With the EQS, Mercedes continues to re-write the rules of what a luxury limo should be. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the revised version.

Ten Second Review

With this EQS, Mercedes' most opulent EV, the Stuttgart brand has tried to redefine what the luxury limo of the future will look like. It now gets a bigger battery, a more opulent rear seat and the option of a more traditional look. And still claims to be the most aerodynamic production road car yet made. The cabin is suitably futuristic, the drivetrains are potent, the technology's impressive - and of course, the prices are high. Everything you'd expect really - from a car that, equally, might be everything you wouldn't expect a large luxury boardroom conveyance to be.

Background

What might the luxury limo of EVs look like? This is the Mercedes take on that question, the EQS, a car we first saw back in 2021. Early EQ Mercedes models mirrored the look of their combustion counterparts quite closely, but the EQS looks nothing like an S-Class, outside or in. And of course, the driving and ownership experience it offers is completely different too. One thing is common though. The S-Class has always been the model on which we've first seen Mercedes choiciest engineering and electronic innovations, features which then filter down into more affordable cars in the Stuttgart maker's portfolio. So it is with the EQS, which pioneers new technology in aerodynamics, cabin screen tech and charging - to name just three things amongst many - which will all be seen in future smaller Mercedes EQ models. But started here with this one. Here, we look at the updated bigger-battery version of this model announced in Spring 2024.

Driving Experience

There are three EQS models, starting with the base EQS 350, which uses a 96kWh battery that energises a 292hp motor and provides for an EV range of up to 409 miles. The key change with this updated model though, is the introduction of the new, larger 118kWh battery for the top two variants (up from 108.4kWh before). This features on the EQS 450+ (with 360hp and up to 481 miles of range); and the top AWD Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ (with 658hp and up to 378 miles of range). These figures should be more achievable than those quoted before because the energy recuperation now works more strongly - at up to 3m/s, twice the previous strength. This means the brake discs will be used less, so Mercedes has introduced a function that will automatically apply them occasionally to keep them properly active. As before, under the skin across the EQS line-up, the 4-link front suspension set-up with its multi-link arrangement at the rear is closely related to the that used in the S-Class and, as with that car, adaptive air suspension is standard, with its parameters adjusted depending on the drive mode you select - choose from 'Eco', 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Individual'. The ride height falls at above 74mph, which improves aerodynamic efficiency and ups the driving range. Predictive camera-based suspension tech is missing, but this car nonetheless wafts over speed humps and tarmac tears as if they weren't there. It's probably our favourite thing about it. That pillowy ride doesn't mean a dynamic downside through the turns, but there's little enjoyment to be had from throwing this car about, so it's just as well that few owners will want to. Four-wheel steering is standard, which sees the rear wheels turning by up to 10-degrees compared to those at the front - or by as much as 9-degrees with the AMG '53' version. They turn in the same direction as those at the front to help stability at high speeds - and in the opposite direction to aid manoeuvrability at parking speeds. It works too: the EQS boasts a turning circle of 10.9-metres with the 10-degree rear axle steering set-up, which is extraordinary for a 5.21-metre long limousine. You're going to need to make proactive use of the aforementioned clever energy recuperation system, which is manually selectable via steering wheel paddles in three stages - 'D+', 'D' and 'D-' - or select 'D auto' to do it all for you if you can't decide.

Design and Build

If you ever wished the EQS had more of the stately presence of the S-Class, well now it can courtesy of an added alternative front panel option offered with the 'Business Class' variants. This uses vertical slats and chrome plating to replicate the look of a combustion-engined S-Class - and adds a bonnet-mounted three-pointed star. Most variants though, retain the original model's AMG Line-style front. Otherwise, things are as before when we first saw the EQS back in 2021. Here, we're looking at the five-door hatch version; there's also a separate EQS SUV crossover model which sits on the same bespoke EVA platform. With this EQS hatch, Mercedes set out to create the world's most aerodynamic road car - and achieved an uber-slippery drag coefficient of just 0.20Cd. Smooth surfaced panels devoid of creases help here, as does the coupe-like profile, the short overhangs and the frameless doors with their flush fitting handles. There's a large fastback-style tailgate. The clamshell-style bonnet can't be opened. Inside, the big news with this update is the standardisation of the brand's striking 55.5-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, which gives you three separate displays housed beneath a single, curved panel that's 141cm wide. Of these, the driver gets a 12.3-inch instrument screen, there's a 17.7-inch central infotainment monitor and a third 12.3-inch display sits ahead the front passenger. Just as important for likely customers are the changes made to the rear seat, where on all models the back rests now recline to 36-degrees - or as much as 38-degrees with the optional 'Rear Comfort Plus' package fitted, which includes neck and shoulder heating and allows the front passenger seat to automatically fold forward to increase leg space. Rear seat space is of course fundementally generous, thanks to the long wheelbase enabled by the EV underpinnings. And, as before, a removable tablet can be specified for back passengers, along with a pair of 11.6-inch screens. With the 350 and 450+ variants, there's a huge 620-litre boot, extendable to 1,700-litres with the seats folded. With the AMG 53 version, the 4MATIC+ system restricts boot space to 580-litres.

