Mercedes' new EQS series just started rolling off the assembly line not that long ago. The EQS is certainly a very well-performing electric vehicle, and Mercedes has big plans and high hopes for the new series. But how does it measure up to Tesla's more standard Model 3 — which isn't even its top-of-the-line vehicle, as the Model S outranks it.
Tesla's Model 3 has been the world's best-selling electric vehicle since 2020 and has been the best-selling EV in the US for the last three years. One thing is for sure, Tesla's electric cars are quite simply the best in the class (although they are about to be challenged by fellow startup and rival, Lucid Motors). So which of these two electric vehicles should you buy? Which is the best? Here are 5 reasons you should keep on buying the Model 3 and 5 reasons you should switch to the Mercedes EQS.
10 Mercedes EQS - A True Mass-Produced Luxury EV
The Mercedes EQS is a luxury sedan and the Tesla Model 3 is more of a standard family car in the shape of a fastback mid-size sedan.
.jpeg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
The Mercedes EQS will offer a much more executive and luxuriant feeling than the Model 3, which is more of a high-end mid-range car than a luxury car. If you are looking for a feeling of luxury, then the Mercedes EQS might just offer what you are looking for.
9 Tesla Model 3 - Acceleration
Despite the Mercedes EQS being a luxury vehicle, it actually measures up rather poorly when it comes to acceleration. To reach 62 mph, the Mercedes EQS 450+ requires 6.2 seconds, while the Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC can do it in 4.3 seconds.
All of Tesla's vehicles are superfast. The Model 3 Performance can get to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds. For the record, The Tesla Model S Plaid+ can do it in 2.1 seconds.
8 Mercedes EQS - The Most Aerodynamic Production Car
Mercedes claims that its new EQS series is the most aerodynamic production car in the world. On their website, they boast they have managed to get a new cd best value of 0.20.
Being so aerodynamic means less wind resistance and so more range, as well as less wind noise which means it'll run quieter. For sure, there has been a decent amount of innovation poured into developing the EQS, and it is a very beautiful car.
7 Tesla Model 3 - Top Speed
The Model 3 is significantly faster than the Mercedes EQS. In fact when you consider the performances of the two vehicles and how the specs are better on the Model 3, one wonders how the Mercedes EQS is a luxury vehicle at all.
The Model 3's top speed is an impressive 162 mph (the Model S Plaid + can get to 200 mph). The Mercedes EQS languishes at 130 mph, and the Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC is no improvement.
6 Mercedes EQS - Range
While the Model 3 outperforms the Mercedes EQS on both acceleration and top speed, at least the Mercedes EQS redeems itself in range. The EQS 450+ can edge out some 395 miles on a charge, while the EQS 580 4MATIC can get 380 miles.
The Model 3 Performance comes behind on 285 miles on a charge. With a 100-mile difference, the EQS boasts a much better range and one of the longest on the market.
5 Tesla Model 3 - Price
The Model 3 Performance is much cheaper than the EQS. The Model 3 Performance starts at around $56,990, which is still very expensive for most folks but still affordable for many of the middle class.
The Mercedes EQS is clearly out of the price range of the vast majority of people. The Mercedes EQS 450+ starts at a whopping $146,000 and the 580 4MATIC is even heftier at $171,000 — that is a phenomenal triple the price.
4 Mercedes EQS - New Generation Of Batteries
Mercedes claims that it has significantly improved its batteries and has made them with much higher energy densities. Battery innovation is perhaps the most important aspect of EV design, and many companies around the world are pouring billions of dollars into developing them.
Mercedes also claims it has significantly reduced its use of cobalt in its batteries. Cobalt is one of the troublesome rare earth materials used in batteries that is very problematic to source.
3 Tesla Model 3 - Full Self Driving Hardware
According to Tesla, the Model 3 comes with all the hardware needed for full self-driving. The car is of course not fully self-driving as of right now because of the software installed.
Tesla has claimed that when the time is right, it will update the software to become fully self-driving. Self-driving cars are still super tricky from a regulatory point of view. Even if the technology is already there, the many rules and regulations may not be.
2 Mercedes EQS - MBUX Hyperscreen
The Mercedes EQS boasts the massive MBUX Hyperscreen is the "highlight in the interior." The Hyperscreen is made up of three screens, but they are all covered over with glass and made to appear to merge into one.
The screen is a smart screen, so much so that if the driver is looking at the front passenger display, it will automatically dim. The entertainment functions are also only available depending on the relevant laws of the country.
1 Tesla Model 3 - Access To Tesla's Charging Infrastructure
Tesla has built up an impressive range of charging infrastructure and now offers 10s of thousands of charging points all around the country at key points. These are all also fast charging and all fully integrated with the Model 3's onboard computers.
The EQS will have to make do with non-Tesla charging stations that are trying to play catch up with Tesla. But then again, just about all other EV makers are playing catch up with Tesla with charging.