Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC review: The rolling lounge

The electric S-Class, the star in the firmament of electromobility – the advance praise for the EQS was and still is enormous. But how does the electric luxury sedan perform in the tough everyday life, beyond its high glossprospecs and WLTP cycles? We put the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC in the striking Vintage Blue paint finish to the test, testing it in city traffic, on country roads, and on long stretches of highway. Here's our review of a technology showcase that does many things differently and better, but also has its rough edges.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS was first presented to the public in 2019 as the "Vision EQS" concept study at the IAA and celebrated its official world premiere in April 2021. As the first model to be designed on the all-electric EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform, it set a clear example for electric luxury mobility with its aerodynamic design (record drag coefficient of 0,20) and the innovative MBUX Hyperscreen. However, its appearance polarized opinion among the more conservative clientele. Since then, it has competed with models such as the Tesla Model S, the No ET7 and the BMW i7.

Currently, in 2025, the EQS is in its facelifted version, introduced in April 2024. This brought significant improvements, including a battery capacity increased to 118 kWh for greater range, a higher towing capacity, and, most importantly, a return to more classic design features such as the optional upright Mercedes star on the hood. Despite these technical and visual upgrades, sales figures have fallen short of expectations since its market launch in 2021. Rightly so?

tl;dr (conclusion) on the EQS 450 4MATIC

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC presents itself as a convincing luxury electric vehicle that sets high standards for the competition in almost all areas. It redefines luxury in the electric age with its high level of comfort, an impressive real-world range of up to 580 kilometers, and an interior that resembles a futuristic wellness lounge. The latest model update, with a battery capacity increased to 118 kWh and small but subtle visual tweaks such as the re-available, upright star on the hood, further sharpens its character.

The combination of excellent comfort, modern technology and solid all-wheel drive makes the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC a first-class choice for discerning customers who do not want to compromise on comfort.prowant to compromise on luxury and electric mobility. Nevertheless, it is not without flaws. Operating the EQS via the gigantic Hyperscreen can be overwhelming at first, the sheer size and lack of clarity take their toll in urban environments, and the base price of €113.359 for the 450 4MATIC is in a league that is out of reach for most people. Furthermore, the built-in 400-volt battery system is somewhat outdated. An 800-volt system could significantly improve the EQS.

Advantages and disadvantages of the EQS 450 4MATIC

✅ Strengths:

• 580 kilometers real range in normal driving, in ECO mode up to 600 kilometers are possible

• Cd value of 0,20 is still a benchmark and contributes significantly to efficiency

• 10 to 80 percent charges take only 31 minutes thanks to a peak charging power of up to 210 kW.

• The air suspension smooths out every bump and the acoustic glazing creates an oasis of peace

• Great MBUX Hyperscreen with artificial intelligence

• Rear-axle steering with up to 4,5° as standard or up to 10° as an option is a game changer

• With 360 all-wheel-drive hp and 800 Nm of torque, it accelerates from 12,2 to 100 km/h in just 180 seconds

❌ Weaknesses:

• Unfortunately only equipped with 400-volt system and thus maximum 210 kW charging power, with 800-volt even better charging power would be possible

• No one-pedal driving available

• The Hyperscreen is impressive, but requires an intensive training period

Design and exterior of the EQS 450 4MATIC: Polarizing beauty

The EQS polarizes. Its One-bow design, a single, flowing arch from front to rear, radically breaks with the classic three-box sedan shape of an S-Class. It serves one primary purpose: aerodynamics. And this purpose is impressively fulfilled with a world-record drag coefficient of 0,20. Continuous light strips with LED lights in a 3D helix design at the front and rear, as well as the optionally available DIGITAL LIGHT with over 2,6 million pixels pro  round off the innovative overall concept.

With the latest model update, Mercedes has also responded well to the criticism of many customers. For traditionalists, for whom the integrated star in the "Black Panel" grille is too profan, the option of the upright star on the hood is now available again. A detail that gives the car a more classic, majestic presence. But this is precisely where one of the design's pitfalls becomes apparent: Since neither the brand logo nor the hood is visible from the driver's seat, positioning the wide (2,13 meters) and long (5,22 meters) Benz is a matter of pure guesswork. Without the 360-degree camera, you're stuck in tight parking spaces.

