Mercedes-Benz EQS 2022 Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's luxury electric vehicle market has intensified, and consumers' demand for flagship pure electric models is no longer limited to range but emphasizes a balance between luxury experience and technological features. As a benchmark for Mercedes-Benz luxury electric sedans, the 2022 EQS 450+ directly targets the high-end pure electric market with a claimed range of over 780 kilometers, an integrated "Hyperscreen" interior design, and comprehensive safety features as its core selling points. In this test drive, we focus on verifying its actual range performance, whether its luxury quality matches the price, and whether the daily driving comfort meets Mercedes-Benz flagship standards.

From the front, the EQS 450+ adopts Mercedes-Benz's unique "bow-shaped body" design for electric models, with a closed front grille coupled with an illuminated tri-star emblem, offering high recognition. The car's lines flow smoothly from the A-pillar to the rear, creating a fastback silhouette that not only reduces wind resistance but also makes the side profile look more elongated—its 5224mm length and 3210mm wheelbase make it appear more imposing compared to fossil-fueled vehicles in the same class. The rear features horizontally connected LED taillights, which form a continuous strip when lit, offering strong nighttime recognition; the lack of exhaust pipes under the rear bumper signifies its electric vehicle identity. The lighting system is fully equipped with standard LED features, and its automatic headlights and daytime running lights respond quickly, switching modes promptly in tunnels or overcast weather.

Stepping inside, the first thing one notices is the 1.4-meter-long MBUX Hyperscreen, seamlessly extending from the main driver's dashboard to the front passenger's side with three connected screens. The display boasts high resolution, responsive touch controls, and supports voice commands; just say "Hey Mercedes," and you can adjust functions such as air conditioning and navigation. The interior features predominantly soft leather and metallic trims. The center console and door panels have a delicate touch, and the luxury feel is in line with its flagship status. The steering wheel is multifunctional, equipped with shift paddles (used to adjust regenerative braking intensity), and also comes standard with a HUD heads-up display, allowing drivers to view speed and navigation information without looking down. The seats are wrapped in genuine leather and are power-adjustable in the front, with lumbar support and leg rests that can be adjusted for comfort, ensuring no fatigue during long drives.

Space performance is one of the strengths of the EQS 450+. The 3210mm wheelbase provides ample rear passenger space—the legs of a 180cm passenger sitting in the rear still have over two fists of room, while the headroom is slightly constrained by the fastback design but is not overly tight. The rear is equipped with independent climate control vents and USB-C ports, and the nearly flat central floor ensures that even three passengers won’t feel cramped. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 610 liters, enough to hold three 28-inch suitcases, and folding down the rear seats expands it to 1770 liters, making it easy to transport larger items. Regarding storage space, the central armrest box is very deep, the door storage pockets can hold two bottles of water, and the front row features a wireless charging pad and two cup holders, providing sufficient practicality.

In terms of power, 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, achieving 0-100km/h acceleration in an official 6.2 seconds. During everyday driving, the power output is smooth, and the start lacks the delay typical of fossil-fueled vehicles—lightly pressing the accelerator provides ample power. In Sport mode, acceleration becomes more responsive, offering a noticeable pushback sensation during overtaking, and it handles highway speeds of 120km/h with ease. There are three driving modes: Eco, Comfort, and Sport. Most of the time, Comfort mode is sufficient, providing gentle power output suitable for city commuting.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel provides precise control with minimal play, feeling light at low speeds and heavier at high speeds, offering a good tactile response. The front double-wishbone independent suspension paired with the rear multi-link suspension is tuned for comfort; it can filter out most vibrations when crossing speed bumps or bumpy roads, and the body shows no significant jumping. The chassis is solid, ensuring stability at high speeds, and body roll is well-controlled when cornering, with no noticeable swaying. The braking system is linear, not overly sensitive in the initial phase, with sufficient braking power in the latter phase, offering confidence while driving.

Range is a crucial metric for electric vehicles. We conducted an actual test: starting with a full charge and running the air conditioning consistently at 23℃ (automatic setting), driving half on city roads and half on highways (average speed of 110km/h on highways). It ultimately covered about 680 kilometers, achieving approximately 87% of the claimed range, which is commendable. As for energy consumption, it’s about 18kWh/100km in urban conditions and approximately 22kWh/100km on highways, which aligns closely with the official figures. There are three levels of energy regeneration; level one resembles the gliding feel of a fuel-powered car, while level three provides significant deceleration, reducing the need for frequent braking. Noise insulation is well-handled; wind and tire noise are almost imperceptible below 60km/h, and even at highway speeds of 120km/h, while wind noise increases slightly, it doesn't impede conversation. Overall, the vehicle’s quietness meets luxury car standards.

In terms of safety features, the EQS 450+ is equipped with seven airbags, lane change assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and other functionalities as standard across the lineup. The 360-degree surround-view camera delivers high-resolution images, enabling clear visualization of surrounding obstacles while parking. Its automatic parking assistance is user-friendly, making it ideal for new drivers. The battery comes with an 8-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty, alleviating concerns over battery degradation.

Overall, the 2022 EQS 450+ stands out with significant core advantages: the ultra-wide "Hyperscreen" interior delivers a strong sense of technology, the spacious cabin is accommodating, the range is reliable, and it retains Mercedes-Benz's signature luxury touch. Compared to its counterparts, the EQS 450+ emphasizes luxury and comfort more than the Tesla Model S, while offering better pricing (in the Malaysian market, the i7 starts at approximately RM 898,800) and comparable features when compared to the BMW i7.

This car is suitable for two types of buyers: first, families prioritizing a luxurious experience and reliable range—its spaciousness and comfort make long trips worry-free; second, young business professionals seeking a high-tech experience—the Hyperscreen and intelligent systems cater to everyday needs, and the brand’s prestige aligns with professional settings.

In summary, the EQS 450+ is a well-balanced luxury electric sedan that performs admirably in technology, space, range, and comfort. If you're looking to purchase a high-end electric vehicle, it's definitely worth considering.