2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
Mercedes-Benz's Model S fighter is the soap-bar profiled EQS sedan. The sleek flagship of the luxury brand's electric sedan lineup debuted for the 2022 model year and picked up a sporty AMG grade the following year. This year, Mercedes promises more range and other refinements. Electric luxury car competitors include the Tesla Model S, BMW i7, and Lucid Air.
Mercedes also offers an SUV based on the same architecture with available seating for up to seven—read about the EQS-Class SUV here.
What's New
- More battery capacity and range
- Regenerative braking system software update
- Updated grille design and Mercedes standing star on hood
- Standard AMG Line front bumper
- B-pillar HVAC vents now feature chrome accents
- Rear passenger pillows with contrast stitching and Nappa leather piping
What We Think
Although it doesn't quite live up to the billing as the electric S-Class, the Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan is still an excellent luxury land yacht.
It's hard not to be taken by the sedan's enchanting interior filled with high-quality leather, exquisite wood and aluminum trim, and finely crafted speaker grilles. Not to mention the imposing standard 56 inches of Hyperscreen (actually, three screens under crack- and scratch-resistant glass). The generously padded and massaging seats are transcendent. We also appreciate the commendable cargo space, though it does not receive a frunk like some EVs. Headroom in the rear seat could be better, too.
Driving performance is more coddling than sporty. The EQS sedan is not as quick as some peers and would be quicker were it not for its immense weight, but it's still a rocket ship compared to most cars, with a strong initial pull off the line. Power delivery is linear, and range is good. Body motions make the car less fun when the road starts to turn left or right. Brake feel is unsatisfying, an issue compounded by a lack of energy-regeneration effect, although our tester performed well in our 60-0 mph braking test. We're glad that Mercedes says it has improved the brake pedal this year. Although the AMG model rides a little more stiffly, every EQS seems most comfortable hustling in a straight line.
The S-Class is a little more well-rounded, especially when it comes to athleticism, and both Benzs are pricey, but we have lots of love for the EQS sedan. It's an autobahn cruiser of the highest order.
Range, Charging, and Performance
The physical dimensions of the sedan's battery pack haven't changed but revisions in chemistry have led to an increase in usable capacity and, Mercedes claims, more range. All 2025 EQS models now use the same 118-kWh battery.
For the 335-hp EQS450 and the 516-hp EQS580 4Matic AWDs, owners can expect EPA-rated range to go from 345 miles to 370 miles. Similar improvements should be reflected in numbers for the 329-hp EQS450+ RWD base grade and 649-hp AMG EQS top model, which get around 350 miles and 305 miles of range for 2024, respectively. The sedan can charge at rates up to 200 kW, which can take it from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 35 minutes.
Like many automakers, Mercedes plays coy when it comes to estimated straight-line performance. It pegs the AMG model's 0 to 60 mph time at 3.4 seconds, but our test team was able to get it down to 3.0 seconds flat. We also launched the EQS580 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and did the same with the rear-drive EQS450+ in a slower 5.4 seconds, times that are 0.4 and 0.5 second quicker, respectively, than the carmaker's estimates.
Regen Braking Redo
After critical feedback, Mercedes has decided to eliminate the quirky self-actuating brake pedal in the EQS that was designed to encourage smoother and more efficient braking by pre-filling the master cylinder. Perhaps a little too far ahead of its time, most of our impressions found the setup unnatural and unnerving, so we're happy for the change. We're told the 2025's pedal has a sportier feel with "no extraneous, sentient motion."
Mercedes also says new software helps the system recoup more energy. Standard EQS features like the car's heat pump and Disconnect Unit on AWD models—which can automatically disconnect the electric motor on the front axle—also help improve efficiency.
Safety Features
There are very few optional safety features for the four-door EQS. Each receives adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and centering, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor. A driver attention monitor, adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera are also standard. Drive Pilot hands-free driving is available via the Mercedes Me Connect store and over-the-air update.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Mercedes doesn't report any changes in passenger or cargo space for the 2025 EQS. That should mean the Tesla Model S remains its closest competitor because both luxury cars are hatchbacks. The Mercedes doesn't get a frunk but does offer more maximum cargo capacity.
Legroom (front/rear)
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class: 41.7/40.4 inches
- 2024 Tesla Model S: 42.7/35.4 inches
Cargo Space (seats up/down)
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class: 22.0/63.0 cubic feet
- 2024 Tesla Model S: 26.6/58.1 cubic feet
Technology
The 56.0-inch MBUX Hyperscreen became standard with last year's EQS, which places the car's 12.3-inch cluster display, 17.7-inch central touchscreen, and second 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger under a single curved pane. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are the massaging heated and ventilated power front seats. Available features include a head-up display, rear wireless phone charger, digital key, and augmented reality navigation.
Which EQS-Class Trim Level Is Best? When Can I Buy a 2025?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class is available with four trims this year: EQS450+, EQS450, EQS580, and AMG EQS. While the sporty AMG top trim is tempting, it might be better to lean into the EQS-Class's natural strengths. In many respects this is a car made for pampering its occupants, which is why we're partial toward the EQS580. There's no range penalty for being the nicest non-AMG EQS in the lineup, either.
The 2025 EQS-Class sedan arrives at U.S. dealerships later in 2024, likely this summer.