Market and Model

You're going to need to think in terms of a price starting point of just under £100,000 for EQS ownership; that's for the base EQS 350 model, which has the smaller 96kWh battery, offers 292hp and is the starting point in the EQS hierarchy. The alternative for around £13,000 more is the EQS 450+, which has the bigger 118kWh battery and offers 360hp. Both variants are rear-driven and come with a choice of three trim levels - 'AMG Line Premium', 'AMG Line Premium Plus' and 'Business Class' (the latter with a combustion S-Class-style front end bearing an upright three-pointed star). The only way of getting the 4MATIC drive system with the conventional EQS body style in the UK is to opt for the fastest version of this car, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+, which also uses the 118kWh battery. Predictably, given that power for this performance variant rises right up to at least 658hp, that's an even costlier confection, priced from just under £162,000 at the time of this review in either 'Night Edition' or 'Touring' forms. Your other alternative is to opt for the EQS SUV body style, which offers similar drivetrain options to those you can have with this conventional model. Here though, our focus is on the conventional EQS body shape. It rolls out of the same Sindelfingen factory complex as its close cousin, the Mercedes S-Class, which of course is a saloon (the EQS is a five-door hatch) and is a car that costs much the same as an EQS if, as would be most relevant, your point of comparison is with the S580e Plug-in Hybrid S-Class model.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the EV mileage figures in our 'Driving' section - up to 409 miles for the 96kWh EQS 350; and up to 481 miles for the 118kWh EQS 450+, which falls to a best of 378 miles for the heavier 118kWh Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+. The now much-stronger energy recuperation system should make these figures more achievable than those previously quoted. The EQS, a little surprisingly, hasn't adopted the 800V electronic architecture that top Audi and Porsche EVs use; there's a 400V system, hence the rather restricted 200kW DC rapid charge capability (a Porsche Taycan or Audi e-tron GT have 800V architecture that can charge up to 320kW). Still, a 10-80% DC rapid charge in all EQS models will take only just over 30 minutes. Mercedes claims that up to 186 miles of range can be added in as little as a quarter of an hour. As standard, you get an 11kW AC on-board charger which, using an AC charging point, tops up the car from 10-100% in 12 hours 15 minutes (it's 18 hours 30 minutes using a commoner 7.4kW wallbox). The respective AC charging times for the 96kWh EQS 350 are 10 hours 15 minutes (11kW) and 15 hours (7.4kW). On all variants, we like the clever choice of different charging programmes - 'Standard', 'Home' and 'Work', each of which allows you to pre-set things like departure time, maximum charge level and air conditioning settings. There's also a feature that Mercedes calls 'Eco-charging', which lowers the load on the battery during charging in a way that improves the longevity of the lithium-ion cells. As usual with an EV, you can lower the battery's charge state to a pre-set limit; or delay charging take advantage of off-peak electricity.

Summary

Just as the Mercedes S-Class was in many ways the original boardroom level large luxury saloon, so in future years, the EQS will be seen as being the first car to fill that role for EVs. You might think that the looks lack the traditional gravitas that a car in this class is expected to have. But that's because nothing - not even the crucial issue in this class of pavement presence - has been allowed to get in the way of the relentless engineering drive towards efficiency that characterises this car. The luxury limo of the future must have less environmental impact on its surroundings than the supermini of the past. And for that to happen, a big saloon of this kind must change; radically. The EQS epitomises the need for that. It's different because going forward, cars of its kind will have to be. And, just as significantly, it's the first European brand EV to properly trump Tesla when it comes to driving range. Of course, as a top-level executive, you may not be quite ready for this level of radical change. If so no, no problem: that's why Mercedes still makes the S-Class. But if you are, in this car, the future awaits.

