It was just a few years ago that many of us were EV skeptics, concerned about the mileage range, lackluster design, recharging times, and availability of charging stations. However, a lot has changed since then. The Mercedes EQS is among a flock of new EVs dispelling those concerns, especially with its futuristic design, high-tech innovations, and superior power.
Last year, we witnessed a slew of new electric sedans, SUVs, and trucks, including luxury class vehicles like the Mercedes EQS and offerings from Lincoln, Cadillac, Audi, Genesis, and Lexus, all producing luxury EVs in mass.
Innovations: Although the EQS sits at the top of the brand along with the Mercedes S-Class, it introduces several innovations, including a Power Nap feature to kick back and relax while recharging on long road trips. Power Nap reclines the driver’s seat, activates the air ionization and ambient lighting systems, plays calming music, and closes the panoramic sunroof. Then, when it’s time to wake up, the seat gently massages you and opens the sunshade. Crazy huh?
In addition to its beautiful design and ultra-plush materials, Mercedes introduced the industry’s first Hyperscreen interface, which incorporates three displays stretched across the driver and passenger side, allowing passengers to act as co-pilots or change music, climate control, and navigation. In some areas, passengers can watch movies.
Models/Price: The 2023 EQS sedan comes in three different trim levels with three different powertrains, which include the EQS 450+ ($105,450), the 450 4Matic ($108,450), and the 580 4Matic ($127,000 MSRP).
For 2023, the Mercedes performance division introduced an AMG EQS (starting at $149,545 MSRP) with upgraded electric motors that generate a staggering 649 horsepower. For those wanting more power, an optional boost mode increases that figure to 751 horses.
ePower: The entry-level 450+ generates 329 horsepower from a 400-volt lithium-ion battery on its rear axle, achieving a range of 350 miles. The EQS 450 4Matic is all-wheel drive and ups the horses to 355 with 590 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 580 4Matic has electric motors on each axle, functioning as an all-wheel drive with an output of 516 horsepower and 611 lb-ft of torque. However, the range is slightly reduced to 340 miles.
The EQS has a superior ride performance at all speeds and maneuvers easily into tight parking spots. All versions have an adaptive air suspension with a standard rear-axle-steering system that can angle the rear wheels up to 4.5 degrees.
Battery Charge: The average time to charge the EQS battery to 80 percent takes 30 minutes on a DC fast charger and about 11 hours on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
Although EVs require less maintenance and don’t need oil changes, tune-ups, or brake replacements, there’s more work to be done to protect Lithium-ion batteries from losing more energy in extreme weather conditions.
Despite some continued doubt about EVs, demand is increasingly high, and most are selling straight off the assembly line.
MPGe: The EPA rates the EQS 450+ at 97 city/highway MPGe, while the EQS580 averages 92 city/99 highway MPGe. The EQS 450 4Matic falls somewhere in between.
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The Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury model I drove included a built-in high-tech control panel in the rear center console that allows passenger control over the seats, entertainment system, climate control, and more. It also has wireless charging, USB ports, headphone jacks, and an executive-style small table.
