mReview: 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQS 450+ - Just Too Good

Mercedes’ flagship saloons have always served as the luxury benchmark. They are also known for debuting technologies that you’d find in mass market cars a decade down the road.

And it seems that this trend will continue to hold true even in the electric age, with all the ground-up EQ cars showcasing drivetrain and battery technologies that are at least a decade ahead of most of their peers. With some exceptions, of course.The incumbent S-Class has proven its mettle over the decades, and has rightfully earned its place at the top of the Mercedes luxury saloon food chain. And as it turns out, its electric brethren does a fantastic job in keeping that legacy alive.

Effortlessly Quiet

Again, flagship Mercedes cars have always been known for their supreme comfort and refinement. A trait that suits the electric drivetrain - with a general lack of moving parts, EVs are usually more silent and vibration-free as compared to their ICE counterparts.

The same is true of the EQS 450+. It is whisper quiet even at highway speeds, with a general lack of wind noise that plagues some of its lesser rivals. But do not be lulled into thinking that the car is boring to drive - far from it.Powering this German luxobarge is a Permanently Excited Synchronous Motor that drives the rear wheels. It delivers a spritely 329 bhp, with all of the power accessible from any wheel speed. The vigour in which pace is delivered feels really odd, considering that you are cocooned in all of the luxury and refinement.

Out on the Open Roads

Mercedes reminded us at the launch of the EQS that the car, despite having a wheelbase that is over three metres long, has the turning radius of an A-Class. And I can vouch for those claims, as it navigated even the tightest of underground car parks with relative ease.

The car also manages to balance overall driving joy with comfort, with the suspension competently soaking up all of the imperfections our roads could throw at the car. It still also manages to regulate its huge mass very well, with excellent initial turn-in even at higher speeds.Though this phenomenon only lasts up to a certain point. Drive it a touch harder, and you’d find yourself second-guessing your steering inputs. There’s no doubt rear-wheel steering works, but the rear-wheel drive configuration means you’d be trying to work out how much of the rear end movement is from a loss of rear traction, and how much of it has to do with the clever engineering built into the suspension.

The 107.8 kWh battery pack is mounted underneath the floor of the car. It makes for a low centre of gravity and excellent stability, but it does mean that rear occupants will find their thighs at an awkward angle. The lack of thigh support can be bothersome on longer journeys.The energy stored in its pack is good for an estimated range upwards of 700 kilometres on a full charge - you’d struggle to significantly drain the battery pack even on a solid week’s worth of mileage.

The Interior Experience

There’s no denying that the futuristic interior plays very nicely into the theme that Mercedes is shooting for. The expansive glass roof allows plenty of natural light into the cabin, and when paired with the white interior, makes for a pleasant and airy feeling whilst you are in the cockpit.All of the main touchpoints feel well put together, further complemented by the excellent sound system and the seemingly infinitely adjustable front seats. Though the interior experience does feel somewhat compromised when compared to versions of the EQS with the optional (for this specification) hyperscreen. I get what they are trying to do with the dashboard and the embossed Mercedes stars, but it just doesn’t scream ‘flagship Mercedes’ when you are seated in front.Also, the steering wheel is riddled with a complex mix of touch-sensitive buttons, which can be cumbersome to use when on the move. But props to Mercedes for the placement of the seat ventilation function - the door card placement makes it hard for others to irritate you by triggering the heating function of the ventilated seats.

It’s Too Good, Even for Itself

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, there’s no denying that this is one extremely competent super saloon. It drives well, has huge range figures and manages to be supremely compliant and comfortable.

But there’s a sense that all of the cash has been spent on the powertrain. Whilst build quality is generally very good, the MBUX screen and the dashboard just feels out of place in a car designated as the German automaker’s pinnacle of electric luxury.I get what they are trying to do with the EQS 450+. It is a car designed solely to be a sustainable luxury vehicle to be chauffeured in. And it does that bit very well. However, if you’d like to do the driving yourself, consider opting for the hyperscreen, as it genuinely transforms the overall experience of the front occupants.

And if you really don’t need the space, the EQE 350+ is a solid alternative. It couples the same tried-and-tested drivetrain, at a far more palatable price tag. The open-pore walnut wood trim is a nice touch too!

Photo Credits: ACube Creative (@weareacube)

Read More: mReview: Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 AMG Line - The Better Twin

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