2022 EQS test drive from Mercedes-EQ: a new class of electric luxury

The new EQS flagship from Mercedes-EQ debuted in April 2021. Already this fall, the electric liftback will go on sale, which means it's time to find out what the EQS is in terms of handling, comfort, technology and, of course, luxury.

Among luxury vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long set the standard for sophistication, comfort and technology. But after decades of dominance in this area, Mercedes-Benz should again reach the top, this time without an internal combustion engine. The world is changing and soon electric cars will dominate it. The German automaker advertises the new 2022 EQS from Mercedes-EQ as the "S-Class of electric vehicles" and acts as the brand's flagship electric vehicle with a three-pointed star. It will later be joined by the EQS crossover, the EQE midsize sedan and the EQE crossover. All of them will be built on a single modular architecture, like the more affordable EQB.

2022 EQS Exterior Design by Mercedes-EQ

Although the EQS shares the "S" designation with the petrol S-Class, the two flagship sedans are not alike. Mercedes-EQ rewarded the EQS with a single line that curves across the entire coupe silhouette. It's three inches shorter than the S-Class, but wider and taller. The A-pillar has been pushed forward a bit, giving the EQS a dashing look that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. Meanwhile, at the rear, the C-pillar has been moved back, providing more room for passengers. The design is very futuristic and looks premium.

The EQS has many interesting exterior details. For example, it rides on wheels ranging in size from 20 to 22 inches with some futuristic patterns to help achieve an industry-leading drag coefficient of 0.201. Its sleek lines work wonders in the wind tunnel and, very soon, on the track. Other interesting details include a Black Panel grille with connected digital headlights above it. Similarly, the taillights are a single light strip with a cool 3D spiral design.

Like many EVs, the EQS has flush door handles that pop out when you touch them with your finger. On more expensive EQS trims, the door opens and closes automatically, so you don't even need to interact with the handle.

2022 EQS engines and performance from Mercedes-EQ

Initially, Mercedes-EQ will offer the EQS with two powertrain options, with a faster AMG variant coming later. The standard EQS 450+ uses a single rear electric motor with 329 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque. This combination propels the EQS to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Customers who require faster acceleration will prefer the EQS 580 4MATIC. This upgraded model adds a second electric motor to the front axle, giving it four-wheel drive. Together, the two electric motors develop 516 hp. and 631 lb-ft, reducing 0-100 acceleration to 4.1 seconds.

Both the EQS 580 and 450+ have a claimed top speed of 210 km/h, but the EQS 580 reaches it much faster while still providing a smoother ride, especially on highways. If none of the EQS models seem fast enough, the upcoming AMG model will produce 649bhp. and accelerate to 100 km / h in 3.4 seconds.

Driving Experience EQS 2022 by Mercedes-EQ

We'll forgive the EQS for some quirks, because this electric car is impressive to drive. In many ways, it far surpasses even the flagship S-Class in terms of comfort, refinement and agility. The standard air suspension quickly overcomes bumps in the road, allowing the EQS to literally float while riding. The sport mode makes the suspension significantly stiffer, but the ride comfort is excellent. A rear axle steering system is standard, giving this 207-inch-long car the turning radius you'd expect from a subcompact A-Class, making it easy to park and maneuver on a country road. We liked the electromechanical steering, which feels natural and direct, and can change weight depending on the driving mode.

It's not a sports car, but you'd be stunned by how flawlessly the EQS handles dynamics on the San Francisco mountain roads. With the battery low in the floor and no heavy engine up front, this car has a neutral, almost perfect balance of handling.

EQS silently moves forward, protecting its passengers from the outside world. Drivers who prefer to hear the sound when they press the gas pedal can activate one of two sound themes called Silver Waves and Vivid Flux. The Silver Waves makes a low hum like an advanced internal combustion engine, while the Vivid Flux makes higher-pitched, futuristic noises that reminded us of a Formula E car driving through a tunnel in Monaco. A third sound theme called "Roaring Pulse" will be available via an OTA update at a later date.

Like all electric vehicles, the EQS uses regenerative braking technology to return energy to the battery. There are four modes controlled by paddle shifters, from coasting to deep recuperation.

Battery and charging EQS 2022 from Mercedes-EQ

Both EQS variants come with one of the largest batteries we've seen in an electric vehicle, with a usable capacity of 107.8kWh. This massive battery provides an impressive EPA-estimated range of 564 km for the EQS 450+ and 547 km for the EQS 580 4MATIC. This is about 80 km less than the longest-range Tesla Model S, but more than the Audi e-tron GT, BMW i4 and Porsche Taycan. Also, even with this level of comfort, we would like to take a break to recharge and stretch after 560 km.

