2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

Pros: Dazzling, cutting-edge styling and top-notch ambiance inside and out; standard rear-wheel steering; numerous standard safety-tech features; quiet interior

Cons: Even the base model is pricey; driving range, while impressive by most measures, trails some similarly priced rivals

CG Says: Mercedes-Benz introduces an all-new electric full-size luxury sedan for 2022 with exclusive new features and an array of tech innovations. The EQS is the flagship model in Mercedes-Benz’s pure-electric EQ sub-brand; it’s similar in size to Mercedes Benz’s new S-Class sedan, but is based on an unrelated, all-new platform. Two EQS models are offered, each with its own drivetrain configuration. The EQS450+ has one 329-horsepower electric motor with rear-wheel drive, and is EPA-rated at 380 miles of driving range; the EQS580 4Matic has two motors producing a combined 516 horsepower, with all-wheel drive and an EPA-rated driving range of 340 miles. Standard on both EQS models is an adaptive air suspension system designed to automatically vary damping and ride height to improve ride, handling, and aerodynamic efficiency. Also standard is a rear-wheel steering system designed to aid maneuverability in tight quarters and improve stability at highway speeds; an optional software upgrade for the system allows even tighter turning.

EQS drivers and passengers get a cabin that’s similar in look and feel to the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen. An optional “Hyperscreen” is available; it’s a curved, 56.7-inch-wide, one-piece screen that spans the full width of the dashboard. Either display can be controlled by voice commands. For backseat passengers, an optional Executive Rear Seat package includes massage, shoulder and neck heating, and a separate infotainment tablet. An array of safety-tech features are standard, including adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active lane-change assist, and active brake assist with blind-spot and cross-traffic monitoring. Mercedes-Benz’s new flagship electric car aims to raise the bar for electric luxury vehicles. As such, it’s a sumptuous blend of innovative tech features, impressive driving dynamics, and a near-silent interior ambience. Together, these make for a serenely luxurious motoring experience that’s likely to prove highly appealing for those who can afford this big sedan’s deep six-figure prices.