Should you buy one?

Mercedes’ bespoke approach to its electric car range has not quite resulted in an all-conquering electric car experience. The EQS is very flash – and as such, attention-grabbing – but this surface detail doesn’t seem to carry through into the depth of the experience.

As a car competing in the luxury class we’d expect the EQS to deliver better refinement and better ride quality. And while driving range is impressive – as it should be in a car with such a large battery – performance feels merely adequate.

Similarly, although the interior looks special, some of it doesn’t feel that special. Which, considering the price of the EQS, is a little bit galling. And the technicolour visual pyrotechnics get quite tiring after only a short period of exposure.

As such, we’d prefer to spend the money on a BMW iX or BMW i7, a Porsche Taycan – or a conventional Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

What we like

It’s got a big battery, so will go a long way between charges. The initial experience of the interior is likely to impress some passengers.

What we don’t like

It’s not especially nice to drive, nor is it especially comfortable. Given the cost, we’d want better refinement and a more tasteful, better-made interior, too.

23