Our test car in the special MANUFAKTUR vintage blue paint finish was also a real eye-catcher. The color makes the futuristic lines appear elegant yet unusual and attracted countless glances. The special paint finish is one of nine available Manufaktur paint finishes and costs an additional €4.701. We were also definitely impressed by the 21-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels of the AMG Line equipment package.

Interior of the EQS 450 4MATIC: Futuristic wellness lounge

If you enter the inner space, you instantly feel transported into the future. The doors close with a satisfying click, and the outside world becomes your backdrop. The build quality is, as you'd expect from Mercedes in this class, beyond reproach. Soft leather, open-pore wood, and precisely placed aluminum trim are pleasing to the eye and the hand. The material quality is consistently first-class, with high-quality finishes and the optionally available MANUFAKTUR interior package featuring elaborate diamond-pattern quilting in nappa leather.. The hand-covered nappa leather steering wheel is color-coordinated with the interior. Unfortunately, the driver's seat area of the A-pillar in our test car creaks slightly, even at low speeds.

The seats are like comfortable armchairs with countless adjustment options and an excellent massage function – perfect for long journeys. A small but annoying detail in everyday use is the somewhat hidden wireless smartphone charging cradle in the center console, whose accessibility and visibility could be improved. An intuitively operated panoramic sunroof creates a pleasantly bright ambience in the interior. Electric sunblinds can also provide more darkness if needed.

Ambient Lighting Plus creates a stunning effect, especially during evening drives. Over 64 colors are available to customize the interior to your personal taste. The lighting also actively interacts with various assistance systems by sending visual signals, for example, when the Blind Spot Assist is activated or a door is opened.

Space and trunk: Enough room for everything

The feeling of space is generous both in the front and rear, thanks to the long wheelbase of 3,21 meters and the all-electric layout. The optional Rear Comfort Package Plus brings significantly more luxury to the second row: a specially angled footrest between the front seat rails, a forward-folding passenger seat, a backrest adjustable up to 38 degrees, and seat heating with additional neck and shoulder heating.

The electrically opening and closing tailgate makes loading and unloading the luggage compartment much easier. With a volume of 620 liters, the trunk offers plenty of space and is particularly easy to load thanks to the elongated tailgate. By folding down the second row of seats, the trunk volume can be expanded to 1.700 liters. Unfortunately, the Mercedes-Benz EQS doesn't have a frunk.

Comfort: Glides along like on pillows

The EQS's greatest strengths lie in comfort. The AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping ensures a smooth ride that's second to none. Even the roughest road bumps are effortlessly filtered out. Combined with the excellent sound insulation, this creates a driving experience of rare serenity. Even at high speeds, the interior remains remarkably quiet. Our measurements showed a low noise level of just 180 dB(A) at 70 km/h (XNUMX mph)—a value that impressively demonstrates the effectiveness of the acoustic measures.

The ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL PLUS system It also improves air quality through a combination of filtration, sensors, and air conditioning, effectively keeping fine dust, microparticles, and pollen at bay. If poor outside air quality is detected, the system recommends closing the windows or sunroof. In addition, an augmented reality head-up display supplements the driver's field of vision with virtual information without causing any real distraction.

Connectivity: Everything you need

Connectivity via the MBUX system is all-encompassing, from online music streaming to intelligent navigation with charging planning and extensive Voice control “Hey Mercedes”, which now works surprisingly well. Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most comfortable route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors and reacts dynamically to traffic situations.. The navigation system not only suggests the optimal route, including all necessary charging stops, but also calculates the expected charging costs—a really cool feature. A special visualization also shows whether the available battery capacity is sufficient to return to the starting point without charging.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can also be used in the EQS and can be proUse it wirelessly without any problems. There are two USB-C ports in the storage compartment in the front center console and in front of the storage tray below the multimedia system's central display for connecting and charging smartphones. Passengers in the second row also have two additional USB-C ports for their devices via the rear center console. The storage compartment between the two seats also features an inductive charging surface.

