Mercedes EQS test drive: exterior design
Although the Mercedes EQS was officially unveiled in 2021, the brand had already given a hint of its launch two years earlier. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the German company unveiled the Vision EQS concept, heralding the arrival of a large, upscale and trendy sedan. The final version was then unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, where China is a very important market for the automaker. And unlike many production models derived from a concept car, the sedan is very close to the latter, with virtually unchanged lines. Which, of course, we like.
And for good reason: this EQS is very elegant and desirable. But its lines were not simply designed to be pretty. In fact, the main reason for the sedan's silhouette is to improve aerodynamics. This mission has been largely accomplished, with a Cx of 0.20, which is obviously very satisfactory. But while the lines are very smooth, our EQS is not lacking in character, with its full radiator grille featuring a multitude of stars, and its rear end giving it a spaceship look. Not to mention its large 21-inch wheels, with a style that is, to say the least, outrageous!
Mercedes EQS test drive: interior and technology
Now it's time to climb aboard this Mercedes EQS and discover its interior. And the least we can say is that it's well worth the detour. And for good reason: the first thing you notice when you climb aboard is the huge screen, dubbed the Hyperscreen. Measuring 1.40 meters wide, it features a central touch-sensitive panel and a digital handset. But beware: this system is optional and costs over €8,000. If you choose not to take it, you'll have to make do with a simple 12.8-inch screen and digital instrumentation. The rest of the cockpit is equally impressive, exuding luxury and comfort.
Of course, it will take some getting used to to get to grips with the various functions offered by this highly technological cockpit. But in spite of everything, it's well thought-out and rather practical. You won't be surprised to learn that the quality of materials and finishes is well beyond our expectations, with leather-covered seats and fine-tuning. Comfort is the order of the day, both up front and in the rear, with a plush bench seat inviting long journeys and relaxation. Roominess is excellent, while the driver benefits from heated and massaging seats. Finally, the trunk volume varies between 610 and 1,770 liters with the rear seats folded down.
Mercedes EQS test drive: behind the wheel
Unlike some models also available with internal combustion engines, this Mercedes EQS is only available in electric version, like the rest of the EQ range. Nevertheless, several variants are available, including the entry-level 450 + of our test version, which boasts 333 hp sent to the rear wheels. This is followed by the 580 4Matic, with two engines and 523 hp, while the range is topped by the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+, with 658 hp distributed to all four wheels. Even so, our model is likely to be the biggest seller, thanks in particular to its range of up to 700 kilometers on a single charge.
A real tour de force for this electric sedan, designed precisely for long journeys. And it does its job quite well, with comfortable damping that pampers the backs of its occupants. Add to this perfect soundproofing, and you have a real cocoon that's very pleasant to live in. The same applies to shorter journeys and city driving, thanks to very smooth steering and four-wheel steering. Despite its five-meter length, the sedan is easy to drive, and maneuvering is a breeze! The Mercedes EQS is also equipped with a regenerativebraking system which, unfortunately, can be a little temperamental. A pity, especially as the braking isn't exactly the sharpest there is...
Dynamic driving and winding roads are not really the Mercedes EQS's favorite playground, and it suffers from a heavy weight of over 2.48 tons on the scales. Despite its low center of gravity, thanks to the underfloor battery installation, it's still very wobbly, even though it holds the road just fine. In other words, it's best to adopt a gentle pace to get the most out of theEQS. And although it is available with three driving modes, our preference is for the Comfort configuration, which we feel is the most suitable. As for the semi-autonomous driving system, it performs very well, and is undoubtedly one of the best on the market today, alongsideTesla'sAutopilot. Finally, the 200 kWbattery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes at a fast terminal like those of Ionity.
Mercedes EQS test drive: at a glance
It's fair to say that the Mercedes EQS has everything it takes to rival the Tesla Model S, and even overshadow it with its many assets. More comfortable, the German sedan is also a real concentrate of technology. A worthy cousin to the S-Class, it immerses us in a true cocoon of luxury and comfort, and makes us want to extend the journey even further. However, the return to reality can be painful when you look at the price, since the range starts at €127, 250, and the car is not eligible for the ecological bonus.
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