Overview
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan is the flagship of the brand’s electrified future and one of the fanciest EVs ever. Its curvaceous body effortlessly slips through the air for maximum efficiency, and its palatial cabin boasts luxurious appointments and state-of-the-art features for the all-important wow factor. That’s made most obvious by the optional glass-covered Hyperscreen dashboard. The sizable EV sedan is offered with a 329-hp, rear-drive powertrain (EQS450+) or a 516-hp, all-wheel-drive setup (EQS580 4Matic). Both utilize a large 107.8-kWh battery that’s rated at up to 350 miles of range. While calling the 2022 EQS an electrifying luxury car is an easy pun, it’s also entirely accurate.
What’s New for 2022?
The all-new 2022 EQS is the first Mercedes to utilize a platform exclusively designed for EV models. It’s also the first fully electric vehicle from the company’s EQ subbrand to be offered to the U.S. market. It’s expected to be followed by a fleet of new electrified models that include the squat EQA and boxy EQB subcompact crossovers as well as the EQE entry-luxury sedan.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2022 EQS is available in three different trim levels and two different powertrains, and we’d recommend the top Pinnacle trim in the rear-wheel drive EQS450+ guise. Going with the most luxurious trim level delivers 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 is plenty punchy and we think most drivers won’t miss the performance of the all-wheel-drive EQS580 model.
Engine, Transmission, 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. Mercedes estimates the rear-drive variant will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Opting for the more powerful all-wheel-drive model is said to drop the zero-to-60-mph time to 4.1 seconds. 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.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Both 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.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Once we can test an EQS on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world efficiency and driving range. For more information about the EQS’s efficiency, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the EQS is lined with beautiful, high-quality materials and outfitted with countless luxury amenities. The roster of desirable features includes extensive ambient interior lighting, headrest pillows for front and rear passengers, and an Executive Rear Seat package. The latter includes adjustable back seats with massage functions, neck and shoulder heating, and an individual tablet to control the MBUX infotainment system. Still, the most notable option is what Mercedes calls Hyperscreen: a giant wall-to-wall panel of glass that stretches across the instrument panel and encompasses the infotainment system. While this digitized dashboard looks futuristic, the EQS does come standard with a more traditional dashboard. Thanks to a completely flat floor as well as a lengthy 126.4-inch wheelbase, the EQS has a spacious interior. Cargo space is also especially generous, thanks to its large hatchback and useful front trunk.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The MBUX infotainment system on the EQS is one of its most prominent interior features, especially the 56-inch-long Hyperscreen. While the standard arrangement is a tablet-like touchscreen that extends from the center console and floats above the dashboard, the optional Hyperscreen acts as one massive display that consists of three distinct screens. These include the 12.3-inch gauge cluster, the 17.7-inch central touchscreen, and the 12.3-inch passenger-side touchscreen. Along with the dazzling array of screens, the EQS features a fingerprint scanner that activates individual driver profiles, the “Hey Mercedes” voice-command system, and augmented-reality navigation in the head-up display. Every model also includes six USB-C ports throughout the cabin and a Burmester audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2022 EQS comes packed with standard driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control and self-parking assist. For more information about the EQS’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes’ limited and powertrain warranties are competitive with other German automakers, but its terms aren’t particularly noteworthy. There’s also no complimentary maintenance, which is something BMW offers.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for 10 years or 155,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
