2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS

Short front and rear overhangs and a low roofline make the EQS look smaller than its 205.4-inch length. It takes on some of the rounded shapes of the 1990s and looks like a futuristic take on the car from that timeframe. The nose wears a solid black panel like a raccoon mask with the headlights as the eyes. It has the Mercedes star in the middle, surrounded by smaller stars emanating out from it or in the case of the AMG model, vertical trim strips. The profile gives the car a cab-forward look, though the roofline also stretches to the back of the car to form a hatchback. Character lines along the sides give the car a bit of a rake. Mercedes pays special attention to aerodynamics, and the EQS has a very slippery 0.20 coefficient of drag, aided by the mostly smooth body and flush-face wheels.

The full-width Hyperscreen announces that the EQS has a tech-rich environment. The screen conforms to the shape of the dash with rounded edges instead of the usual rectangular look. From there, the environment softens with warm leather, wood, and available synthetic suede trim. It looks like a high-tech but inviting modern office, and the lighter upholstery choices add more visual flair.

At the base level, the EQS 450+ has a rear motor for rear-wheel drive. Other models add a second motor up front that adds all-wheel drive and increases power.

How fast is the Mercedes-Benz EQS?

No EQS is slow. The rear motor in the 2024 EQS 450+ makes 355 hp and 419 lb-ft of torque, up from 328 hp and 417 lf-ft in 2023. Last years’ model was good for a 0-60 mph sprint of 5.9 seconds, and this year’s time should be about the same, perhaps a tenth quicker. While that’s quicker than most gas cars, it’s not notable for an EV. The power is stronger from a stop and not as willing at higher speeds on the highway. The EQS 450 4Matic has the same 355 hp but 590 lb-ft to cut the 0-60 mph time to 5.3 seconds and improve that mid-range punch.

The EQS 580 4Matic ups the output to 536 hp and 633 lb-ft, up front 516 and 610 lb-ft last year. Again, expect about the same 4.1-second 0-60 mph time as last year, or slightly quicker. It’s downright fast, but it eases into the power for a more comfortable experience rather than slamming occupants back in their seats. 

Moving up to AMG EQS brings 649 hp and up to 751 lb-ft in the Race Start mode. It cuts the 0-60 mph time to 3.4 seconds, with more spirited power at any speed. 

All versions are mostly silent, with only some road noise and artificial motor sounds coming into the cabin. The lack of sound enhances the EQS’s serene mission.

Ride quality is the EQS’s best dynamic trait. It comes with an air suspension and adaptive dampers that smooth out bumps and ruts to keep everyone on board comfortable. 

Rear-wheel steering is also standard, and it's a boon to parking lot maneuverability as it can turn the rear wheels up to 10 degrees opposite the fronts at low speeds. It also helps improve stability in faster corners as the rears steer slightly with the fronts. The EQS is big and heavy, though outside of the AMG model it doesn’t feel sporty. It leans in corners and will push forward rather than rotate when driven fast into a turn. The AMG has firmer suspension settings that give it a more controlled feel that still falls short of sporty. 

Mercedes doesn’t offer a one-pedal driving mode, and the integration of the brake regen and friction brakes has been an issue for all of the brand’s EVs. Mercedes says the braking is improved for 2024, but we’ll have to experience it to find out.

The rear row falls short on headroom and legroom, especially for an electric version of an S-Class. Two adults fit fine, and three can fit across as long as they like each other. Getting in requires ducking to clear the low roof line. Rear seat occupants also get heated, cooled, and power-adjustable rear seats that have more support than most. 

Standard soft leather, real wood, and metal trim surround the occupants to create an environment that comes off as a high-tech, high-end office. 

A hatchback body style gives the EQS more cargo space than any sedan with 22.0 cubic feet. That can also be expanded thanks to rear seats that fold down.

The standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection assist, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alerts with brake support, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, automatic parking and lane changes, a driver-attention monitor, and a surround-view camera system.

The view out the back is partially blocked by the rear pillars.

For $105,550, the base EQS 450+ in the Premium trim comes standard with leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats with massage and memory, a heated steering wheel, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, Burmester audio, a huge sunroof, and 20-inch wheels. 

Newly standard for 2024 are the Hyperscreen infotainment and control system, power-adjustable heated rear seats, rear wireless smartphone charging, rear side impact airbags, a rear occupant reminder system, active ambient lighting, a wifi hotspot upgraded with 5G service this year, a power charging port door, and a 110- and 240-volt charging cable.

Which Mercedes-Benz EQS should I buy?

We’d move up to the EQS 450 4Matic for its extra power and all-wheel-drive traction for just $108,550. We’d also be tempted by the Exclusive trim for $2,600 more, which adds a cabin fragrance system, four-zone automatic climate control, and more seat adjustments. For good measure, the Pinnacle trim adds another $2,800 and gets heated and cooled rear seats, rear wireless smartphone charging, and rear side impact airbags. 

How much is a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz EQS?

The AMG EQS starts at $148,700 in Premium trim and $155,700 in Pinnacle trim. In addition to more power, it has firmer suspension tuning, launch control, bigger brakes,  and sportier interior and exterior trim.

Mercedes-Benz EQS infotainment

Mercedes splashes the Hyperscreen across the width of the dash. It’s made up of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. The latter allows some infotainment controls and internet searches. The system runs the MBUX interface that can be controlled with voice commands by saying “Hey Mercedes.” It can feel overwhelming as it flashes a lot of information at the driver, but it responds to commands quickly and is at the forefront of connectivity. It shouldn’t age poorly either as it has over-the-air updates.

With its 400-volt electrical architecture, Mercedes says the EQS can charge from 10-80% in about a half hour at a rate of up to 200 kw.