Mercedes-Benz EQS Expert Review

Built on Mercedes’ dedicated electric EVA2 platform, the EQS achieves a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.20Cd—the lowest of any production car—thanks to its monovolume silhouette, flush door handles, and smooth underbody. Though sleek, its styling can seem subdued, aside from the lit-up star grille and pixel-dense headlights. Measuring 5.2 metres long with a massive 3.2-metre wheelbase, it rides on aerodynamic 20-inch wheels and features a sealed bonnet and hatchback-style boot with 610 litres of space—though no spare tyre is offered. Rear-wheel steering, capable of turning up to 10°, comes standard for early buyers, enhancing agility despite the car’s 2.6-ton weight.
 

Rear passengers enjoy cooled, well-contoured seats with ample thigh support, though the lower seating and tighter space mean it’s not quite a match for the S-Class. Best experienced as a four-seater. Features like a Samsung tablet and future upgrades like powered comfort doors add to appeal. Up front, the Hyperscreen blends futuristic design with practicality. The massage-equipped front seats are spacious and ergonomic. Storage is smartly arranged with a floating centre console and large bins. Materials—including synthetic leather—feel genuinely premium.
 

Powered by dual synchronous motors producing 523hp and 855Nm, the EQS sprints to 100kph in 4.3 seconds. It excels in silence and smoothness, aided by active noise cancellation and adaptive air suspension. Power delivery in Comfort mode feels like a hushed V8; and sport mode adds urgency and kick. The throttle response is finely metered, making every input feel precise and controlled.
 

With a 708kg battery and ARAI-rated range of 857km, the EQS virtually eliminates range anxiety. Real-world range hovers between 650–700km depending on driving style. Claimed efficiency stands at 19.6–17.6kWh/100km. Charging is flexible—an 11kW AC wallbox takes 10 hours for a 10–80% charge; a 22kW charger halves that time. A 200kW DC fast charger can do it in just 31 minutes.

Despite its size, the EQS handles with surprising agility, thanks to torque vectoring, 4Matic AWD, and active rear-wheel steering. It feels planted and balanced and a lift function and geo-tagging help with speed brakes. It however struggles over large speed breakers due to its low 124mm clearance, so caution is needed. Over-aggressive collision avoidance can be intrusive in Indian traffic and is best toggled off in dense conditions. The ride is very good however. Even over broken roads, the EQS glides effortlessly, with ride quality staying supple and flat.
 

Standout tech includes 3D navigation with video overlay, gesture controls, face/voice recognition, and clever flashing LED alerts for door safety. Unique elements like game integration and intuitive voice assistance add charm. Safety is comprehensive with nine airbags, ABS, ESC, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Safe Impulse Side, and Evasive Steering Assist. Active Brake Assist may require deactivation in dense traffic.

The EQS blends refinement, performance, and futuristic appeal with an impressive 813km range. At Rs 1.30 crore (ex-showroom), it’s a compelling luxury EV—distinctive, high-tech, and thoroughly Mercedes, though not quite a match for the S-Class for overall comfort.