Mercedes-Benz EQS

EQS in brief

The EQS was introduced in 2021 and became the first Mercedes-Benz car on the EVA2 platform designed for electric vehicles. It stands out with its extremely sleek body — a drag coefficient of just around 0.20 — and a liftback-style rear: the boot opens with the rear window.

The EQS is for those who prioritise comfort, quietness and long journeys. The AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-wheel steering found in many cars make this large sedan easier to handle than you might expect. Alongside the sedan, there's also a taller EQS SUV (X296), with the most luxurious version sold under the Mercedes-Maybach name.

Early EQS and the refreshed model — what's the difference

Early EQS models (2021–2024) usually come with around a 108 kWh usable battery; some markets saw the EQS 350 with a smaller one. According to the manufacturer (WLTP), the EQS 450+ covers up to around 770 km.

The 2024 refreshed EQS gets a larger, around 118 kWh battery, so the EQS 450+ covers more than 800 km according to WLTP. The styling has also been updated: chrome-trimmed grille slats and a star on the engine cover, refreshed software and equipment.

Most used EQS models on the market are the early ones, which often cost significantly less than new ones due to their rapidly depreciating value. The updated model's advantage is a greater range, but even the early EQS 450+ is perfectly suitable for long journeys.

Versions, miles driven and charging

The EQS 450+ has a single motor and rear-wheel drive (around 333 hp) — this is the most efficient version. The EQS 450 4MATIC, EQS 500 4MATIC, and EQS 580 4MATIC (around 523 hp) have two motors and all-wheel drive, while the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ has over 650 hp.

In reality, the early EQS 450+ often manages around 550–650 km in the summer, less on the motorway. In winter, the range typically drops by 20–30%, but thanks to the large battery, it usually remains around 400 km or more. All-wheel drive versions and the AMG model consume more energy.

In Europe, the EQS is charged via a CCS2 connector: with alternating current up to 11 kW, in some cars up to 22 kW, and at fast-charging stations up to around 200 kW. Due to the large battery, it takes about 10 hours or more to fully charge from empty at an 11 kW home station.

What to check when buying a used EQS

First and foremost, the battery condition. Request a Mercedes-Benz service battery health (SoH) check, which shows the remaining capacity in percentages. The battery comes with a long-term manufacturer's warranty — check its terms and how much time is left at the service.

Test the air suspension: the car should not lean when stationary, and it should glide smoothly over uneven surfaces. Check the rear-wheel steering, screens (especially the MBUX Hyperscreen, if fitted), closing door handles, seat adjustment, and other electrically operated features.

Some features, such as a larger rear-wheel steering angle, were offered as paid services or subscriptions in certain markets — check what's included with the car. Ask if all manufacturer updates and recall work have been carried out, and check the history using the VIN.

Versions

EQS trims vary by market: the Electric Art and AMG Line lines with various equipment packages are most commonly found. Below, we outline the main versions.

Comparison of EQS versions

For most buyers, the most sensible choice is the early EQS 450+: it covers plenty of miles and costs significantly less in the used market than new. The updated model is worth considering if maximum range is your priority, while the AMG is purely for performance.

Frequently asked questions