An MBUX Rear Tablet is also available as an option. It consists of a Samsung tablet and a cradle integrated into the rear armrest. Once paired with the multimedia system, the tablet can also be used to adjust settings on the multimedia system in the rear. It can also be removed and used outside the vehicle.

Infotainment and sound: Big, bigger, MBUX Hyperscreen

The centerpiece of the interior is the optional MBUX Hyperscreen. This 141-centimeter-wide, curved display unit, consisting of three seemingly seamlessly integrated displays, is a demonstration of technological might. The graphics are razor-sharp. After an initial challenge and a period of adjustment, operation is surprisingly intuitive. The "zero-layer" concept ensures that the most important applications are always visible on the top level. The front passenger and the second-row passengers each receive their own display, which they can use to watch films or access the internet while driving.

The standard built Burmester® surround sound system It delivers crystal-clear, powerful, and finely resolved sound that transforms the interior into a concert hall. With 15 speakers and 710 watts of amplifier power, it ensures audiophile enjoyment.. The system uses the self-developed front bass technology with two woofers integrated into the body shell. Dolby Atmos is even available as an option, providing even more immersive sound reproduction with spatial audio.

Drive of the EQS 450 4MATIC: All-wheel drive controls

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC (at Mercedes, 4MATIC stands for all-wheel drive) is powered by two permanently excited synchronous motors on the front and rear axles, delivering a system output of 265 kW (360 hp) and a generous torque of up to 800 Nm. This power ensures confident and effortless propulsion. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (5,6 mph) takes 4 seconds. The XNUMXMATIC all-wheel drive system offers fully variable torque distribution between the axles and, in our tests, ensures optimal traction in all driving situations. Four driving modes are available: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual.

Particularly impressive is the seamless and silent acceleration from any speed. Overtaking on country roads becomes child's play. The luxury electric car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5,7 seconds. Even at higher speeds, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC delivers powerful acceleration: 100 to 180 km/h takes just 12,2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h, which is perfectly adequate given the vehicle's character. Beautifully quiet, soft air suspension, and fast – these three attributes perfectly describe the drivetrain's character.

Driving dynamics and handling: Amazingly agile thanks to rear-axle steering

Despite a curb weight of over 2,6 tons, the EQS is remarkably agile. The secret lies in the standard rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4,5° or optionally up to 10°, which reduces the turning circle to 11,9 or 10,9 meters, respectively, thus achieving the level of a compact class. This makes the luxury sedan feel more maneuverable in the city than its dimensions of 5,22 meters would suggest. On winding country roads, the steering-assisted rear axle ensures increased stability and precision. Unfortunately, the EQS does not have a one-pedal driving mode.

The AIRMATIC air suspension, combined with the adaptive damping system, offers outstanding comfort combined with excellent driving dynamics. The suspension system automatically adapts to the current driving situation, speed, and load. At speeds above 120 km/h, the body is automatically lowered by 10 mm to reduce drag and increase driving stability. Up to 40 km/h, the body can be raised by 25 mm at the touch of a button. The low center of gravity, created by the battery integrated into the vehicle floor, also contributes to a safe and plush driving experience. However, the focus is clearly on comfort rather than sporty rigidity. The EQS is more of a confident glider than a corner-hugger.

Assistance systems: Superior performance

The EQS is a showcase of what Mercedes-Benz has to offer in terms of driver assistance. The package is comprehensive and, in practice, mostly works unobtrusively and reliably. The Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC not only maintains distance and speed, but also reacts proactively to speed limits or curves. The Active Steering Assist keeps the vehicle confidently in lane by automatically steering on gentle curves. However, it requires regular manual inputs on the steering wheel.

A somewhat quick parking Parking assistant It can also assist when driving forward or backward into parking spaces by taking over the steering. Another special highlight is the new, well-functioning automatic lane change function, which makes overtaking on highways easier by allowing the vehicle to change lanes independently.

