Mercedes-Benz EQS Review 2025: Price, specs & boot space
Written by Andrew Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Electric car with an incredible range of up to 481 miles
- More comfortable and practical than many alternatives
- Looks less offensive than a lot of premium electric cars
Cons
- Not as sharp to drive as a Porsche Taycan
- It's very expensive
- It's even more expensive once you go to town on the options list
Verdict: Is the Mercedes EQS a good car?
"The Mercedes EQS is more than just a desirable electric car. It's the German brand showing off its capabilities – a big two fingers at Tesla, if you like, signposting the direction for its rapidly expanding electric vehicle line-up."
The Mercedes EQS isn't the first luxury electric car to hit the market. The Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT both cater for those buyers pretty well, but the EQS takes a slightly different approach. It's softer, more comfortable, and also, thanks to its hatchback design, practical.
It's also huge. Like, massive. But that translates to more interior space than any other electric car on sale. And it's also given Mercedes the chance to demonstrate the technology it has to make piloting this showboat easier. Driver-assistance tech that keeps you in your lane or slows you down with the traffic around you is a given, but the rear-axle steering that allows the EQS to turn on a dime is pure theatre.
The interior is much like you'd find in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but what a car to mimic. You get numerous digital displays, including a fancy portrait infotainment screen and, if you splash the cash, an incredible hyperscreen running along the full width of the dashboard. This is the Mercedes MBUX on steroids.
Refinement is superb; there is very little else on the market that'll get you to your destination feeling as relaxed as the EQS. The air suspension does a superb job of absorbing lumpy road surfaces (not something that can be taken for granted in an electric vehicle as heavy as the EQS), and it doesn't necessarily come at the expense of handling, either.
No, it's not quite as agile as the Porsche Taycan, and you're never going to forget quite how big the EQS is. But if you fail to scrub off enough speed entering a roundabout, your passengers aren't going to be made to feel seasick.
You might feel a bit under the weather once you take a look at the price list of the EQS, however. It starts at just under £100,000 – and that's for the 'entry-level' EQS 350 AMG Line. This has a range of up to 408 miles, which makes it one of the most usable electric cars on the market today.
The flagship Mercedes EQS 53 features an extra electric motor to provide 658PS and Tesla-baiting performance – with an incredible 950Nm of instant torque available, it'll accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. It'll also cost more than £157,000...
Few people will buy the Mercedes EQS. But we'll look forward to seeing the technology on offer drop down to more affordable electric cars. There's also the Mercedes EQE, which has all the highlights of the EQS in a slightly smaller package.
Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of Mercedes-Benz Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of Mercedes EQS models for sale.
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQS right for you?
If you want the best electric car that money can buy, the Mercedes EQS is a strong choice. It's expensive and not as fun to drive as a Porsche Taycan, but it can cover a serious distance between charges. The interior is lovely, too.
What’s the best Mercedes-Benz EQS model/engine to choose?
The AMG EQS 53's high list price is hard to justify unless you really desire the extra performance over the regular EQS 350 AMG. Still, 0-62mph (if important) is just under 7 seconds - that's not great for a sub-100k electric car. Upgrading to the EQS 450+ drops this to sub-6 seconds, and maximum range is increased to 480 miles. As usual, opting for the mid-range or range-topper decreases range.
What other cars are similar to the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
If you're looking for a luxurious electric vehicle, the Audi e-tron GT should be on your shortlist alongside the Mercedes EQS. The Porsche Taycan is a slightly sportier choice, although it's worth looking for a Taycan Sport Turismo if you need hatchback practicality. BMW doesn't sell a direct competitor to the EQS, but you may also want to consider the BMW iX SUV or BMW i7.
If you're looking for an electric car that'll go as far as possible (or as quickly as possible), the Tesla Model 3 should also be on your radar. Alternatively, if you're not quite sure if you're ready for an electric car, take a look at the latest Mercedes S-Class.
Comfort and design: Mercedes-Benz EQS interior
"As an electric alternative to the Mercedes S-Class, the EQS has an impressive interior that perfectly combines modern technology with exemplary build quality."
While you may love or hate how the Mercedes EQS looks on the outside, there's very little not to like inside. You get big leather seats that are almost as comfortable as a living room armchair, while there's enough adjustment to appease all tastes.
Only the EQS 450 has four interior colour options: Nappa black leather, beige with space grey, black with balao brown and Nappa with biscay blue. An executive rear seat package adds climate-controlled rear seats and a rear MBUX tablet. Standard seating includes electrically adjustable rear seats, powered and massaging front seats.
