2024 Mercedes-EQ EQS450+ Sedan Review

Introduction: Redefining Flagship Luxury in an Electric World

The 2024 Mercedes-EQ EQS450+ is Mercedes-Benz's pioneering effort in the all-electric luxury sedan market. While its badge evokes the prestige of the iconic S-Class, the EQS450+ brings a distinctly modern identity powered entirely by electricity. Designed to offer serenity, sophistication, and intelligent tech, this model attempts to fuse classic luxury with cutting-edge innovation.

--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Under the sleek exterior, the EQS450+ is equipped with a 108.4-kWh battery paired with a single rear electric motor producing 355 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque. This configuration supports a seamless and silent driving experience, delivering an EPA-estimated 352-mile range—among the longest in its segment.

Acceleration is brisk, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. Rear-wheel steering aids maneuverability, tightening the turning radius by over three feet, offering agility uncommon in full-size sedans. While it may not match the raw performance of the Lucid Air or BMW i7 in outright speed, it excels in refined control and long-distance cruising comfort.

Ride Comfort and Regenerative Braking

The adaptive air suspension glides over imperfections, especially in Comfort mode, making the EQS one of the smoothest rides in its category. There are three regenerative braking modes—Normal, Strong, and Off—each offering a tailored driving response, though the absence of true one-pedal driving might deter some EV purists.

--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Interior Design and Tech: The Hyperscreen Highlight

The cabin showcases the MBUX Hyperscreen—a curved 56-inch glass interface housing a 17.7-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch driver cluster, and a 12.3-inch passenger screen. It’s both visually stunning and intuitive, with snappy response and seamless wireless Apple CarPlay integration. Climate controls are easily accessible via the touchscreen, minimizing user frustration.

However, the dashboard’s high position and the low windshield reduce forward visibility. Glare from the dash and Hyperscreen can also interfere with driving in bright daylight.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

Despite its premium price, the EQS450+ exhibits minor interior quality concerns. While natural-grain wood trim and ambient lighting exude elegance, some plastic components and panel gaps feel out of sync with expectations for a six-figure vehicle. The air vents and steering column stalks are particularly underwhelming in tactile quality.

--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--

Space and Utility

Headroom in the front is limited due to the sloping roofline, and visibility is compromised by thick B-pillars and narrow rear windows. However, rear passengers enjoy a glass roof and improved space. The EQS also surprises with practicality—a large hatchback cargo area and underfloor storage are rare in the luxury sedan segment.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared to the BMW i7 and Lucid Air, the EQS450+ emphasizes quiet elegance and user-friendly tech. Lucid offers sharper performance, and the i7 provides a more balanced luxury-performance blend, but Mercedes wins with overall cabin serenity and efficiency. Tesla’s Model S, while quicker, lacks the material quality and refinement offered by the EQS.

Conclusion: Is It the Future of Luxury?

The EQS450+ represents a departure from Mercedes-Benz’s traditional approach to luxury sedans. It delivers innovation, comfort, and efficiency but falls slightly short on craftsmanship and spatial practicality. Still, it sets a strong precedent for what the future of electric luxury can be.

--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--