The new Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan has received plenty of kudos \u2014 albeit with a few complaints, as well. Now, the German luxury manufacturer hopes to introduce a new benchmark in the emerging market for premium battery-electric vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mercedes is already setting a new benchmark in the performance EV arena with the 2022 AMG EQS.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
The new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ adds more power, improved handling and even more highline features when compared to the initial Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4Matic models. So, heading off to Palm Springs to get a day behind the wheel of AMG\u2019s first all-electric sedan, several questions popped into my mind: Does it really take the EQS to a new level of performance? And is it a viable competitor to the Tesla Model S, the king of the premium EV sedan segment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The 2022 Mercedes-EQS is the German automaker\u2019s first long-range battery-electric vehicle to reach U.S. showrooms \u2014 with an assortment of BEVs to follow. Strongly influenced by the 2019 Vision EQS concept car, it\u2019s the all-electric alternative to the familiar Mercedes-Benz S-Class line. The AMG 53 4Matic+ is the requisite performance upgrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like the more mainstream Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4Matic models, the AMG edition features a distinctive, if controversial, \u201cone-bow\u201d exterior design language, and a sci-fi-like interior anchored by Mercedes\u2019 new 56-inch hyperscreen. Of course, it retains classic luxury features, such as its lavishly executed heated, cooled and massaging seats \u2014 upgrading them in typical AMG style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS races from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
As with any AMG model, however, the emphasis is on performance, and the EQS 53 certainly comes through with two powertrain packages pumping out as much as 761 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque. And, with electric motors hitting peak torque the moment they start spinning, the AMG edition delivers a truly neck-snapping launch experience while maintaining power well into extra-legal speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get a sense of what it\u2019s like to drive the AMG EQS, I headed to Palm Springs, settling into the plush, but supportive, driver\u2019s seat for a long day running through the San Jacinto and San Bernardino mountains before wrapping up at LAX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exterior Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As with virtually all of the latest BEVs, the EQS rides on Mercedes\u2019 entirely new EVA2 platform. It\u2019s a skateboard-like architecture housing batteries and motors below the load floor \u2014 an approach that has numerous advantages, including more interior space, as well as improved handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EQS 53 certainly comes through with two powertrain packages pumping out as much as 761 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Like the Vision EQS concept, the battery sedan adopts a radically different design language Mercedes calls \u201cone-bow.\u201d With only subtle deviation, a single, curved line flows over the top of the vehicle from bumper to bumper. With the 450+ and 580 4Matic models, Mercedes designers hit an industry record low coefficient of drag. With the AMG model, the Cd climbs slightly, from 0.20 to 0.23.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like most new BEVs, there\u2019s no need for air under the hood, so the traditional grille has been replaced by a solid fascia highlighted by dozens of small, backlit Mercedes tri-stars surrounding a large version of the brand logo. EVs have no need to push air under the hood, but they do have to cool their batteries and motors \u2014 and that\u2019s especially true of a performance model like the AMG EQS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It features larger air intakes below the front bumper, both for cooling and creating an air curtain around the larger front rubber. The AMG EQS is available with three different designs and a choice of 21- or 22-inch wheels and tires. The performance model also features an A-wing up front, a large rear diffuser and a six-fin diffuser under the back bumper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interior Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As with the two base models, the Hyperscreen clearly dominates the interior design of the AMG EQS.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
As with the two base models, the Hyperscreen clearly dominates the interior design of the AMG EQS. Measuring nearly five feet in width, and stretching from pillar to pillar, it\u2019s actually a single sheet of glass overlaying three individual videoscreens. The 12.3-inch gauge cluster can be reconfigured in numerous ways, including an AMG-exclusive mode that emphasizes instantaneous performance and battery data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The infotainment screen measures 17.7 inches and there\u2019s a third screen for the shotgun passenger that can be used to watch videos or duplicate information available on the center screen. Actually, you can technically add another screen, a head-up display, or HUD, that uses augmented reality to enhance the onboard navigation system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you get past the Hyperscreen\u2019s sheer, visual dominance you discover more classic Mercedes details worthy of an S-Class alternative. The familiar, turbine-style air vents are relegated to the corners of the IP, with thin horizontal louvers doing most of the work of climate control system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plush diamond-stitched seats in the EQS 580 are upgraded with unique AMG covers and embossed logos. The sport seat design is still quite comfortable but adds the bolstering you\u2019d want during aggressive cornering maneuvers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The infotainment screen measures 17.7 inches and there\u2019s a third screen for the shotgun passenger. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
