Overview

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is this prestigious German brand’s flagship electric car. Sitting alongside the conventionally powered Mercedes S-Class at the top of range, we’ve previously described it as a new kind of electric car experience – one in which you can enjoy being driven as well as driving yourself.

But now that the initial surprise and delight at the sleek aerodynamic design and heavily tech-laden interior has had time to sink in, we find ourselves revisiting the EQS just as BMW has launched a direct rival, the i7. These two all-electric luxury cars approach things slightly differently, however – the i7 is an electric version of the latest 7 Series, while the EQS uses a bespoke Mercedes-EQ electric vehicle platform rather than the same underpinnings as the aforementioned S-Class.

As such, the EQS is more akin to the BMW iX SUV – in that both make their individual electric vehicle (EV) status overtly obvious via distinctive design that sets them apart from the rest of their respective ranges. So, if you’re looking for a luxury car that makes both your status and your green conscience clear, the EQS is a more noticeable choice than the i7.

Though if appearances are less important to you, perhaps you should read on for the rest of our review before rushing straight down to the Mercedes dealer.

Just one regular variant is offered in the UK: the rear-wheel drive Mercedes EQS 450+, which comes with a single electric motor and in a choice of five trim levels; in other markets a dual-motor EQS 580 4Matic is also available, with 523hp. You can buy an AMG version here, but we cover this in our separate EQS AMG 53 review.

The specs of the EQS 450+ are certainly attractive, promising 333hp, up to 453 miles of driving range per charge, and a charging time of as little as 31 minutes. In our experience, however, we’ve found that none of these things quite live up to expectations.

And while the in-car accommodation is impressive, you will have to spend more than the basic price to get the maximum EQS experience – none of the regular car’s trim levels include the showcase Hyperscreen infotainment layout as standard, for example. You can find out more about this in the Interior section of this review.

Over the next few pages we’ll take you through all the pros and cons of the Mercedes EQS, including what it’s like to drive as well as to sit in, concluding with a verdict that covers whether we think it’s worth buying taking the considerable cost and some talented competitors into account.