At the Thailand International Motor Expo last December, Mercedes-Benz not only showed off its all-new EQS electric car, but also announced that it would assemble the new model in Thailand starting this year.
While the entry-level EQS 450+ was displayed at the Motor Expo, the model to roll out from the Mercedes production facility in Samut Prakan will be a new version that’s more powerful and has better performance, according to Mercedes-Benz Thailand.
Nevertheless, the EQS 450+ from the Motor Expo was kept in the country for further marketing and media activities, which led to this review.
Design
Unlike previous Mercedes electric cars that were built on internal combustion engine platforms, the EQS is the first model from the Stuttgart-based manufacturer that’s built as an electric vehicle from the ground up.
While the EQS name may lead one to assume it’s the S-Class equivalent, it’s not exactly so, although you can consider both as flagship models in their own fields. Although both measure over 5.2m in length, the EQS, built on an all-new electric platform, takes on a cab-forward, one-bow design that makes it look more like a CLS. The EQS also boasts a record Cd value of 0.20 (best in the world for production cars).
Although the EQS is a “true” electric car, it doesn’t come with the outlandish design one might expect. On the contrary, it looks just like a conventional car with an internal combustion engine, although with a slight touch of EV styling.
This is true for the front end, where the usual radiator grille area is taken up by a black panel that features a 3D Mercedes three-pointed star pattern. Sensors for the various driver assistance systems are integrated into this glossy black panel, including the ultrasound, camera, radar and lidar.
Our test car came with the AMG treatment that features chrome around the air intakes and spoiler, adding some classic elegance to the front end.
Meanwhile, the digital lighting system features three powerful LEDs on each side, all with 1.3 million micro-mirrors to refract and direct light onto the road. Strong road presence comes via the daytime running light system featuring three light dots on each side connected by a light strip across the front.
The bonnet can be opened via a hidden lever under the console (which means that it’s not supposed to be opened by the owner for various safety reasons). I was hoping for some storage space but what was once the engine compartment is now fully packed with EV system components and fillers for the cooling system (which is for qualified service personnel only). To refill the washer fluid, there’s a pop-out filler on the front left fender.
The side profile, with four-door coupe styling, gets chrome inserts around the windows and lower body. There are frameless windows adding to the stylishness of the EQS, as well as pop-out door handles that hint at the high-tech nature of this car. There’s a panoramic sunroof as well.
The EQS runs on large 21-inch aerodynamic AMG wheels wearing 265/40 tyres that also contribute to lower energy consumption.
At the rear, there are also LED lights which are also connected via a light strip. The tailgate (it’s a fast back) can be opened by pressing on the Mercedes logo or via kick gesture to reveal the generous luggage area. There is 610 litres of space that can be increased to as much as 1,770 litres with the rear seats folded.
The interior of the EQS is impressive whether in terms of design, materials or high-tech features.
While the whole cabin features soft-touch materials, the true highlight in the EQS is the MBUX Hyperscreen that consists of three OLED displays, taking up most of the console extending 141cm across to the passenger side (yes, the passenger also gets to use the screen and voice controls).
The resolution of the display is top-notch, whether from the cameras or 3D graphics. The voice control works well in the EQS, helping with various car functions as well as infotainment, so you don’t have to leave lots of fingerprints on the glossy touchscreens. And when required, vehicle updates can be completed wirelessly.
The front seats in the EQS come in a sleek and modern design, and are fully adjustable via controls on the door panel just like regular models. The multi-function AMG steering wheel also appears to be the same as regular models, and is easy to operate.
There’s a Burmester sound system with high-tech sound adjustment programmes, and four USB ports located around the 2-storey floating console. Two more USB ports are located in the rear plus four air vents (B-pillar and centre).
The rear seats confirm that this is no S-Class — the cushion is deep (bucket seats) and although the seats are powered and there is plenty of space and legroom, it’s clear that the comfort level for rear passengers is not up to the level of the S-Class.
Performance
The EQS is powered by a single synchronous electric motor with high efficiency, driving the rear wheels and boasting a class-leading range of up to 770km per charge, thanks to a 120kWh lithium-ion battery system (107.8kWh useable).
Maximum output is claimed at 333hp along with 568Nm of torque, propelling the EQS 450+ from 0-100kph in 6.2secs and to a top speed of 210kph, which is pretty high for an electric vehicle (battery is drained much faster at high speeds).
To fully charge the battery, it takes approximately 10 hours through an 11kW home wallbox charger (five hours for 22kW wallbox). Meanwhile, a 200kW DC fast charger can recharge the battery up to 80% within 30 minutes.
Although electric cars are supposed to be silent, the EQS 450+ does come with special sound effects that let you hear more than just wind and road noise while driving. While it surely is not as exciting as an AMG V8 bi-turbo, the artificial Star Wars soundtrack does give the EQS added character. Actually, I think the EQS sounds far more futuristic than it looks.
Driving the EQS is super comfortable. Apart from the smooth powerplant, the steering is effortless and the Airmatic suspension keeps the ride quality way up there. Inputs from cracks, bumps and potholes on the road are ironed out impressively.
In sport mode the steering gets beefier, with increased weight and sharpness, but surprisingly the suspension remains supple and comfortable. While the EQS is an electric car, it is still heavy, weighing in at almost 2.5 tonnes despite the use of lightweight materials (blame it on the large battery).
The wheelbase is 3.2m, which usually results in a wide turning circle, but not in the EQS. A rear-wheel steering system allows a 4.5-degree turn of the rear wheels in the opposite direction as the front, resulting in a turning circle of just 10.9m. Meanwhile at higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front, helping to improve directional stability as well as cornering ability of this very heavy car. The amount of rear wheel turn can be increased to 10 degrees, but the customer needs to unlock that feature with a special package which is a bummer.
The regenerative brakes in the EQS haven’t been mastered yet in terms of feel — they are spongy and the travel is super long when braking hard from high speeds.
Verdict
Mercedes-Benz says it’s all in on electric cars, announcing that by 2025, every new Mercedes model will be available with an all-electric version — the EQS is just the first true electric model from the German luxury car maker and there’s more to come.
The model to be assembled from CKD kits and sold in Thailand towards the end of the year will be superior to the 450+. It will come with dual motors (front and rear) driving all four wheels, and will be much quicker, according to sources at Mercedes.
Acceleration from 0-100kph will be cut to just 4.3secs, putting it in AMG territory, in exchange for slightly shorter range of 700km.
Retail pricing is anybody’s guess right now, but many think that the Thai-spec EQS will start at around the 7 million baht neighbourhood in order to compete against other luxury EVs in the market such as the Porsche Taycan.
Pros: Long range, awesome infotainment
Cons: Spongy brakes, not going to be cheap
Keyword: Electric perfection The only demerit for the EQS 450+ will be its price, which won't matter to the average Mercedes consumer