Body Glass

Heat insulating, noise insulating and infrared reflecting laminated glass

Acoustic privacy glass

Heated windscreen washer system

Frameless windows

Privacy glass

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electronic Stability Programme

Chassis/Suspension

Rear wheel steering 10 degrees

Airmatic air suspension

Communication

5G Communications module

Driver Aids

Mercedes me services

Power assisted steering

DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of driving modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport and Individual)

Driver Convenience

Multifunction telephony

Finger print scanner

Front wireless smartphone charging

Hyperscreen

Electric charge flap

Driver Information

EQ navigation services - map (range display), display charging stations, programming of charging settings and pre entry climate control

MBUX Interior assistant

Pre-installation for car sharing

Mercedes me connect

MBUX augmented reality for navigation

Mercedes Benz emergency call system

Active traffic sign assist

Hard-disk navigation

OLED central display with 17.7" screen diagonal and haptic feedback

Head up Display

Driver display with 12.3" screen inc. LCD with LED matrix backlighting

Smartphone integration

Embellishment Trims

Anthracite wood main trim

Black fine structure lower trim

Dashboard in leather look

Entertainment

Burmester surround sound system

DAB Digital radio

MBUX multimedia system

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

Luxury panel with standing star

AMG exterior styling

Side skirts in high-gloss black with chrome inserts

Star panel radiator grille

Panoramic sliding sunroof

Exterior Lights

Ambient lighting bar

LED High level third brake light

LED rear tail lamps with 3D helix design

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

HEPA air filter

Heat pump

Pre-entry climate control

THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control

Interior Features

Lugano leather upholstery

Storage compartment under center console

AMG multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather

Roof lining - Black fabric

Soft close doors

AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals with black rubber studs

Interior Lights

Active ambient lighting

Ambient lighting 64 colours with direct light lines

Packs

Digital Light pack - EQS

Mirror package - EQS

Interior light pack - EQS

Memory pack - EQS

Parking pack - EQS

USB package - EQS

Keyless go comfort package - EQS

Driving assistance plus pack - EQS

AMG interior design pack - EQS

Air quality pack - EQS

Easy pack tailgate

Safety

Three point rear seat belts

Rear door child safety locks

Seats

Heated front seats

Single front passenger seat

Heated rear seats

Rear head restraints

Split folding rear seats

Front head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

AMG sports seats

Security

Urban guard plus anti-theft protection hardware including Alarm and immobilizer

Dashcam

Vehicle Charging

96kWh battery

Charging cable for wall box and public charging station - Type 2(mode 3) 5m

Combined charging system CCS-2 connector

11 kW AC onboard charger

200kW DC onboard charger

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Alloy

21" AMG multi spoke light alloy wheels aerodynamically optimised in high gloss black with high sheen finish

Wheels - Spare

Tirefit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 900

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 615

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 32

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 200

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 10

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 155000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 96

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 732

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 654

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 699

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 579

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 17.3

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.1

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 19.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.6

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 455

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 406

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 360

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 434

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 96

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 200

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: AMG Line Premium +

Coin Description: 96kWh

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 2

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 15500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 96

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 76

NCAP Safety Assist %: 80

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 292

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.7

Top Speed: 130

Engine Power - BHP: 292

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 215

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 417

Engine Torque - NM: 565

Engine Torque - MKG: 57.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 265/40 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 265/40 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AMG MULTI SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5223

Width: 1926

Wheelbase: 3210

Width (including mirrors): 2125

Height: 1512

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2440

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3035

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 595

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 620

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1700

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.9

Exterior Body Features

Manufaktur metallic paint

Manufaktur magno paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Obsidian black

Metallic - Onyx black

Metallic - High tech silver

Metallic - Nautic blue

Metallic - Sodalite blue

Paint - Special

Manufaktur metallic - Opalite white

Manufaktur metallic - Patagonia red

Manufaktur magno - Graphite grey

Trim - Leather

Lugano leather - Black/space grey

Lugano leather - Neva grey/balaobrown