The Mercedes-EQ range welcomes the addition of the first-ever electric premium sedan that is about the size of today's S-Class. Welcome to the EQS, the S-Class of electric vehicles.
Priced at 97,806 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever EQS is by no means one of the most talked-about models of 2021, and no, it's not really a premium sedan by the looks of it. It's basically a five-door liftback that competes with the likes of the iconic Tesla Model S, which is slightly cheaper than this.
Although not as sharp as the Tesla Model S, the EQS almost stays faithful to the concept car it was based on, which is rather impressive for a luxury electric saloon of this caliber but come closer and you'll get a rather bizarre impression that the curvaceous styling reminded you of a Toyota Estima. Does its futuristic styling blow your head off? Well, you should be because while the styling is somewhat out-of-this-world, it serves as a stark reminder that we are living in the future.
The interior holds a similar story because the EQS features a massive touchscreen that occupied almost the entire dashboard. Called the MBUX Hyperscreen, this mammoth of a touchscreen poses a huge challenge for drivers who are having trouble dealing with touchscreens like the ATM ones. You might think it's just like toying around with your smartphone but with such size, it's going to be a challenge and chances are, you might get flummoxed. Even toying around with your stylus pen can't help it.
The driver's side can be somewhat intimidating because of the massive touchscreen that occupied almost the entire dashboard, not to mention the added gadgetry involved, the passenger side, especially the rear seats, aren't so bad to live with. It feels like every other car but clients at the back can still expect that "out on a limo" feeling because of the rear-seat entertainment system. Despite its intimidating touchscreen on the driver's side, the EQS is about as comfortable as any other Mercedes saloons offered. Too bad there's no long-wheelbase variant offered.
The EQS is rear-wheel-drive by default, meaning this sedan can still behave like an S-Class as expected but those who want to get the most out of the EQS can opt-in for the 4MATIC variant that adds an electric motor to the front axles, producing 524PS of power, 855Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 4.3 seconds, and a 210kph top speed, not to mention 671km of range in full charge based on WLTP standards.
As you appreciate the dynamics, there's one feature you might get noticed and it's the subscription services offered on this car, similar to the PS Plus and Xbox Live Gold you gamers know, there are several features offered via subscription such as the special rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to ten degrees. What a way to diss speedo boys behind the wheel if that wasn't enough, there are some premium features on the EQS that require subscription service, do you know which one?
Never mind about that because with safety as part of the new normal, the EQS is prepared with the most advanced safety features offered in a car like this such as Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, ATTENTION ASSIST, DRIVE PILOT, and many others.
By surprise, there's an AMG version for the first time in a Mercedes EQ car. Called the Mercedes-AMG EQS53, it adds most of the AMG know-how to the EQS, allowing this electric saloon to show its dark side on the road and track. With the Performance mode set, you can expect a startling starting sequence when you turn it on and it gets exciting to drive on the road and track. With the DYNAMIC PLUS Pack set, the EQS53's electric powertrain produces 761PS of power, 1020Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 3.4 seconds, and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph, which is quite a surprise for an all-electric AMG. As for the range, it's good for 584km in one full charge. Price? The Mercedes-AMG EQS53 starts at 152,546 Euros.
And there you have it. The Mercedes EQS may not be the prettiest luxury sedan ever made not to mention the subscription services offered to unlock its premium features but in every way, the EQS is something the world wants to try, especially its AMG version that changes everything. This is no doubt the EQS is one of the most-talked cars of 2021 and by the way it feels, the whole world's itching to drive one.
Photo: Daimler AG
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