Mercedes EQS 450+ Review: Luxury EV Reality Check
First Impressions: Design Trade-offs
Mercedes' long-awaited electric flagship makes a controversial entrance. After testing the 2022 EQS 450+, our team confirms its slippery shape achieves a remarkable 0.20 drag coefficient—matching the Tesla Model S Plaid. But this aerodynamic obsession creates visual compromises. The bulbous profile sacrifices traditional sedan elegance for efficiency, while the hatchback design (a functional plus) further disrupts classic Mercedes proportions.
Visibility proves problematic during real-world driving. The thick B-pillar creates significant blind spots over the shoulder, and the rear window's letterbox design severely limits rearward sightlines. As one Autolist editor noted during testing: "Checking mirrors feels like looking through a paper towel tube."
Interior: Luxury at a Cost?
The $103,000 starting price sets high expectations. Standard features include:
- Heated/ventilated massaging front seats
- 12.3" digital cluster + 12.8" OLED touchscreen
- Biometric driver profile system
- Augmented reality navigation
Critical flaw: Mercedes reserves the stunning 56" Hyperscreen for the $120,000 EQS 580. Our analysis confirms the base model's flat plastic dash reflects glare distractingly. The rear cabin feels particularly underwhelming with hard plastics where rivals use wood or leather. For context, a similarly priced gasoline S-Class delivers markedly richer materials.
Performance & Driving Dynamics
Powering this 5,500-lb sedan is a single rear motor producing 329 hp and 419 lb-ft torque. Real-world testing reveals significant limitations:
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds feels sluggish for the segment. The dual-motor Tesla Model S (same price) delivers twice the horsepower. During highway merges, the EQS lacks the expected urgency.
Regenerative Braking Quirks
The strongest regen setting enables one-pedal driving but creates unnatural brake pedal transition. As our tester reported: "When you need friction brakes, the pedal response feels disconnected and unpredictable initially."
Exceptional Strengths
- Range: EPA-rated 350 miles exceeded our real-world 400-mile achievement
- Ride Quality: Air suspension delivers cloud-like isolation
- Steering: Rear-axle steering (up to 10 degrees) enables astonishing 35.8-foot turning circle
Competitive Landscape Analysis
How the EQS Stacks Up
| Model | Range (mi) | 0-60 (sec) | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes EQS 450+ | 350 | 5.9 | $103,000 |
| Tesla Model S | 405 | 3.1 | $99,990 |
| Lucid Air Pure | 410 | 3.8 | $87,400 |
| Porsche Taycan | 225 | 5.1 | $86,700 |
Key differentiators: The EQS leads in ride comfort and rear-seat space but trails in performance and tech innovation. The Lucid Air offers superior range at lower cost, while the Model S dominates acceleration metrics.
Ownership Considerations
Charging Performance
The 107.8 kWh battery supports:
- 200kW peak DC charging (10-80% in 31 mins)
- 11-hour AC charging via 9.6kW onboard charger
Safety & Tech
Standard driver aids include:
- Active Steering Assist
- Evasive Maneuver Support
- 360-degree camera with parking damage detection
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy?
After extensive testing, we conclude the EQS 450+ excels as a chauffeur-oriented EV prioritizing comfort over engagement. Its strengths resonate with specific buyers:
Consider if you:
- Prioritize ride quality over sportiness
- Require maximum range for road trips
- Value rear-seat space and hatchback utility
Look elsewhere if you:
- Expect sports sedan performance
- Demand cutting-edge tech at $100K+
- Prefer traditional luxury aesthetics
Pro Tip: Test drive in varied lighting. The dash reflection issue worsens during sunset drives.
"The EQS redefines electric serenity but forgets Mercedes' performance legacy. That horsepower deficit isn't just a number—it's a visceral absence when you need passing power." - Autolist Lead Tester
Your decision checkpoint: Would you sacrifice the Hyperscreen to save $17,000? Share your luxury tech priorities below.