The one-bow design of the EQS does create some compromises. To ensure useful headroom for front and rear passengers, the cabin is a bit more cramped than a conventional S-Class and there\u2019s not as much rear headroom as in the classic flagship sedan \u2014 though the electric model also gains a cavernous trunk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As with the exterior design, there are some controversial details in the layout EQS. Most notable is the oddly high position of the digital gauge cluster and steering wheel. The layout cuts into your line of sight, especially with the way the curved roof flows into the steeply raked windshield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Powertrain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The EQS 450+ relies on a single, rear-mounted electric motor to produce 329 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The twin motors in the EQS 580 takes that to 516 hp and 611 lb-ft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 12.3-inch gauge cluster can be reconfigured in numerous ways, including a mode that emphasizes instantaneous performance and battery data.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
The Mercedes-AMG EQS takes things into an entirely different realm. Under normal conditions, it will hammer out 658 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. But the standard AMG Dynamic Plus package kicks in a temporary boost, jumping to 751 hp and 752 lb-ft, when you\u2019re in Race Start mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To answer the obvious question: No. Even then, the AMG EQS can\u2019t match the roughly 2-second 0-60 launch claimed by Tesla for its Model S Plaid \u2014 under carefully controlled conditions. But, at 3.4 seconds under more normal situations, AMG has absolutely nothing to apologize for. Top speed jumps 25 mph to 155 mph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the Mercedes-Benz EQS models, the sedan\u2019s 108 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack will deliver up to an EPA-estimated range of 350 miles. The AMG edition cuts that to 277 miles per charge \u2014 but you can expect to see that drop substantially if you\u2019re constantly hammering the throttle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The battery pack can get a \u201ctop off\u201d of 180 additional miles in as little as 19 minutes, Mercedes claims, when hooked to a public quick charger. The system can use some of the newest 200-kilowatt chargers for maximum benefit. Using a 240-volt Level 2 charger, a motorist can go from drained to fully charged in a bit more than 11 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mercedes-AMG EQS will travel 277 miles on a full charge \u2014 unless you’re a little lead footed, then it’ll be less.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Safety and Technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Hyperscreen dominates the design of the EQS and controls virtually all vehicle functions, whether using the center and passenger touchscreens or interacting with the MBUX voice assistant. Say, \u201cHey, Mercedes,\u201d and it will do everything from setting a destination into the navigation system to changing radio stations. In fact, it\u2019s hard to come up with any vehicle functions you can\u2019t control by voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EQS features smartphone-style over-the-air capabilities that can deliver software updates without the driver\u2019s involvement. During my drive of the AMG model I already noticed some minor tweaks to the layout of the navigation display making it easier to read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All of the screens are reprogrammable and that\u2019s especially useful with the digital gauge cluster and head-up display. The HUD image appears to float about 30 feet ahead of the sedan, making it easy to read, especially for those with glasses. The augmented reality system introduces arrows onto the display that point to where you\u2019ll be turning when the onboard navigation system is active. For much of the drive I stuck with the AMG performance mode, however, keeping an eye on instant changes in power and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The battery pack can get a \u201ctop off\u201d of 180 additional miles in as little as 19 minutes, Mercedes claims, when hooked to a public quick charger.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
While battery cars aren\u2019t entirely silent, they are significantly quieter than vehicles with conventional internal combustion engines. You can enjoy the lack of noise or opt for one of three \u201csoundscapes,\u201d \u201cdepending upon the emotions of the moment,\u201d said lead sound engineer Thomas Kuppers. In the AMG edition, Mercedes added two additional \u201cSound Experiences\u201d playing inside and out. The \u201cPerformance\u201d option does a reasonable job, though you won\u2019t confuse it with a classic AMG V-8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you\u2019d expect from Mercedes, the EQS is loaded with advanced driver assistance systems designed to prevent dings in a parking lot and crashes on the highway. That includes the usual ADAS tech, like forward collision warning with pedestrian and bicycle detection and auto braking. Add more advanced features including Active Stop-and-Go Assist and Highway Sign Recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Driving Impressions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For those who may have experienced a prior-generation EV, like the Nissan Leaf or Ford Focus EV, the latest crop of battery cars will be a real revelation.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
