Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Exclusive Luxury (2021 - )

The Mercedes EQS is the all-electric car that we have been waiting for with anticipation. Although the German carmaker has unleashed the likes of the EQA, EQB and EQC they were electrified versions of an already existing car. The EQS, however, is new from the ground up even though it carries the same flagship status as the new S-Class.

Most models in the line-up are labelled 450+ and feature a single 333hp rear motor but, for those with unlimited funds, there is the mighty Mercedes AMG-EQS 53 4MATIC with 658hp. This version is faster (0-62 in 3.8 seconds), but the range between charges drops by about 50 miles. 

A wide choice of generously-equipped trim levels are available called AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus, Luxury and Exclusive Luxury. And, as is the premium way, a whole host of options can be introduced along the way.

Few cars can come close to competing with the quality and elegance of the EQS’ interior. It is jaw-droppingly good with triple screens merging into one behind a glass panel to create the MBUX Hyperscreen. This offers access to all the infotainment and driving data – it’s intuitive, easy-to-operate on the fly and simply gorgeous.

Elsewhere expect to find a power-adjustable steering wheel along with powered seats crafted from the finest Nappa leather. There is beautiful wood trim and high-end technology that includes full smartphone connectivity, a head-up display, sat nav, a Burmester sound system, a fingerprint scanner and a voice assistant that is summoned by saying ‘Hey Mercedes’. This can assist with all manner of functions such as cooling the cabin, making calls, finding radio stations and plotting a destination in the navigation system.

The seats can be heated or ventilated and offer lounge-like comfort with massaging functions to ease the strain of any long journey and ambient lighting with 64 different shades.

The exterior of the EQS oozes class with powerful, streamlining and beautiful curves. It has soft-close doors with handles that are flush to the body, a panoramic sunroof and 22-inch alloy wheels which were painted black.

Our EQS 450+ Exclusive Luxury model was powered by a 107.8kWh lithium-ion high voltage battery, delivering 333hp and 568Nm of torque. It could power from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds and maxed out at 130mph with an official driving range of up to 453 miles between charges.

The acceleration out the blocks is blisteringly quick and the energy levels are constant so this car reaches cruising motorway speeds in matter of seconds.

The single-speed automatic transmission is smooth, yet even at higher speeds through twisting country lanes, this powerhouse of a vehicle was unfazed. It was confidently balanced and assisted by the higher-than-normal 10-degree rear axle steering for added manoeuvrability.

It feels very large when driving through busy cities and the streamlined shape means the sloping, narrow rear window is not that great for visibility – they were my only complaints though.

The steering wheel-mounted paddles are used to adjust the levels of regenerative braking with three strengths to choose from. In addition, drive modes called Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual alter the characteristics of the car.

Air suspension smooths out the roughest of surfaces and with acoustic glass plus outstanding insulation, barely a sound filters into the cabin.

The EQS has a strong road presence stretching more than 5.2 metres in length and 2.1 metres wide. It’s 1.5 metres high and weighs in at just under 2.5 tonnes.

But, unlike the saloon-styled Mercedes S-Class, the EQS is officially a hatchback so more practical. The powered tailgate opens up to reveal a huge boot that can swallow 610 litres of kit, a limit that increases to 1,770 litres with the rear seats dropped forward. 

And there are numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a massive storage area beneath the central console, a glovebox, door bins, trays, a central cubby, plus front and rear cup holders. All occupants can stay connected or fully charged on the go with a wireless charging pad and numerous USB ports. 

Passenger space impresses with ample room for a trio of adults to stretch out in the back of the car. But, on the downside, finding a suitable parking space takes longer than normal due to the length of the EQS.

Charging the car’s 107.8kWh battery from 10-80 per cent takes 31 minutes via a public rapid charge (110kW) point or from 10-100 per cent in 10 hours from a domestic wallbox.

The luxurious Mercedes EQS costs from £99,995 for the EQS 450+ AMG Line and rises to £113,940 for the range-topping EQS 450+ Exclusive Luxury model, as tested. Our vehicle also included an optional MBUX Hyperscreen with multiple displays and that added £7,995 to the final price.

As the EQS runs purely on electricity, it has zero carbon emissions and that means owners are exempt from any Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax), Congestion Charge or low emission zone fees.

In addition, it is spared from the premium levy charge that owners of cars costing above £40k have to pay.

It will also make good financial sense for business execs as the EQS, in all trim levels, has a very appealing Benefit in Kind rating of just 2 per cent.

With fewer moving parts than conventional cars, there should be less to go wrong in theory. So, servicing and maintenance costs should also be lower. And, for peace of mind, the battery on the EQS has a 10-year, 155,000-mile warranty.

The insurance group for the test car is 50 which is the most expensive.

We may kick and fight in protest, but electrification will be the future of motoring for us all eventually, and after a few days behind the wheel of the Mercedes EQS it suddenly seems to have lots of plus points. I realise that only a very few lucky people will be able to afford this masterpiece of a car, but it does give us mere mortals some hope.