While most of the EQS's controls are incorporated into the infotainment system, there are still quite a few physical buttons dotted around the cabin. That means it's not as minimalist as some competitors but we don't necessarily mind that – the door-mounted electric seat adjustment is quite intuitive, for example, while there's a (now old school) button on the dashboard to start the car.
What was once an optional extra, the massive MBUX hyperscreen, is now standard.
Quality and finish
If you're spending a near-six-figure sum on a Mercedes, you'd expect the interior to be pretty impeccably finished. And, well, it is. Most Mercedes EQS models come with squishy seats covered in real leather (the EQS Luxury combines Artico man-made leather with microfibre), while everything you touch feels reassuringly solid.
It's impossible to fault the Mercedes EQS in terms of interior quality. It's probably the finest-finished electric car you can buy. And it's certainly very different to a Tesla Model 3 in that regard...
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Mercedes-Benz EQS
All Mercedes EQS models come with the firm's clever augmented reality navigation directions – these use the head-up display to project arrows onto the windscreen, making it easy to see which direction you need to go (great on a multi-exit roundabout, for example). There's also a clever traffic light view, which'll use the car's forward-facing camera to display the view ahead when stopped at traffic lights. This is surprisingly useful for those occasions when you stop a little too far forward at the lights.
The new MBUX screen consists of three displays merged (almost) into one: two 12.3-inch units and a 17.7-inch central display. The passenger and central screens are OLED, while the driver cluster is LCD. It also comes with one wireless headphone and a fingerprint scanner.
Space and practicality: Mercedes-Benz EQS boot space
Let's not beat about the bush: the Mercedes EQS is huge. It measures 5223mm in length, 2125mm wide (including door mirrors) and 1512mm in height.
Unsurprisingly, then, it's rather spacious inside. Pleasingly, it's actually a hatchback, with a large boot opening that makes cramming bulky items in the boot easier than in an Audi e-tron GT or Porsche Taycan. It can accommodate 620 litres of space. The Mercedes EQS lacks a front boot (a 'frunk'). The cavernous boot means you won't really miss this, but it is a useful place to store your charging cables.
There's less room for rear-seat passengers than in a Mercedes S-Class, but more spacious than in the back of an Audi e-tron GT. The rear luxury lounge package is a desirable option if you're planning to chauffeur passengers about; it adds things like electrically adjustable massaging rear seats, and a comfort armrest with wireless charging and climate control for those in the back.
There's loads of room in the front, too, although you don't get the high seating position you'll find in SUV alternatives like the BMW iX or Tesla Model Y.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Mercedes-Benz EQS like to drive?
"Think of the Mercedes EQS as a comfortable electric limo rather than a highly strung sports car. It is, essentially, the electric equivalent of a Mercedes S-Class, with the soft ride quality and light steering you'd expect from a car designed to help you devour many hundreds of miles in one hit."
It feels very normal to drive, in a good way. You get in it, press a button to start it and use a stalk behind the steering wheel to select drive or reverse (just like every other Mercedes on sale). It's a big car – massive, in fact – but all EQS models come with some form of rear axle steering, which gives it a tighter turning circle than you might expect. The top models will turn their rear wheels up to 10 degrees, which is a pretty cool party trick.
The Mercedes EQS comes with active park assist (which can help you slot the EQS into a tight parking space) as well as a handy reversing camera. AMG Line Premium trim gets a 360-degree camera, while higher-spec models come with a remote parking feature. This allows you to get out of the car and park the EQS using the Mercedes Me app on your phone – ideal for tight parking spaces (and an even more impressive party trick than the rear axle steering).
You get the usual Mercedes drive modes (eco, comfort, sport and individual), while the standard air suspension can be tweaked to your taste (or mood). It rides impressively well for such a heavy electric car, while, despite its comfort focus, it doesn't corner like a P&O ferry, either.
It'd be an exaggeration to say that the Mercedes EQS shrinks around you on the open road, though – it feels big on country lanes, while even the rear-wheel steering does little to improve agility. The Porsche Taycan is a much better choice if you enjoy driving, but the EQS does a divine job of wafting along in a refined manner.
What motors and batteries are available in the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
The EQS comes in three variants: the EQS 350, the EQS 450+, and the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+. The entry-level car uses a 96kWh battery, while the other two have a 118kWh unit. Likewise, the EQS 350 and 450+ feature single electric motors with varied outputs - the 350 producing 288PS and the 450+ 355PS. The EQS 53 trumps both at 649PS.
