The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is the first model from the all-electric Mercedes-EQ sub-brand. The EQS is equivalent to the gas-powered S-Class sedan, which has set the luxury standard for decades. Like the S-Class, the EQS features all of Mercedes' latest luxury features, in-car tech and advanced driver aids.
Headlining the list is the EQS' massive single glass dashboard panel that runs from door to door. Dubbed the Hyperscreen, it houses the instrument panel, central infotainment touchscreen and an optional third touchscreen for the front passenger. We're usually not fans of having all of the controls placed in the central touchscreen, but this latest iteration of Mercedes' praiseworthy MBUX infotainment system features large virtual buttons and logical menus for easy operation.
Mercedes is offering two versions of the EQS to start, with a third debuting later in the model year. There's the 450+, which has a single electric motor and rear-wheel drive, and the 580 4Matic, which has an additional motor and all-wheel drive. Topping the lineup is the AMG EQS, which boosts output of those motors to truly staggering levels. Range on a full charge is excellent. The EPA estimates the base EQS 450+ has 350 miles of range, and we easily exceeded that by going 422 miles on a single charge in Edmunds' real-world range test.
Mercedes has been noticeably absent from the push for electric vehicles, taking a long time to offer a fully electric vehicle to compete with the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, Audi e-tron GT and more. But what a debut it is. Check out our test team's Expert Rating for a full report of the EQS' performance, interior quality and more.
The 2022 EQS is Mercedes' new all-electric large luxury sedan. It comes in three main versions: 450+, 580 4Matic and AMG EQS.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
2021 Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan is one of the best cars on the road today, electric or not. Though it's not as spacious as the EQS, it's still comfortable and well appointed. It's also way more fun to drive. While the Taycan performed well in our real-world range test, it can't touch the range we saw in the EQS 450+.
The Tesla Model S is the car that made EVs sexy. Since its debut way back in 2012, the Model S has stood out with its sleek styling, mind-blowing acceleration and impressive practicality. Access to Tesla's vast Supercharger network is a boon too. That said, Tesla's build quality is still short of what you'll find in the Mercedes.
The Audi e-tron GT is based on the Porsche Taycan, though the design, tech and feel are distinctly Audi. It looks great and is more enjoyable to drive than the EQS. Go with the EQS and you'll get more available driver aids, longer range and greater overall comfort.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is the first model from the all-electric Mercedes-EQ sub-brand. The EQS is equivalent to the gas-powered S-Class sedan, which has set the luxury standard for decades. That means you can expect exotic technology features and unparalleled ride comfort at a price level to match.
When the EQS goes on sale this fall, it will be offered in two trim levels. The EQS 450+ is the standard rear-wheel-drive model, with its single electric motor producing 329 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque. If you need the extra traction — or, let's face it, you want a seriously quick EV — the EQS 580 4Matic adds a front motor to provide all-wheel drive. Output increases to a robust 516 hp and 631 lb-ft. Both models utilize a 107.8-kWh battery pack located beneath the floor.
The short answer? Like a really quiet Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which is already nearly silent.
The short answer? Like a really comfortable Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which is already incredibly comfortable.
The short answer? Like a really futuristic Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which is already cool and modern.
The short answer? Like a cutting-edge Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which is already high-tech.
Unlike the S-Class, the EQS has a large hatch instead of a traditional trunk. Cargo space is a generous 22 cubic feet, which is smaller than the Tesla Model S and larger than the Porsche Taycan. Sadly, there is no frunk (front trunk), but the main cargo area should easily suffice.
Edmunds saysThe short answer? Like an S-Class but better.
Most of Mercedes-Benz's technology innovations debut in its flagship vehicle, the S-Class sedan. The 2021 S-Class is fully redesigned from the ground up and comes in a variety of powertrains. One surprising absence from the options list is an electric variant, which would help further differentiate the S-Class from its similarly illustrious competitors. That might be because Merc is saving a battery pack for an all-electric vehicle, dubbed the 2022 Mercedes EQS.
Shown here are exterior images of the EQS prototype, which reveal a sedan that looks a bit shorter than the redesigned S-Class. There's a good reason, however. Based on Mercedes' dedicated EV platform, the EQS will likely place the batteries under the passenger compartment, nullifying the need for a long hood. Indeed, the wheel arch ends where the windshield begins, giving it the appearance of a smaller sedan. The sleek roofline recalls the CLA and CLS coupe-like sedans, so there might not be as much headroom in the rear as in a typical S-Class.
The interior shots, however, are pure production EQS. Commanding the entire dash is a new optional display that Mercedes calls the Hyperscreen. It consists of a single curved panel that spans the full width of the vehicle and measures more than 56 inches. It incorporates a digital instrument cluster, plus OLED touchscreens in the center stack and in front of the passenger.
The Hyperscreen is loaded with the newest version of the MBUX infotainment system, which can now learn and adapt to the driver's preferences. For instance, the system can learn the circumstances under which the driver activates a particular feature and then immediately recommend activation when the driver steps into the cabin. The GPS system can also log where the air suspension is used to lift the vehicle (say, over a hump or steeply angled driveway), then ask the driver if he or she wants to raise the vehicle when returning to the same spot.
A number of new features and technologies ensure that you're getting the full Mercedes experience, albeit with uniquely EV-centric enhancements. Two different calming acceleration audio profiles (Silver Waves and Vivid Flux) are available to mask the typical electric motor whirring noise. The audio is pumped out the standard Burmester sound system. You can also download the Roaring Pulse profile, which approximates a high-output gasoline engine. There are unique Energizing Comfort programs specifically engineered if you'd like to take a snooze while recharging the vehicle. Select any one of these three nature programs, and the driver's seat will recline and lull you to sleep with the sounds of a peaceful forest or gentle waves. On a more practical everyday note, you can also specify an air filtration system that uses a HEPA filter to clean the air entering the cabin — not exactly a trifling concern these days.
The new S-Class starts around six figures, and we expect the EQS to cost slightly more. Battery and motor output are unknown at this moment, but Mercedes isn't used to playing second fiddle. Expect performance equal to or exceeding that of its prime competitors, which include the Tesla Model S, the Porsche Taycan and the Lucid Air.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS:
The least-expensive 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS EQS 580 4MATIC Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $119,110.
Other versions include:
