 | Positives: Rides like it's on a pillow of air, potent dual motor-setup, pretty agile for something this big and heavy, impressive all-wheel steering, seriously swanky inside. |
 | Negatives: High price of entry, overly complex infotainment and controls, stupid gearshift stalk. |
 | Bottom Line: The EQS SUV shows off what the brand can do with EVs. It's excellent to drive and sit in, and it's got pretty good range for something this large. Too bad its on- and off-screen controls need work. |
Driving Experience
The EQS 450+ SUV is a very comfortable and quick EV. The power is near-immediate, and the delivery is consistent and smooth. The ride is plush and compliant thanks to the standard adjustable air suspension. The SUV version of the EQS also benefits from an off-road driving mode for mild off-road jaunts. It raises the suspension and makes automatic adjustments to the powertrain. While it's not a street carver, the EQS 450+ SUV is pretty impressive to drive.
Ride Quality: The ride is comfortable, and every bump and gap is managed with ease. It's luxury level in terms of ride.
Acceleration: 0-60 comes in 6.5 seconds, but it feels quite a bit quicker than that. Torque is palpable as soon as you push the pedal down. Sport mode makes that even more noticeable.
Braking: The regen brakes are strong but lack feel, which isn't surprising. We had no trouble bringing the 5,597-lb SUV to a stop, but it didn't feel especially predictable.
Steering: The steering has some good effort, and the four-wheel steering makes it seriously agile. We were able to conduct U-turns where most vehicles would require a 3-point turn.
Handling: Body roll is very controlled, and the large SUV handles well given the low center of gravity from the battery.
Technology
Upon first glance, the MBUX infotainment system in their line of EVs is beautiful. The screens are vivid, the graphics are stunning, and the entire look fits the new generation of Merc vehicles perfectly. It's just too bad the functionality leaves much to be desired. The controls are also flawed, despite their attractive looks.
Infotainment System: The EQS 450+ does not get the giant Hyperscreen that incorporates a 7.7-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for the driver, and a 12.3-inch screen for the front-seat passenger. Instead, it has the twin 12.3-inch screens for the instruments and the infotainment. It's refined, stunning, and it responds well to inputs. It's giant menu and unintuitive operation make it a distraction to operate while driving.
Controls: Just about every physical control in the EQS 450+ SUV is frustrating to use, including the touch steering wheel pads, the line of touch controls under the screen, and the awful gear shift stalk on the steering column that we constantly mistook for the wiper stalk and knocked it into neutral at highway speeds on many different occasions.
Styling
Mercedes gave its EV line a distinct design language that clearly departs from its gas vehicles. The EQS is slippery and obviously aerodynamic, but the overall look is a bit boring. What helps offset the exterior's undramatic style is the sheer opulence of the cabin.
Front: The huge faux grille melds with the headlights in a single frame. Along with the big badge and the large intakes, it's a cohesive, if not handsome, look.
Rear: The large swath that's the taillight fits nicely with the styling of the rest of the car. There's also a nice LED signature within each lighting element. The smooth haunches, modern font, and simple liftgate all looks good together.
Profile: From the side view, the EQS 450+ SUV actually looks rather conventional. Proportions are good, and the smooth haunches and large wheels are the only features that sorta stand out. The slick door handles retract flush into the doors, a nice feature.
Cabin: The huge wood dash panel, turbine vents, long ambient LED light strips, and acres of cream leather make the cabin a truly rich experience. It's befitting of a six-figure plus automobile.
Comfort
This is where the EQS 450+ SUV excels. The seats are sublime, the materials are seriously premium, and there's a ton of room inside. Aside from the annoying controls and the overdone infotainment system, Mercedes really nailed the interior. The seats even have Bentley-level pillows on the headrests.
Front Seats: The highly adjustable front seats are wide and plush. Just about anyone should be able to find a very comfortable seating position.
Rear Seats: The legroom is huge at 41.3 inches, and the floor is completely flat to capitalize on that. The outboard seats are excellent, but the middle position gets a bulging seatback and an abbreviated bottom cushion.
NVH (noise/vibration/harshness): The sound deadening in the cabin is superb, and the EQS 450+ SUV is whisper quiet even at highway speeds.
Visibility: Sightlines are very good all around, and the slope of the hood permits easy negotiation of pathways in tight spots.
Climate: The big round HVAC vents move air well, and they adjust quickly and intuitively. Our tester also had the rapid-fire heated seats, which we did not get to test due to warm weather.
Safety
The EQS 450+ has not been tested by either the IIHS or the NHTSA, largely because of its high price point and luxury segment. It does, however, have a premium set of standard safety features.
IIHS Rating: Not tested.
NHTSA Rating: Not tested.
Standard Tech: The EQS 450+ SUV comes with Driver Assistance Package: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC w/ Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist with Surround View System; Guard 360 Vehicle Protection w/ Parking Damage Detection: Antitheft Alarm System; Digital Light Headlamps w/ Projection Function, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service, ATTENTION ASSIST; and a PRE-SAFE Predictive Occupant-Protection System, as well as PRE-SAFE Impulse Side that employs radar to detect an impending side collision and uses the front seat to move the occupant toward the middle of the vehicle and away from the point of impact.
Optional Tech: Our tester came with optional rear side airbags.
Storage/Cargo
The EQS SUV isn't huge in the cargo area, but there's plenty of space for most families in terms of everyday needs. The storage in the cabin is smart, capable, and easily accessible, too. Our tester was in two-row configuration, as opposed to the optional three-row setup.
Storage Space: The EQS has a big center console compartment with a retractable door that opens up to retractable cupholders, a space for smaller items, and the wireless smartphone charge deck. It's deep and very convenient. Under the console is a big open floor tray for purses and bags.
Cargo Room: Behind row two are 31 cubic feet and 71 with it folded flat. The load floor is flat, and the base of the opening is nice and wide, making it easy for bigger items.
Fuel Economy
The EQS SUV is great in terms of efficiency. It's hard to believe something this heavy can net 305 miles of range. It weighs a little bit more than the Tesla Model X and is shy of the Tesla's 348 miles of range. The EQS SUV uses the same 107.8-kWh battery pack as the EQS sedan, and it can charge from 10 to 80% in 31 minutes at a DC fast charger.
Observed: 268 miles of range.
Distance Driven: 268 miles.
Audio
The EQS 450+ might be the base model, but you're paying six figures, after all. The EQS 450+ comes with the excellent Burmester 3D Surround Sound System as standard equipment. The sound is remarkably impressive in all seats, and it provides excellent bass, great range, and no distortion. It's one of the best systems around.
