S CLUB HEAVEN? (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mercedeseqs_2022

By Jonathan Crouch

With this enhanced EQS, Mercedes aims to re-write the rules of what a luxury limo should be. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 93

With this further improved EQS, Mercedes' most opulent EV, the Stuttgart brand has tried to further redefine what the luxury limo of the future will look like. It goes further on a single charge than any European rival 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.

Backgroundword count: 202

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 but more recently further updated to create the car we're going to look at here. 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. This car (which will eventually be replaced by an EV version of the next generation S-Class) got improved in Spring 2024, but a far greater package of enhancements were introduced in Spring 2026, creating the car we're going to look at here.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 351

Mercedes wants to retain its position as leader in the segment for boardroom-level large-sized full-electric luxury saloons. Well the increase in usable battery size (from 118kWh to 122kWh) with better versions of this further updated model certainly puts it in pole position against obvious rivals like the BMW i7 and the Jaguar Type 00 in that regard. The 542 mile figure of the improved mid-level EQS 450+ is better than any competitor other than the Lucid Air (which isn't currently made in right hand drive form). The rival BMW i7 50 xDrive only manages 452 miles. That EQS 450+ has a single rear-mounted motor putting out 408bhp, which will get you to 62mph in 5.9s. If you don't need to go quite as fast as that, then Mercedes also offers a 367hp EQS 400 single motor entry-level variant, though that has an older 112kWh battery, so only goes up to 490 miles between charges. The top dual motor EQS 580 4MATIC uses the new 122kWh battery, puts out 585hp, makes 62mph in just 4.1s and manages up to 526 miles between charges. Quite a lot has potentially changed with the EQS driving experience as part of this second update. The brake recuperation system has been improved, sending more energy back to the battery than before. And the company has added 'Intelligent Damper Control' to the AIRMATIC air suspension which the company claims will add noticeably better comfort over speed humps and poorer urban surfaces. As before, suspension parameters are 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. There's also now the added option of steer-by-wire technology, which removes the physical connection between the steering wheel and the steering rack. The system's controlled by an aeroplane-style yoke and its much lower steering ratio means that you won't have to cross your arms when making a turn. As before, rear wheel steer is standard, so there's a tight 11-metre turning circle, which is extraordinary for a 5.21-metre long limousine.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227