When it comes to charging, Mercedes is making it easier than ever. The car can be charged with a peak power of 200kW, from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes from a fast DC charger. With a Level 2 wallbox, it takes 11.5 hours to go from 10% to 100% charge.

Some electric competitors may charge faster, but a new "Plug & Charge" feature allows U.S. EQS owners to plug in and charge automatically without taking out a credit card or accessing third-party apps. This should make it easier to charge at public stations, but for now, this feature only works on Electrify America. Using the "Mercedes me Charge" feature in the navigation system, drivers can check how many outlets are available and the station's peak charging rate before using valuable distance to get there. This is the best charging station integration we've seen on a stock navigation system.

Interior Design EQS 2022 by Mercedes-EQ

This is the "S-Class of electric vehicles" and Mercedes-EQ saw fit to give the EQS great technology. The centerpiece of the cabin is the new Hyperscreen (optional on the 450+ and standard on the 580), consisting of three separate screens housed under a single sheet of glass. It is 56 inches wide with a 12.3-inch driver display, 17.7-inch center display, and 12.3-inch passenger display. The driver display shows gauges and can also transform into a full color map with an accessible augmented reality HUD, ensuring you never miss a turn. Drivers can change what is displayed on the screen using touch controls on the steering wheel.

The center display impresses with touch controls and the Mercedes MBUX infotainment software. The new "zero layer" menu format puts the map in the background with commonly used controls in the foreground. The system learns driver behavior patterns and suggests the features you need most at the right time.

The passenger display can mirror everything the center screen can do, allowing the passenger to set the GPS, switch the radio and become the perfect co-pilot. The standard Burmester 3D surround sound system has 15 speakers with a power output of 710 watts.

Rear seat and trunk EQS 2022 from Mercedes-EQ

As for the rear, the EQS underperforms and outperforms the S-Class, depending on what's important to you. There is an optional rear seat with adjustable reclining and heating, ventilation and massage. There are also rear entertainment screens that provide a full range of functions for passengers in the rear of the liftback.

In terms of cargo space, the EQS outshines the S-Class thanks to its lift-top design. Like a crossover, the trunk provides a huge area connected to the passenger compartment, which can be even larger if the rear seats are folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio. The Mercedes-EQ proved that choosing a rear seat in a power-assisted car doesn't get in the way of practicality.

Options and prices EQS 2022 from Mercedes-EQ

Much to our surprise, the 2022 EQS is cheaper than its gasoline counterpart. Pricing in the US is already known: the EQS 450+ Premium will start at $102,310. By comparison, the S500 4MATIC costs $109,800. The move to the exclusive EQS trim isn't a huge price increase at just $105,710, as is Pinnacle's best trim at $108,510.

In contrast, opting for the twin-engine EQS 580 4MATIC comes at a significant price premium. The EQS 580 Premium starts at $119,110, almost $17,000 more than the base 450+. As with the base version, there isn't a huge price gap for the top trims, with the Exclusive starting at $122,510 and the Pinnacle starting at $125,310. If you can live without all-wheel drive and extra power, we'd go for Pinnacle's EQS 450+, which is still $10,600 below the base ESQ 580. Just to be clear, these are US prices and will differ from Ukrainian prices.

Verdict: Is the 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS a Good EV?

After 100 years of perfecting the Mercedes-Benz ICE vehicle, the very concept of “car” now needs to be rethought. This will take time. Reaching the top doesn't happen overnight, but Mercedes-EQ (the electric car division with the three-pointed star) starts from the top with the new EQS. He made some bold moves with EQS, and most of them paid off. Perhaps a more traditional design would have helped attract more EV-averse buyers, but Mercedes-EQ wanted the EQS to scream, “The future is here!”

Whatever the case, the EQS offers the most luxurious cabin we've ever seen in an electric car, with some of the best technology for 2021. EQS clearly demonstrates why electricity is such a compelling source of energy. The EQS is more efficient than the S-Class.

As far as the EQS's place in the luxury EV segment, we only see one key competitor, and that's not Tesla. The Model S is faster and farther electric than the EQS, but the interior of the Mercedes-EQ is much better than the Tesla. These two are not in the same league. The Mercedes-EQ will soon face competition from the BMW i7, but its most immediate threat is the Lucid Air. It's not out yet, and for now, we can say that the 2022 EQS from Mercedes-EQ is the most luxurious electric car we've ever tested.