2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Review

As Malaysia's luxury electric vehicle market continues to expand, consumer demand for models that combine brand quality, long range, and intelligent configurations has become increasingly clear. As the flagship all-electric sedan under the Mercedes-Benz brand, the EQS 450+ directly enters the high-end luxury EV market segment. Its core selling points focus on the official range of 782km, luxurious interior materials, and intelligent driving assistance systems. Many potential users are curious whether this "electric S-Class" can continue the flagship experience of the internal combustion engine era — this test drive is centered around daily usage scenarios to verify its static quality, dynamic performance, and range accuracy.

From the exterior, the EQS 450+ adopts a "bow-shaped body" design that differs from traditional fuel-powered vehicles. The overall lines are smooth and rounded, achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.20Cd. The front fascia replaces the classic three-pointed star grille with a closed "Night Star Matrix" panel, complemented by slim LED headlights, delivering high recognition. The side profile features clean lines without unnecessary creases, with flush door handles and 20-inch multi-spoke wheels further enhancing the technological feel of the EV. At the rear, the continuous LED tail light and small spoiler create a blend of luxury and aerodynamic efficiency. Notably, the entire lighting system supports intelligent switching, with automatic headlights capable of adjusting brightness based on ambient light and traffic conditions, combining practicality with a sense of ceremony.

Stepping inside, the luxurious atmosphere of the EQS 450+ is palpable. The dashboard is covered by a 1.41-meter ultra-wide OLED screen (MBUX Hyperscreen), integrating a fully digital instrument cluster, a central touchscreen, and a passenger entertainment display. The interface operates smoothly and supports voice control; simply say "Hey, Mercedes" to adjust the air conditioning, navigation, and other functions. Interior materials primarily include Nappa leather and open-pore walnut trim, which feel refined to the touch. The front seats feature heating, ventilation, and massage functions, offering moderate support and a snug fit, ensuring comfort during prolonged journeys. Configuration highlights include standard HUD head-up display, wireless charging, and 360-degree panoramic imaging, while independent rear air conditioning, USB-C ports, and privacy glass cater to passenger needs.

In terms of space, the EQS 450+ boasts body dimensions of 5224mm×1926mm×1512mm, with a wheelbase of 3210mm, fully meeting the standards for a large vehicle. Front-row passengers can easily adjust to a comfortable seating position, with a headroom of approximately one fist and two fingers. Rear legroom exceeds two fists, allowing passengers up to 180cm tall to cross their legs, though headroom is slightly compromised due to the bow-shaped design but still offers about one fist of clearance. The trunk has a standard capacity of 610 liters, expandable to 1770 liters with the rear seats folded down, accommodating up to four 28-inch suitcases and meeting the needs of family long-distance travel. Additionally, the car offers ample storage spaces, including a large center armrest box, door storage compartments, and front cup holders, making it easy to store daily items.

In terms of dynamic performance, the EQS 450+ is equipped with a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 245kW (333PS) and a maximum torque of 565N·m, paired with a single-speed transmission. During daily driving, power output is linear and smooth. In standard mode, the car accelerates lightly at start, and with a deeper press of the accelerator, torque is released consistently. The 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.2 seconds may not be extremely aggressive, but it is more than sufficient for urban overtaking and highway cruising. When switched to sport mode, the power response becomes more direct, with noticeably enhanced push-back sensation. The steering system uses electric power assistance, offering steady and precise handling, with a light feel at low speeds and increased damping at high speeds, in line with the tuning philosophy of luxury vehicles.

The combination of the front double wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension balances comfort and handling. On the bumpy roads of Kuala Lumpur, the suspension filters out most of the fine vibrations, and there is no harsh bounce when passing over speed bumps. Body roll is well-controlled during cornering, and even at a speed of 80km/h when navigating roundabouts, the chassis remains stable. However, due to its 2530kg weight, you can feel some inertia during rapid lane changes, making it more suited to smooth driving.

Range and energy consumption are the core metrics for electric vehicles. This test drive covered approximately 200km, including urban congestion, highway cruising, and suburban roads, with the air conditioning set to 23°C in automatic mode. The range displayed at departure was 782km, and it had 560km remaining at the end, achieving an actual range fulfillment rate of around 91%, exceeding expectations. During highway cruising at 110km/h, energy consumption was approximately 18kWh/100km; the consumption was slightly higher in urban congestion at around 20kWh/100km. The combined energy consumption was 19kWh/100km, meaning the calculated actual range can reach nearly 700km, which is sufficient for intercity travel within Malaysia (e.g., Kuala Lumpur to Penang, about 350km).

In terms of ride comfort, the noise control performance of the EQS 450+ is excellent. During highway cruising, wind and tire noise are well suppressed, with only slight wind noise entering the cabin when the speed exceeds 120km/h. The energy recovery system is adjustable in three levels. At the highest level, the drag sensation when releasing the pedal is similar to the braking of an internal combustion vehicle but not overly abrupt; the lowest level is closer to coasting, which is suitable for users accustomed to driving fuel-powered cars.

Overall, the core strengths of the EQS 450+ lie in its reliable long range, luxurious interior quality, and comprehensive intelligent features. Compared to competitors in the same class (such as the BMW i7 and Audi e-tron GT), its range performance is more consistent, and it strikes a better balance between technological sophistication and luxury in its interior. Additionally, the brand's influence is highly recognized in the Malaysian market. However, its price of nearly 700,000 MYR is not exactly budget-friendly, making it more suitable for users with ample budgets who prioritize brand image and a comfortable experience—such as corporate executives, entrepreneurs, or discerning family users.

As the flagship model of Mercedes-Benz's electric era, the EQS 450+ not only retains the brand's consistent luxury DNA but also meets the needs of modern high-end users through electrification technology. It is not a "speed machine" that chases performance but a luxury vehicle offering a comfortable, quiet, and long-range driving experience. It is ideal for daily commuting, business receptions, and long-distance family trips, making it a representative "balanced flagship" in the luxury electric vehicle market.