The Mercedes-Benz EQS 4Matic: An electric future

After driving the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 4Matic for a week, we at Napleton News can say we’ve seen the future and it’s a damn bright one. The Mercedes EQS is the first in a new series of electric vehicles that will move the company forward into the realm of mobility. Sure, it’s a fancy way of saying we’ll get you from point A to point B, but it’s the phrase du jour until the next one comes along.

So unplug the charger, coil the cord, hop in and buckle up as we take a ride in the new Mercedes-Benz EQS 4Matic luxury sedan.

What is a Mercedes-Benz EQS 4Matic?

Mercedes-Benz anticipates that more than half of the vehicles it sells will soon be electric vehicles (EV). To that end, they are wasting no time in prepping for the moment that flips society upside down from internal combustion engines to direct-current motivation. In the case of the Mercedes-Benz EQS, the company starts with a new, dedicated modular electric vehicle platform. It’s a luxurious large vehicle that sits smaller than the current S-Class sedan but with nearly the same wheelbase. So, while not being as long, it’s nearly as large inside as the current S-class sedan.

EQS power is available in two forms: The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ is a rear-drive EV with a single electric motor-generator that produces 329 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque. Using a 107.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, it has an EPA combined fuel economy of 97 MPGe. It is capable of an EPA estimated range of 350 miles. There’s nothing under the hood and we’re not even sure you can call it that. It is a body panel that is only accessible to Mercedes-Benz service technicians.

More power, more range

Our test vehicle was the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic. Rather than a single motor generator, the EQS 580 includes one on each axle. They combine to offer 516 horsepower and 631 lb-ft of torque. The EPA expects approximately 94 MPGe for fuel economy and a range of 340 miles overall. As always, your mileage may vary. Ours certainly did and actually ended up giving us approximately 389 miles overall.

For those in a constant hurry, wait a little while longer for the Mercedes-AMG EQS with the same battery pack and a motor-generator making 649 horsepower (752 with AMG Dynamic Plus) and 700 lb-ft of torque. The EPA hasn’t figured out the MPGe yet, but expect 300 miles per full battery.

How does the Mercedes-Benz EQS 4Matic look?

The Mercedes EQS features a unique look unlike anything else in the M-B lineup. Start with a swoopy aero-cheating design smoothed like a pebble constantly washed over by ocean waves. A large, grille-less front end presents a smooth leading edge that rushes air over the hood and around the front wheels. A smooth underside discourages wind turbulence, allowing the EQS to cut a rather fast shape of 0.20 cd. If you follow such things, that figure makes the EQS the most aerodynamic production car in the world.

The aero tuning expands to other parts of the EQS. Door handles pop out as you approach, and then tuck back in once the EQS gets above 5-mph in speed. The blacked-out grille features stylized Mercedes stars throughout. This style will be the new look of the Mercedes electric vehicle lineup moving forward. When combined with the look of the “sensual purity” design language, it’s clear there are very few creases and plenty of curves.

Comfortable insides

The first thing you notice when climbing inside the Mercedes-Benz EQS is nearly five feet of glass stretched across the dashboard. We’re talking MBUX here, folks. What’s MBUX? Don’t worry. It’s not the leftover cash in your pocket after buying your new EQS. It’s MB-Speak for Mercedes Benz User Interface. And it is very impressive.

A vehicle-wide infotainment/information/recreational series of screens. It features gauges and other settings in front of the driver. There’s an infotainment and navigation system on the larger central screen. On the dashboard’s right side is a screen allowing front passengers to watch a movie that can’t be seen by the driver.

 

Hey Mercedes

“Hey Mercedes” is the command you call out when you want the MBUX system to call someone, change the radio station, take you somewhere or make the temperature colder or warmer. It worked well when we first encountered it several years ago in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It works even better now. You can be called from the rear seat, speaks over 27 languages and even recognizes individual voices. It’s like having your personal assistant along for the ride.

The seating was top-shelf with heating and ventilating functions naturally on tap. But it got better: Various massage styles were on-board that allowed you to get gentle or aggressive rubs, some even with heat. It was truly spa-like! The only thing making it better were the headrest pillows that provided a soft space between your head and the hard cushion of the actual headrest. If the EQS had a shortcoming, it was in the rear seats. There is plenty of legroom because there is no driveshaft tunnel reaching from the engine to the rear wheels. Back seat passengers did complain about the upright positioning of the seatbacks. Unfortunately, they offered uncomfortable accommodations with no way to adjust them, as far as we could see.

Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz EQS 4Matic

We found that if we weren’t reminded this was an electric vehicle, it felt like a regular S-Class sedan. There were subtle pinging sounds as you backed the EQS out of the drive, but that was all. Acceleration came on at a ridiculously fast pace and eventually equalized when the car reached cruising speed.

One of the functions of the steering wheel-mounted paddle shift levers was a recuperation feature that seemed to apply the brakes to help regenerate energy back to the batteries. Pulling the downshift lever caused the EQS to approach a single-pedal driving mode. This is where forward motion continues for as long as you have your foot on the accelerator. Once you lift, it’s as though you are applying the brakes. It’s an enjoyable way to control the vehicle, and you might increase your range at the same time.

We made a trip from West Palm Beach to Miami Beach over the weekend, leaving with a battery charged to 96-percent. We completed the 65-mile run about an hour later and then put another 60 miles on the EQS before we turned around for the return trip home. All the while, I was in search of a super-charger to top it off. I need not have worried. Logic told me we should run out of battery power somewhere north of Ft. Lauderdale. We arrived with 150 miles to spare. That’s efficiency! By special arrangement, Mercedes-Benz EQS owners receive free unlimited 30-minute DC fast charge sessions at Electrify America charging stations nationwide. Mercedes claims that a 200-watt fast charger can juice up the EQS batteries from 10- to 100-percent in only 31 minutes.

Put on those shades, kids. It’s going to be a bright future!

Specifications

	2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic Sedan
Engine Type	Electric Motor Generator
Horsepower	516 HP
Torque	631 LB-FT
Transmission	1-speed automatic
Fuel Economy	95 mpg (92 city/99 hwy)
Suspension	Airmatic Air Suspension
Turning Circle	35.76 ft.
Also Available	EQS 450, 2 years free charging
Specs
Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	N/A
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	126.4 inches
Overall Length	207.3 inches
Width	75.8 inches
Height	59.6 inches
Trunk Room	21.5 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	40.4 inches
Curb Weight	5,888 pounds