Mercedes-Benz updates the EQS Sedan
When the EQS arrived in 2021, it was Mercedes-Benz’s answer to what a luxury electric sedan should look and feel like. But it came with some rough edges that even its big ambitions couldn’t hide.
Impressive and complete are not always the same thing, and the updated EQS now looks to close that gap. The biggest changes have happened under the skin with a new 122kWh battery replacing the outgoing unit, bringing improved range and, crucially, more capable regenerative braking.
The EQS Sedan now wears a more traditional Mercedes face with an updated grille featuring flush-mounted chrome slats, while the 3-pointed star returns as a free-standing bonnet ornament. This is a deliberate step back from the polarising front end that divided opinion when the EQS first arrived. The AMG Line’s bumper is now standard across the range, which helps the car look more elegant from the outset.
Inside, the MBUX Hyperscreen remains the centrepiece, with a 56-inch unified span that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch central OLED touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch front passenger display. Rear passenger comfort has also been attended to, courtesy of reclining seats.
How far the EQS can go depends on which model you choose. The entry-level EQS 400 comes with a 112kWh battery and 270kW, while the 450+ produces 300kW from the larger 122kWh pack. Step up to the 500 4Matic, and you get 350kW and 750Nm, while the range-topping 580 4Matic delivers 430kW and 800Nm. We’re keeping a close eye on the 450+ since it claims 926km of range, a 13% improvement over its predecessor.
That range is the product of new architecture, thanks to 800-volt technology, in-house-developed electric motors, and a 2-speed gearbox on the rear axle that pairs immediate acceleration in first with efficiency in second. That 800-volt foundation also transforms charging with the EQS, accepting up to 350kW at appropriate charging points. At conventional 400-volt stations, an intelligent control system splits the battery virtually and charges each half simultaneously at up to 175kW. In real-world terms, charge and range anxiety should become a thing of the past.
The steer-by-wire system also stands out. It eliminates unwanted road vibration, enables a flatter steering wheel design, and allows the steering ratio to adapt dynamically to the situation. This system replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheel.
While the EQS has always been a compelling car, this update gives it better range, a cleaner face and a rear cabin that’s on par with the prestige of an S-Class badge. For S-Class faithful considering the electric alternative, there is a lot less to second-guess now.
