V charging cable, $250; Energizing Comfort, $250; Air Balance package, $350; Energizing Air Control w/HEPA filter, $450; head-up display, $1,100; microfiber headliner, $1,600; heated rear seats, $580; rapid heating front seats, $450; Winter package, $1,000 (heated windshield and washer fluid, heated steering wheel); Exclusive trim, $1,575 (micro-contour seats with massage, four-zone climate control).
Destination fee: $1,050.
Total cost: $135,875.
