Modular architecture for electric vehicles in the luxury and upper - 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS Review
2Overview
If you're after the most technologically advanced luxury sedan, then the Mercedes-Benz EQS should be high on your consideration list. It's the company's attempt at an electric equivalent to an S-class, and it offers the latest and greatest gadgetry—including Benz's giant Hyperscreen touchscreen, driver profiles based on fingerprint scans, and a whopping six USB-C ports. It spoils its riders with voluminous interior space, gorgeous cabin materials, headrest pillows, massage functions, and neck-and-shoulder heating. However, if you want your vehicle to be a car first and a living room second you'll be disappointed. The EQS leaves much to be desired when it comes to the basics of everyday driving dynamics. It's neither pleasing nor engaging to drive. Its responses are syrupy, its handling is unremarkable, and its odd brake pedal feel creates a sense of disquietude. Mercedes-Benz's gasoline-powered S-class sedan is the cruise ship other luxury-car manufacturers measure their products against. Unfortunately, the EQS EV needs a lot more refinement to reach that position in the world of EV luxury sedans.
What's New for 2023?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan lineup sees the introduction of the mid-level EQS450+ 4MATIC model, which pairs the lower powered EQS450+ with the all-wheel drive capability of the more powerful EQS580 4MATIC model. The automaker has also enhanced the Pinnacle trim level with revised rear seat cushions and comfort pillows, and a new Executive Rear Seat Package includes adaptive lighting. Beyond that, 20-inch AMG wheels are now offered on all EQS models. Mercedes has also launched the EQS580 sedan City Edition, sold in Southern California only, with a limit of 150 produced. This uber-rare City Edition comes with an Unagi Model One Voyage electric scooter, a free ChargePoint Home Flex charger, and other bonuses. Mercedes says a portion of the proceeds from those sales with go to a local Safe Kids California coalition.
The 2023 EQS sedan is available in three different configurations with three different powertrains and three trim levels. We'd recommend the top Pinnacle trim in the rear-wheel drive EQS450+ guise, which provides niceties such as heated-and-ventilated front and rear seats, massage for the front seat passengers, four-zone automatic climate control, a head-up display, and more. While it only makes 329 horsepower, the entry-level powertrain packs plenty of punch, plus it can now be paired with the brand's all-wheel drive system if a buyer feels so inclined, which also ups the output significantly.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The EQS450+ features an electric motor mounted on its rear axle that generates 329 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The EQS580 4Matic has an electric motor on each axle, which translates to all-wheel drive and a total system output of 516 horsepower and 611 pound-feet of torque. The new EQS450 4Matic slots in between the two aforementioned models and offers all-wheel drive capability and more power output to go with it: The 4MATIC model brings 355 horsepower, up from 329 and—more noteworthy—590 pound-feet of torque, an impressive jump from the rear-drive car's 417. In our testing, the EQS450+ accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The more powerful EQS580 hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds in our testing. Every EQS rides on an adaptive air suspension and rolls on rims that range in size between 19 and 21 inches. A Standard rear-axle-steering system can angle the rear wheels up to 4.5 degrees, and there's an optional upgrade that can turn them 10 degrees. This technology is intended to both make the 205.4-inch-long sedan easier to maneuver in tight spots and increase its stability at high speeds. Based on our time behind the wheel, the EQS exhibits a quiet cabin and silken ride quality, but we take issue with the car's disconnected-feeling brake pedal and wish its operation felt more natural. Luckily, activating the car's adjustable regenerative braking system allows the driver to avoid needing to step on the limp brake pedal for the most part, letting the system recapture energy by aggressively slowing the car when the driver lifts off the throttle.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
All EQS models feature a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of 107.8 kWh. The EPA rates the EQS450+ at 350 miles of range and the EQS580 at 340 miles. Along with the ability to charge the battery from 10 to 100 percent in approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes using a 240-volt (Level 2) charger, the EQS can supposedly replenish 70 percent of its battery–from 10 to 80 percent–in about 35 minutes using a DC fast charger. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we observed an impressive 350 miles of range in the EQS580.