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Mercedes EQS test drive: Tesla cruncher

Test Mercedes EQS 450+

The flagship of Mercedes' electric range, the new EQS is an incredible car in every respect. And it has enough to make its rivals tremble.

Just a few years ago, Mercedes was lagging behind its rivals in terms of electrification. But recently, the German firm has been catching up. In 2019, it launched its EQ range with the EQC. Gradually, this range has been expanded, with the EQA and EQC models, as well as the EQE sedans and EQS sedans. Not to mention the EQV electric van electric van and the EQS SUV, which recently went on sale. In other words, customers now have a choice if they want to drive an emission-free vehicle from the brand with the star.

But of all those currently on offer, it's undoubtedly the EQS that's turning the most heads. And with good reason: its concept-car-like lines are straight out of a science-fiction film. But that's not all. The sedan is also a technologically exceptional car, with its huge touchscreen and record-breaking range. In short, it seems to hold all the cards to make the competition sweat. Especially the Tesla Model S, its greatest enemy. And in any case, the EQS has little choice but to stand out in an increasingly competitive segment.

So here we are, at the wheel of the top-of-the-range electric sedan, here in its 450+ version. We'll now be able to discover all the EQS's strengths, as well as its minor shortcomings. But it's also an opportunity to see just how far Mercedes has come, and is now in a position to offer ultra-prominent, trendy models.

Table of contents

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Mercedes eSprinter Van 35 kWh

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Hyundai Inster Standard Range

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332 €

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Opel Frontera 44 kWh

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BMW i5 Touring eDrive40

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Autonomie (WLTP) : 560 km

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661 €

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Autonomie (WLTP) : 702 km

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Mercedes EQE 300

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590 €

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Range (WLTP ): 513 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 6.1 sec

Fast charge (from 20% to 80%): 25 min.

Citroën ë-C4 54 kWh

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35 800 €

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Range (WLTP ): 415 km

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522 €

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Range (WLTP ): 480 km

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Autonomie (WLTP) : 549 km

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Fast charge (from 20% to 80%): 30 min.

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610 €

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Range (WLTP ): 426 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 9.6 sec

Fast charge (from 20% to 80%): 31 min.

Mercedes EQS test drive: exterior design

Exterior Mercedes EQS 450+
Test Mercedes EQS 450 exterior
Mercedes EQS 450 exterior
Mercedes EQS 450 rear exterior

Although the Mercedes EQS was officially unveiled in 2021, the brand had already given a hint of its launch two years earlier. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the German company unveiled the Vision EQS concept, heralding the arrival of a large, upscale and trendy sedan. The final version was then unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, where China is a very important market for the automaker. And unlike many production models derived from a concept car, the sedan is very close to the latter, with virtually unchanged lines. Which, of course, we like.

And for good reason: this EQS is very elegant and desirable. But its lines were not simply designed to be pretty. In fact, the main reason for the sedan's silhouette is to improve aerodynamics. This mission has been largely accomplished, with a Cx of 0.20, which is obviously very satisfactory. But while the lines are very smooth, our EQS is not lacking in character, with its full radiator grille featuring a multitude of stars, and its rear end giving it a spaceship look. Not to mention its large 21-inch wheels, with a style that is, to say the least, outrageous!

Mercedes EQS test drive: interior and technology

Mercedes EQS 450 interior
Mercedes EQS 450 rear seat test drive
Test Mercedes EQS 450 rear seat

Now it's time to climb aboard this Mercedes EQS and discover its interior. And the least we can say is that it's well worth the detour. And for good reason: the first thing you notice when you climb aboard is the huge screen, dubbed the Hyperscreen. Measuring 1.40 meters wide, it features a central touch-sensitive panel and a digital handset. But beware: this system is optional and costs over €8,000. If you choose not to take it, you'll have to make do with a simple 12.8-inch screen and digital instrumentation. The rest of the cockpit is equally impressive, exuding luxury and comfort.

Of course, it will take some getting used to to get to grips with the various functions offered by this highly technological cockpit. But in spite of everything, it's well thought-out and rather practical. You won't be surprised to learn that the quality of materials and finishes is well beyond our expectations, with leather-covered seats and fine-tuning. Comfort is the order of the day, both up front and in the rear, with a plush bench seat inviting long journeys and relaxation. Roominess is excellent, while the driver benefits from heated and massaging seats. Finally, the trunk volume varies between 610 and 1,770 liters with the rear seats folded down.

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Mercedes EQS test drive: behind the wheel

Mercedes EQS 450 steering wheel dashboard
Test Mercedes EQS 450 interior

Unlike some models also available with internal combustion engines, this Mercedes EQS is only available in electric version, like the rest of the EQ range. Nevertheless, several variants are available, including the entry-level 450 + of our test version, which boasts 333 hp sent to the rear wheels. This is followed by the 580 4Matic, with two engines and 523 hp, while the range is topped by the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+, with 658 hp distributed to all four wheels. Even so, our model is likely to be the biggest seller, thanks in particular to its range of up to 700 kilometers on a single charge.

A real tour de force for this electric sedan, designed precisely for long journeys. And it does its job quite well, with comfortable damping that pampers the backs of its occupants. Add to this perfect soundproofing, and you have a real cocoon that's very pleasant to live in. The same applies to shorter journeys and city driving, thanks to very smooth steering and four-wheel steering. Despite its five-meter length, the sedan is easy to drive, and maneuvering is a breeze! The Mercedes EQS is also equipped with a regenerativebraking system which, unfortunately, can be a little temperamental. A pity, especially as the braking isn't exactly the sharpest there is...

Dynamic driving and winding roads are not really the Mercedes EQS's favorite playground, and it suffers from a heavy weight of over 2.48 tons on the scales. Despite its low center of gravity, thanks to the underfloor battery installation, it's still very wobbly, even though it holds the road just fine. In other words, it's best to adopt a gentle pace to get the most out of theEQS. And although it is available with three driving modes, our preference is for the Comfort configuration, which we feel is the most suitable. As for the semi-autonomous driving system, it performs very well, and is undoubtedly one of the best on the market today, alongsideTesla'sAutopilot. Finally, the 200 kWbattery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes at a fast terminal like those of Ionity.

Mercedes EQS test drive: at a glance

Test Mercedes EQS 450 exterior design

It's fair to say that the Mercedes EQS has everything it takes to rival the Tesla Model S, and even overshadow it with its many assets. More comfortable, the German sedan is also a real concentrate of technology. A worthy cousin to the S-Class, it immerses us in a true cocoon of luxury and comfort, and makes us want to extend the journey even further. However, the return to reality can be painful when you look at the price, since the range starts at €127, 250, and the car is not eligible for the ecological bonus.

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Image by Grace Nzuzi
Grace Nzuzi

Through my articles, I help you to better manage your energy transition. And I do this for professionals and private individuals alike.

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