In Germany, the EQS is also certified for the DRIVE PILOT (Level 3). This allows, under certain conditions, highly automated driving up to a speed of 60 km/h without the driver's hands on the steering wheel on suitable highway sections. The system worked particularly well in heavy traffic or congestion situations. With this system, Mercedes-Benz was the first automobile manufacturer in the world with internationally valid certification for highly automated driving (SAE Level 3), offering such a system as an option ex works for series vehicles.proproduction in Germany and the US states of California and Nevada.

Range and consumption of the EQS 450 4MATIC: The flagship discipline

This is the flagship discipline of the revised EQS. By increasing the battery storage capacity by 9,6 kWh to a net 118 kWh, the already impressive range has been further increased. While the official WLTP figures of up to 793 kilometers aren't achievable in practice, our test experience confirms its outstanding everyday usability. We achieved a real-world range of 580 kilometers using normal driving, with a mix of city, country road, and highway driving (at a recommended speed of 130 km/h). Those who are determined and consistently use ECO mode can even exceed the 600-kilometer mark without becoming a traffic hazard.

Average consumption in summer conditions settled at around 21 kWh/100 km in the practical test – a good value for a vehicle of this size and weight class, but significantly higher than the combined WLTP consumption of 17,0 kWh/100 km stated by Mercedes. The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+, the same model but with rear-wheel drive, also proved itself in the ADAC winter test as the winner and was the only vehicle that could complete the Munich-Berlin route without stopping for charging.

Charging with the EQS: Top but could be better

The EQS also shows its best side when it comes to refueling. At a DC fast-charging station (HPC), the Mercedes officially draws up to 200 kW of power, but in our test, it reached a peak charging power of 211 kWh – even though the Benz only has a 400-volt system. A typical 10-to-80 percent charge takes exactly 31 minutes under optimal conditions. What else would be possible with an 800-volt system? Electric version of the new CLA For example, thanks to an 800-volt battery system, it can boast enormous charging capacities of up to 325 kW.

An 11 kW on-board charger is installed as standard for charging at home or at public AC charging stations. A 22 kW charger is available as an option, halving the charging time from approximately eleven to five hours. The intelligent thermal management system also ensures consistently high charging rates through intelligent battery preconditioning, which starts automatically when a charging station is entered as a destination in the navigation system.

The Mercedes me Charge system also offers access to one of the world's largest charging networks with automatic payment. Individual charging sessions are summarized monthly in a clear invoice. At compatible charging stations, charging can also be done using the convenient Plug & Charge function without further authentication. Simply plug in the cable, and the charging process starts automatically. Communication between the vehicle and the charging station takes place directly via the charging cable. EQS customers can also use Ionity Unlimited From the initial activation of MB.CHARGE Public, use of IONITY fast charging stations free of charge for one year use.

Price and warranty of the EQS 450 4MATIC

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC starts at a Base price of 113.359 euros. However, with extras like the MBUX Hyperscreen, MANUFAKTUR paint, and other comfort packages, the price quickly climbs to over €140.000 (all prices are as of July 2025 and include 19% VAT). A hefty price tag that underscores the vehicle's exclusive character.

Mercedes-Benz is generous with its warranty, especially for the battery, which is so crucial for electric cars. The terms and conditions in Germany include:

• New vehicle warranty: 2 years with no mileage limit.

• Battery certificate: A warranty on the high-voltage battery for a period of ten years or up to a mileage of 250.000 kilometers (whichever comes first) and a minimum capacity of 70%.

• Anti-rust guarantee: Up to 30 years from the inside out.

• Mobility guarantee: 30 years across Europe.

Additionally, a maintenance service is included for six years or 90.000 kilometers, which covers all required maintenance work (Service Scopes A and B). This includes, for example, changing the dust and cabin filters and replacing the brake fluid. Various warranty packages can also be purchased to extend the vehicle warranty.

Picture: TechnikNews