We've only driven the Mercedes EQS 450+ so far, and it feels sprightly, if not as urgent as a Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S. It'll accelerate to 62mph in 6.2 seconds in a pretty instant and seamless manner, making light work of motorway sliproads or punchy overtakes.
You'll need the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ if you're after more forceful acceleration. This'll cover the 0-62mph sprint in 3.8 seconds – roughly the same as a Porsche Taycan GTS.
Maximum electric range in the Mercedes-Benz EQS
The official electric range in the Mercedes EQS depends on which model you choose. The most efficient is the EQS 450+ AMG Line Premium, which, according to WLTP tests, can travel up to 480 miles between charges. Pile on the options, and this figure drops.
Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ models aren't quite so efficient, but can still travel up to 378 miles on a charge (again, depending on which trim level and options you go for).
Refinement and noise levels
The most damning thing we can say about the Mercedes EQS's refinement is it's so quiet, you can easily accelerate up to licence-losing speeds with only the digital speedo giving any hint that you're travelling so quickly.
Even with the large 21-inch alloy wheels fitted to our test car, we noticed next to no thrum from the tyres while wind noise is barely noticeable, either. You're so incredibly isolated from the outside world, it's impossible not to feel relaxed when driving the EQS (at least until you see the blue lights appear in your rear-view mirror, of course).
Safety equipment: How safe is the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Unsurprisingly, with all this tech, the Mercedes EQS was given a five-star rating by Euro NCAP when it was crash-tested in 2021.
All cars feature the Driving Assistance Package Plus, meaning lane keep assist, rear sensors, active steering assist, evasive manoeuvre support, traffic sign assist and more. Likewise, the Remote Parking package is standard. This includes a 360-degree camera, Remote Park-Pilot, and memory parking assist.
Charging times: How much does it cost to charge the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
"One of the most impressive features of the Mercedes EQS is how quickly it charges."
The EQS 350 can charge up to 170kW, meaning 10-80% takes just 32 minutes. It also has an onboard 11kW charger, meaning empty to 100% takes around 10.25 hours. The EQS 450+ charges at 200kW. However, the battery is larger, meaning it's only one minute quicker during the 10-80% charge. Filling from empty to full via a wallbox takes 12.25 hours.
Mercedes-Benz EQS reliability and warranty
Mercedes generally performs fairly well in reliability surveys, although its ranking in the latest HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index was pretty middle of the road.
Electric cars are generally more reliable than their petrol or diesel counterparts, though, as there are fewer mechanical parts to go wrong. The Mercedes EQS comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, while its traction battery is covered for 10 years and 155,000 miles.
Mercedes-Benz EQS insurance groups and costs
The Mercedes-Benz EQS has been placed in insurance group 50, the highest insurance group. Electric cars can be expensive to insure, anyway, while the £100,000+ price tag of the EQS won't help, either. Best to shop around for quotes first, and don't even bother if you're a new or inexperienced driver.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Since 1 April 2025, electric vehicle owners must pay VED. For most EV drivers, this is £195 per year, but this isn't the same for EQS owners. Because of its high list price, the EQS is liable for the Expensive Car Supplement as it exceeds £40,000. Put simply, EQS owners will pay a total of £620 per year on road tax.
Mercedes-Benz EQS price
"The Mercedes-Benz EQS range starts from just under £100,000 for the 350 AMG Line model, while AMG EQS 53 models are a hefty £161,820."
Deep pockets mean your EQS could cost £119,620, minus options. This gets you an EQS 450+ Business Class car. The EQS has been out since 2021, and there are a few on the used car market. Prices for 2022 EQS 450+ cars with sub-50,000 miles start from £50,000.
Trim levels and standard equipment
The range kicks off with the Mercedes-Benz EQS AMG Line Premium, which has quite an extensive list of standard features. These include 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof, LED headlights, 4.5-degree rear-axle steering, heated seats (front and rear), privacy glass and AMG sports seats finished in leather.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS AMG Line Premium Plus builds on this with acoustic privacy glass, a head-up display, MBUX interior assistant and a three-year subscription to the Mercedes Me remote parking service.
Highlights of the Mercedes-Benz EQS Business Class include 22-inch alloy wheels, MBUX augmented reality navigation, chrome radiator grille, walnut wood trim, velour floor mats, and a Burmester 3D surround system.
The range-topping Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 Touring comes with 22-inch AMG alloy wheels, silver brake calipers, AMG sports seats in Nappa leather, a heated windscreen and steering wheel and walnut wood trim.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
How much does the Mercedes-Benz EQS cost?
How fast is the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQS a saloon?
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