Mercedes-Benz EQS 2023 Review

In recent years, the luxury electric sedan market in Malaysia has been gradually heating up. Consumers are not only pursuing brand prestige but also have higher demands for range and performance. As a new contender in this segment, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS AMG 53 4MATIC+ focuses its core selling points on the AMG-tuned 658PS power output, an official range of 770km, and the signature luxurious configurations of the brand. In this test drive, we mainly evaluate whether its performance matches the AMG identity and if its daily usability aligns with the positioning of a luxury car.

The exterior of this car continues the streamlined design of the EQS series but adds many sporty elements in the AMG version. The front retains the closed grille, surrounded by AMG-exclusive trim strips and a front lip. The headlights adopt digital LED matrix technology, offering high recognizability when lit. The side profile features smooth lines, with 21-inch AMG wheels paired with red brake calipers, directly indicating its performance attributes. The doors use hidden handles to further reduce wind resistance. The rear is equipped with an AMG spoiler and diffuser design, which not only enhances the sporty appeal but also optimizes aerodynamics. Overall, the visual effect maintains a sense of luxury without losing the aggressiveness of a performance car.

Getting into the car, the first thing you feel is the luxurious material quality. The dashboard is covered with Nappa leather, complemented by metal trim and carbon fiber panels, with meticulous attention to detail. The dual-screen system, composed of a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 17.7-inch central control screen, is equipped with the MBUX intelligent interaction system, featuring smooth operation and a wealth of functions, putting it among the best in its class. The seats are AMG-exclusive sports seats that support electric adjustment, heating, and ventilation. They offer excellent support, making long-duration seating comfortable. The front storage space is decent, with a relatively large central armrest box and door panel storage pockets that can accommodate water bottles and small items. Thanks to a wheelbase of 3,210mm (Note: The original article had an error in the wheelbase measurement; the actual EQS wheelbase is 3,210mm, and this has been corrected here), rear legroom is very spacious. Even passengers as tall as 180cm can easily cross their legs. The rear is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and Type-C ports, adding to its practicality.

In terms of power, this car is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering a maximum output of 658PS and a peak torque of 950Nm. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is just 3.8 seconds. During actual driving, switching to Sport+ mode delivers an immensely strong push-back sensation at launch. The acceleration process is linear and consistent, and pressing the pedal hard during overtaking provides immediate power response, fully living up to the performance credentials of AMG. When driving in Comfort mode for daily commuting, power output becomes more gentle, making it suitable for city driving. The chassis adopts front and rear air suspension, tuned towards sporty handling while retaining a certain level of comfort. When navigating speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension effectively absorbs shocks, and the body shows no significant jolting. During cornering, the body roll is well controlled, the steering offers precise feedback, and there is minimal play, which instills great confidence in handling.

As for range, we tested it under mixed driving conditions, including 30% highway and 70% urban roads, with air conditioning on throughout the journey. The achieved range performance was about 80% of the official figure, resulting in an actual range of approximately 616km, which meets expectations. Regarding energy consumption, urban roads averaged about 20kWh/100km, while highways averaged around 25kWh/100km, which is within the normal range for its class. Noise control is excellent, with wind and tire noise suppressed to very low levels during high-speed driving. Only during hard acceleration can you hear the faint hum of the electric motor, providing a quiet driving environment. The energy recovery system is adjustable in three levels. At the highest setting, the regenerative braking effect is noticeable and reduces brake usage frequency, while the lowest setting approximates the coasting feel of gasoline cars, making it easy to adapt to.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2023 EQS AMG 53 4MATIC+ lie in its AMG-tuned powerful performance, long range, and Mercedes-Benz's consistent luxurious configuration. Compared to competitors in the same segment like the Porsche Taycan Turbo, it offers a longer range and a more competitive price; compared to the Tesla Model S Plaid, it stands out with its sense of luxury and brand appeal. This car is suitable for two types of users: young consumers who pursue performance and branding, and business users who need luxury and comfort while also considering long range. Overall, it is a luxury pure electric sedan that balances performance, luxury, and practicality, meeting the needs of various scenarios.