For those who may have experienced a prior-generation EV, like the Nissan Leaf or Ford Focus EV, the latest crop of battery cars will be a real revelation. Surprisingly, that\u2019s all the more true if you\u2019re into performance. Electric motors reach maximum torque the moment they start spinning, so a foot-to-the-floor launch is a truly invigorating experience. And, with a single-gear transmission, power doesn\u2019t ease off until you\u2019re approaching triple digits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of my favorite features on today\u2019s EV is the ability to go \u201c1-Pedal.\u201d Think of it like downshifting a manual transmission several gears. You can still run at whatever speed you want in this mode, but ease back on the throttle and the EQS will slow markedly \u2014 and even come to a complete stop at a light or in stop-and-go freeway traffic. It is particularly effective when you\u2019re on a tight mountain roadway where you\u2019d otherwise constantly be jumping from throttle to brake and back again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re driving a long-range EV with a battery pack the size of the EQS\u2019s, there\u2019s no way to dismiss the vehicle\u2019s heft. Mercedes hasn\u2019t released the curb weight of the AMG model, but the EQS 580 is more than 1,000 pounds heavier than a comparable S-Class sedan. The good news is that, by mounting the pack and motors below the load floor, the sedan\u2019s center of gravity actually is lower than that of an S-Class. And that helps make for an unexpectedly nimble ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Mercedes isn\u2019t saying where the AMG EQS will come in, it\u2019s hard to imagine it starting at much less than $150,000.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
The electric sedan handled my constantly winding mountain route with aplomb. It was easy to toss it through tight corners, my confidence building as I grew more familiar with both the 1-Pedal system, the AMG\u2019s air suspension and electronically adjustable damping, as well as the smart AWD system. The 4Matic technology is capable of reading road conditions and driver input, and then moving torque where needed, up to 10,000 times a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wrap Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While I can find a few things to gripe about with the new EQS line-up \u2014 notably the too-high instrument cluster and steering wheel \u2014 there\u2019s also plenty to like. And, with the AMG EQS, to love. The third model adds a level of power and handling that will help set a benchmark in the fast-growing performance EV segment. While it may not be as quick as a Model S Plaid off the line, I\u2019d much rather be driving the AMG EQS on track or when it comes to any road with a fair amount of tight curves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At a starting price of $102,310 \u2014 plus $1,050 in delivery fees \u2014 for the 450+, the EQS line-up doesn\u2019t fall into the \u201caffordable electric\u201d category, but it offers a lot for the money. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic climbs to $119,110, with a fully loaded \u201cPinnacle\u201d package jumping to $125,310. While Mercedes isn\u2019t saying where the AMG EQS will come in, it\u2019s hard to imagine it starting at much less than $150,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look for the AMG package to reach U.S. showrooms by \u201cearly 2022,\u201d the automaker says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much will the Mercedes-AMG EQS cost?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Final numbers won\u2019t be released until shortly before the performance model\u2019s launch in \u201cearly 2022,\u201d but expect it to come in close to or above $150,000. The current Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 model tops out at $125,310 with its fully loaded \u201cPinnacle\u201d package.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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How fast is the Mercedes EQS?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/u><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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The single-motor Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ takes 5.9 seconds to hit 60, the twin-motor EQS cutting that to 4.1 seconds. Top speed for both is electronically limited to 130 mph. The Mercedes-AMG EQS can hit 60 in 3.4 seconds and tops out at 155 mph.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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What does the \u201cEQ\u201d stand for?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Mercedes is launching a broad sub-brand of all-electric EQ models, the name a play on \u201cIQ,\u201d the name representing vehicles with \u201cemotional intelligence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The new Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan has received plenty of kudos, but the German luxury manufacturer hopes to introduce a new benchmark in the emerging market for premium battery-electric vehicles with the AMG EQS. Check out our first drive at TheDetroitBureau.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":215253,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[4060,4061,607,4063,4062],"category_reviews":[],"make":[],"post-state":[],"category_old":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reviews\/215261"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reviews"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/reviews"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/215253"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=215261"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=215261"},{"taxonomy":"category_reviews","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_reviews?post=215261"},{"taxonomy":"make","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/make?post=215261"},{"taxonomy":"post-state","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-state?post=215261"},{"taxonomy":"category_old","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_old?post=215261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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