Since Tesla arguably kicked off the EV revolution at full power, seemingly unstoppable, the rest of the car world has played catch up as they have tried to get their own piece of the same pie.
This isn’t just because of the sales trend and profits related to an uptick in pricing for these expensive vehicles – the climate and the ongoing shift of regulation and emission focus have made it a priority.
Almost all manufacturers have hybrid and/or full-EV options now, with so many available car manufacturers needing to innovate with technology and reward with range.
Mercedes-Benz have their own EV super-sedan with premium levels of comfort, performance, and a competitive electric range – let’s see if it is enough to take on not just Tesla, but the rest of the field.
With Kia’s EV6, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, and Ford’s Mach-E, and more proving that a lower price point for a reasonable economy is possible, is it worth spending (a lot) more on the EQS?
Mercedes-Benz EQS Is The Second EV From The German Automaker
With 10 BEV (battery electric vehicle) cars due to feature in Mercedes’ lineup by the end of 2022, this luxury sedan follows the EQC which was the first to appear in the Mercedes-Benz EQ range of electric cars.
That car, the EQC was based on the platform of the GLC, a compact crossover but this time it's based on the MEA platform which is specific to the electric vehicles – so it’s bespoke and built around the electric powertrain.
As it’s a luxury car and aimed at a certain demographic, we should compare it to its direct competition, for example, the Model S from Tesla to start with something obvious.
That car, the Model S offers up to around 400 miles for a full charge, while the estimated maximum range for the EQS is around 350, the latter can charge at up to 200kw while the Tesla will accept a 250kw charger.
With 3-seconds-to-60 mph in the Model S, the Mercedes-Benz can crack the same sprint in 4 seconds or 5.5, depending on which of the two models you choose – so it’s slower, but for most people that would be a moot point, especially customers preferring comfort to speed.
The Mercedes EQS Is Fast As Standard
It’s worth mentioning this car isn’t competing with the Model S Plaid though, instead, there are two powertrains available: the EQS450+ and the EQS580.
You will have 329 horses and 406 lb.-ft at your disposal in the rear-wheel-drive entry-level car, while the EQS580 and its twin-motor 4Matic will supply your right foot with 516 hp and 611 lb.-ft of torque, healthy numbers and up there with some of the best EVs still.
What you do get in the EQS which you won’t in many other cars is that German quality and luxury, the cabin looks impressive and opulent as standard, and the Hyperscreen in all its 56-inch glory is a box you will want to tick.
The Tesla interior won’t be able to rival this one, but it extends to the mechanics too, with 4-wheel steering and air suspension on all variants the EQS is advanced and capable, potentially well worth its more-than $100,000 entry price.
For comparison, the Model S starts at less than $100,000, around $96,000, but $130,000 will get you a Plaid. The faster EQS580 costs $120,000, but for that, you get the oft-touted quality and badge.
For Zero-Emissions, There Are Alternatives
Although you will argue that it is aimed at a different market, the EQS does fall short when you critique it for miles autonomy against price.
It is nice to behold, very well-designed and desirable, not to mention kind of understated from the outside – but at 350 miles range for 100,000 it isn’t unnatural to consider the alternatives.
For 45,000-55,000, the Kia EV6 looks like good value, despite its inevitable drop in quality and technology compared to the Mercedes-Benz.
With the higher price still half that of the entry-level EQS, you still get the longer range, all-wheel-drive GT model with 576 hp – 60hp more than the Mercedes and a 0-60 mph time of around 3.5 seconds which is also better than the Merc.
What you must put up with though is a range drop to just over 300 miles, although this is only really a 10-15% decrease in range for half the price of an EQS, which somehow seems reasonable.
Mercedes Has Made A Desirable EV To Tempt Buyers From Their Teslas
Whether you think it is worth the price or not, a lot has gone into the EQS – the powertrain is capable with its 400-500 hp motor and a fair range of 350 miles would appear to be competitive for the most part.
What most people buy a Benz for though is the perceived quality, luxury, and comfort – plus the technology and modern equipment which this car has.
It has the adaptable air suspension, clever all-wheel steering, and much more, plus the Hyperscreen alone will be enough to tempt a lot of wallets.
You could also say that whatever your opinion on cars like this, that the price is neither here nor there – the people who can afford it and want the badge will pay for it, it has always been the same for the premium ICE cars from the German automaker.
No one who is considering an S-Class will compare their prospective purchase with a Ford Fusion for its economy and price.
It looks like the EQS might be an interesting alternative to the alternatives.