This week Torque News is reviewing the 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Sedan. This "special class" electric vehicle immediately impressed us with its very long real-world EV range, well appointed interior and beautiful exterior.
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The size of the 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Sedan resembles that of an S-Class, but the similarities essentially end there, as this electric luxurious sedan is radically new in many ways.
The S-Class is pretty much the industry standard for large luxury sedans. So, if Mercedes wants to make a splash in the world of electric luxury, it must produce a large, high-quality electric luxury sedan. The vehicle has huge shoes to fill competing with the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air luxurious electric sedans.
On its website, currently, Mercedes has lined up two trims for the 2022 EQS Sedan: The EQS 450+ Sedan and the EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan.
Here are the main specs and the differences between the two trims of the 2022 Mercedes EQS sedans.
The 2022 EQS 450+ Sedan generates 329 hp and 417 pound-feet of torque. It's 0 to 30 acceleration is 5.9 seconds. The EQS 450+ Sedan is priced at $102,310 MSRP.
The EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan, on the other hand generates 516 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque. It's 0 to 60 acceleration is 4.1 seconds. The 2022 EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan's starting price is $125,900 MSRP.
The exterior of the 2022 EQS 450+ Sedan
For starters, the EQS doesn't look like the Mercedes we know, except for a few wacky concepts. You could argue that it's a very futuristic version of the CLS four-door coupe or even the AMG GT four-door coupe, but that would be a bit of a stretch.
Neither car has the completely slick front end of the EQS; an area devoid of a traditional grille or joints between body parts. Moreover, we do not open the "hood" of an EQS. Instead, a body panel is removed using a tool! This sort of thing explains why, in the case of an electric car, maintenance costs are lower and the common operations that EV owners must carry out (filling up windshield washer fluid, for example) can be carried out from a panel located in front of the left front fender. They don't need to open a traditional hood. Furthermore, the headlight lenses are very futuristic and connected by a full-length light bar. Not very typical for a Mercedes.
Then there are the wheels. There are many designs unique to the EQS, but they were all developed with aerodynamics in mind. The 21-inch wheels seen in these photos are perfectly suited to their surroundings. They are simply spectacular.
Over the decades, Mercedes-Benz has built an enviable reputation for quality, presentation and technology in its cars. For many, this is one of the main criteria for purchasing and justifying the manufacturer's prestige. As we enter a new era in automotive history with electrification, Mercedes-Benz is reinventing itself once again with the 2022 EQS Sedan and this brings me to its amazing interior.
The Interior of the 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Sedan
As soon as you open the door, you notice the huge screen that Mercedes-Benz calls "Hyperscreen" as it is imposing. In fact, the EQS 450's hyperscreen goes without interruption from the left side of the driver's dash panel all the way to the passenger window. It's over 56 inches in length. It is a three-dimensional and curved wall lamp.
Essentially, EQS's gigantic hyperscreen incorporates 3 sub-screens, one for the instrumentation, one for the multimedia system and another for the front passenger. The driver will have three different graphic styles: discreet, sporty or classic.
The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia and infotainment system is now in its second version since the introduction of the 2021 S-Class. With the EQS, you will find the same features and capabilities. As it should be, the various systems are managed by voice and touch control on the steering wheel and on the screen.
Moreover, there are no less than 12 actuators to make a small vibration in contact with the screen. For the more computer literate, here are some interesting figures: 8-core processor of 46.4 gigabytes and random access memory (RAM) of 24 gigabytes.
In terms of accessories, there are no less than 7 different configurable profiles and, among other things, access to a Burmester surround sound system with 15 speakers totaling 710 watts. In reality, all vehicle controls and management go through the MBUX. Also note that there are three different ambient sounds (Silver Wave, Vivid Flux and Roaring Pulse) which all offer a different sensation and auditory experience. To this you can also add the 27 different languages configured in the programming.
There is one detail that is extremely important to consider; "hyperscreen" will be an option in the EQS electric sedan. It's currently priced at $7,230. For the versions without the "hyperscreen," the interior is going to look like the 2021 S-Class.
Although the EQS is shorter than the S-Class, its cabin is more spacious. We owe this reality to its very design on a platform dedicated to electrification. Without constraint, the stylists managed to optimize the interior volume.
Just like many automotive reviewers, I am also one of those people who lament the lack of traditional switches in today's cars, but I was surprised at how well the EQS interface does without them. The tactile keys on the screens all elicit a reaction and although there is a lot going on, a 20 minute chat and demo with one of the project leads reassured me. It wasn't as intimidating as it might seem after all.
The rear wheel steering system is equally amazing. It allows these wheels to be turned up to 10 degrees to reduce the vehicle's turning radius and make it as short as that of a compact A-Class. I've had this feeling before where the rear of the car sways independently of the front, but never to such a degree. This system makes driving and parking in the city easier.
Driving The 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Sedan
Since the power is delivered instantly, this large electric sedan starts up and goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds to reach a top speed of 155 mph. Those numbers aren't quite those of an S63 AMG, for example, but they are fast enough for everything the EQS 450+ Sedan can do.
Frankly, the full speed isn't the goal here. What you expect from a car like the EQS EV is a serene, comfortable ride that makes you feel like you are driving a vehicle from another world. The EQS 450+ sedan is equipped with air suspension, continuously adaptive dampers and incredibly soft and comfortable seats (with a host of massage functions) so you won't come out tired after a long drive.
A warning is in order in this review, however. if you are used to the bigger space in the back of an S-Class, please, spend some time in the backseat of the EQS 450+ Sedan and make your own comparison when you are ready to purchase one.
A Few Words About The Range Of EQS 450+ Sedan
The EPA rates the EQS450+ at 350 miles of range and the EQS580 at 340 miles. However, when I got the vehicle for review, it was 97 percent charged and the range showed 413 miles. I tried to research this "dilemma" and found out that a real-world range test showed that Mercedes-Benz's 2022 EQS 450+ could travel 422 miles.
Edmunds notes that its drivers testing the EQS 450+ miles at an average temperature of 67 degrees managed to travel a total of 422 miles as well. That's 72 to more miles that what EPA estimates, which is 20% above the estimate. Thus, the 2022 Mercedes EQS 450+ Sedan's range is more than Tesla Model S Plaid and less than Lucid Air.
Also, keep in mind. The EQS monitors your driving habits and adjusts total available miles to your style of driving. If you drive the EQS Fast your range will decrease. you mileage also may vary with temperatures.
What I liked about this vehicle is that it has a futuristic design from every point of view. I would say the EQS 450's hyperscreen infotainment system is unequaled in the automotive industry. The EQS drives really serene and I loved the rear-wheel 10-degree steering that gives you more maneuvering ability in a city driving.
Are you a new owner of an EQS sedan? If yes, please let us know what you like and perhaps don't like this this luxurious sedan.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
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