Yes, You Should Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. Here's Why

I have openly admitted that my dream garage would comprise three vehicles: the V6-powered F-150 Raptor (long live the trombone), the plug-in hybrid BMW X5 xDrive45e (the new 50e is better, but I prefer physical buttons, and I love the customizable numerical keypad), and the Ferrari 488 Spider (Pista, if possible). I've never been a fan of what Mercedes-Benz made.

I do appreciate and respect its rich history, respectable lineup, and customer base. However, I wouldn't see myself spending my own money on a Mercedes-Benz, -AMG, or -Maybach. What this automotive behemoth manufactures just isn't my cup of tea. For now, that is. Nobody knows what the future will bring!

So, don't think this article is a shill or an intentionally biased view for even one second. It's an opinion, yes, but one that I bring to you in good faith and with the hope that I can be of help. With that out of the way, let's explore the wonderful world of plush zero-emission Mercs with a high driving position.

We have been told that EVs are not worth our dollars for far too long. Detractors pointed at things like insufficient range, slow charging, unreliable high-power charging networks, high acquisition prices, pricey electricity, high insurance rates, limited repairability, weather sensitivity, and who knows what else.

They weren't wrong, though. The claims may have been exaggerated here and there, but, excepting California (where even hydrogen is absurdly expensive), filling up with gas and driving in a traditional car was (and still is) more convenient.

Seeing the (green) light

But that doesn't mean that all EVs are bad. There's a reason for Tesla Model Y's worldwide popularity.

Despite having the most reliable charging network and some of the most efficient all-electric vehicles, the brand that was once a disruptor is losing customers left and right.

Personally, I blame Tesla's misfortune on the absurd pricing policy we've witnessed in 2022 and 2023. Owners lost tens of thousands of dollars after the marque adjusted the costs of its four EVs. The secondary market recreated the $25,000 EV simply thanks to Tesla's price cuts. Those without GAP insurance suffered the most. It was a unique moment in time when this product actually made sense.

In reality, people discovered that legacy automakers like BMW or Ford made very good battery-electric vehicles. Startups like Rivian, Lucid, or Fisker also came out to play.

Ok, maybe Elon Musk's outlandish behavior had something to do with it, too. However, I can't blame the executive for being a tad bit eccentric. After all, he was the one who pushed to make EVs a thing when nearly nobody believed we could make the switch to cars without an exhaust system.

But one brand that was unjustly ignored by many is Mercedes-Benz. Its EQ lineup is worthy of recognition, even though it's lacking in the looks (not luxe!) department. Let's see what's what in terms of pricing first.

A rising star

The single-motor EQS 450+ SUV has a starting price of $104,400 and sends all its 355 hp and 419 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. That helps it reach 60 mph from a standstill in 6.5 seconds in ideal conditions.

Adding another motor for all-wheel drive gets us the EQS 450 4Matic SUV, which has an MSRP of $107,400. The hp figure is similar to that of the EQS 450+ SUV. It's the torque that's different – 590 lb-ft instead of 419 lb-ft. But those 171 lb-ft of torque are enough to change the zero to 60 mph time from 6.5 seconds to 5.8 seconds – a 0.7 seconds difference.

If adding a motor to the front axle without changing the hp output isn't enough, Mercedes-Benz also offers the EQS 580 4Matic SUV. It comes with a pre-tax price tag of $125,950. This one reaches 60 mph in 4.5 seconds thanks to its 536 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque.

As expected, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirms that the rear-wheel-drive EQS SUV is the most efficient (39 kWh per 100 miles or 2.56 miles per kWh) and covers the longest distance on a single charge – 305 miles. The other two models are both rated at 285 miles on a full battery.

All versions use the same upgraded 118-kWh (gross) high-voltage battery in 2024. Previous variants were equipped with a 108.4-kWh (gross) energy storage unit. The 2024 model-year EQS SUV hasn't been verified by the EPA yet, but the brand promises an increase in range of about 30 miles.

The German marque also sells the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, which has an eye-watering starting cost of $181,050. That's for those among us with deeper pockets, so we won't dwell on it.

Going the distance

Real-world highway range tests showed that the "entry-level" EQS 450+ SUV drove almost 375 miles on a single charge before hitting the low end of the battery reserve and entering turtle mode, where power is reduced to conserve energy. That's 70 miles more than what the EPA lab tests revealed. And keep in mind that the driver maintained 70 mph almost throughout the entire time they were on the go. Also, that staggering performance happened before the Germans added the larger high-voltage battery!

Admittedly, the test was a bit about hypermiling because the video below shows semi-trucks passing the EQS 450+ SUV test unit while it was running at 70 mph, and it was conducted in Eco Mode with only the driver sitting inside. Still, it is impressive.

That's what you want from an EV that has a six-figure price tag. An efficiency of 289 Wh (0.289 kWh) per mile is great. It shows that the motor is efficient and proves that the blob-shaped EQS SUV is aerodynamic.

Another independent range test with the dual-motor EQS 450 4Matic conducted at an average speed of 75 mph revealed a range of 266 miles on a full charge. That's less than what the EPA got, but its testing procedure is conservative and doesn't take into account elevation or wind. It's still useful data, but not too accurate.

You'll obviously lose some range when another motor is added. But in some parts of the country, all-wheel drive is needed. There aren't many drivers out there willing to learn how to handle a 7,446-lb heavy eSUV.

However, these verifications show us that Mercedes-Benz prioritized what matters most: a good battery, efficient motors, and a platform that binds them well together. Experienced EV drivers, especially those who have or had a Tesla, might claim that the EQS SUV's high-voltage energy storage unit is too big and heavy.

They would be wrong. Recent developments showed us that the world's most valuable automaker exaggerated its vehicles' range figures, proving the Germans were right about adding more cells.

Another good reason for having a larger battery is that the processes happening inside the cells are sensitive to weather changes. If it's cold out, the range will be lower than usual. Today's tech guarantees that EVs operate at their maximum when temperatures are mild. Thus, it's better to have an EV that can go the distance in the summer because you know you'll be able to rely on it during winter.

Ready to pull the trigger?

If you want to buy a Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, my advice would be to lease it. That's how you avoid dealing with a private sale and depreciation. At the time of writing, the Germans will give you a:

• EQS 450+ SUV for 36 months if you agree to a downpayment of $9,303 and a monthly lease payment of $1,079;
• EQS 450 4Matic SUV for 36 months if you agree to a downpayment of $9,593 and a monthly lease payment of $1,149;
• EQS 580 4Matic SUV for 36 months if you agree to a downpayment of $11,443 and a monthly lease payment of $1,249.

If you're feeling adventurous or confident, those leases can be extended to four, five, or even six years. The car note decreases, but you're making a costlier commitment. Choose wisely! EV tech advances constantly.

Concluding, Mercedes-Benz made the battery-electric SUV that killed range anxiety. The Germans gave it a weird body but made the EQS SUV worthy of its royal name. It truly is the all-electric S-Class with more ground clearance and some reinterpreted touchscreens.

The only issue is that it doesn't look cool. It won't impress your difficult business partners or suggest to strangers that you're doing well. Should you care? No, not if you want a zero-emission vehicle that will pamper you and those you love or like. Just don't push it too hard. Remember, it's not a corner carver.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is what the Model X could have been if Tesla cared about build quality and making customers genuinely happy. It'll only set you back around $1,300 to make it a three-row EV!

Or would you rather wait for the Audi Q9 or the upcoming all-electric six- or seven-seater Porsche?