Mercedes-Benz Eqs EQS 580 4M 430kW Prem + Executive 122kWh 4dr Auto

Ten Second Review

With this further improved EQS, Mercedes' most opulent EV, the Stuttgart brand has tried to further redefine what the luxury limo of the future will look like. It goes further on a single charge than any European rival and still claims to be the most aerodynamic production road car yet made. The cabin is suitably futuristic, the drivetrains are potent, the technology's impressive -and of course, the prices are high. Everything you'd expect really - from a car that, equally, might be everything you wouldn't expect a large luxury boardroom conveyance to be.

Background

What might the luxury limo of EVs look like? This is the Mercedes take on that question, the EQS, a car we first saw back in 2021 but more recently further updated to create the car we're going to look at here. Early EQ Mercedes models mirrored the look of their combustion counterparts quite closely, but the EQS looks nothing like an S-Class, outside or in. And of course, the driving and ownership experience it offers is completely different too. One thing is common though. The S-Class has always been the model on which we've first seen Mercedes choiciest engineering and electronic innovations, features which then filter down into more affordable cars in the Stuttgart maker's portfolio. So it is with the EQS, which pioneers new technology in aerodynamics, cabin screen tech and charging - to name just three things amongst many - which will all be seen in future smaller Mercedes EQ models. But started here with this one. This car (which will eventually be replaced by an EV version of the next generation S-Class) got improved in Spring 2024, but a far greater package of enhancements were introduced in Spring 2026, creating the car we're going to look at here.

Engines and Tech Spec

Mercedes wants to retain its position as leader in the segment for boardroom-level large-sized full-electric luxury saloons. Well the increase in usable battery size (from 118kWh to 122kWh) with better versions of this further updated model certainly puts it in pole position against obvious rivals like the BMW i7 and the Jaguar Type 00 in that regard. The 542 mile figure of the improved mid-level EQS 450+ is better than any competitor other than the Lucid Air (which isn't currently made in right hand drive form). The rival BMW i7 50 xDrive only manages 452 miles. That EQS 450+ has a single rear-mounted motor putting out 408bhp, which will get you to 62mph in 5.9s. If you don't need to go quite as fast as that, then Mercedes also offers a 367hp EQS 400 single motor entry-level variant, though that has an older 112kWh battery, so only goes up to 490 miles between charges. The top dual motor EQS 580 4MATIC uses the new 122kWh battery, puts out 585hp, makes 62mph in just 4.1s and manages up to 526 miles between charges. Quite a lot has potentially changed with the EQS driving experience as part of this second update. The brake recuperation system has been improved, sending more energy back to the battery than before. And the company has added 'Intelligent Damper Control' to the AIRMATIC air suspension which the company claims will add noticeably better comfort over speed humps and poorer urban surfaces. As before, suspension parameters are adjusted depending on the drive mode you select - choose from 'Eco', 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Individual'. The ride height falls at above 74mph, which improves aerodynamic efficiency and ups the driving range. There's also now the added option of steer-by-wire technology, which removes the physical connection between the steering wheel and the steering rack. The system's controlled by an aeroplane-style yoke and its much lower steering ratio means that you won't have to cross your arms when making a turn. As before, rear wheel steer is standard, so there's a tight 11-metre turning circle, which is extraordinary for a 5.21-metre long limousine.

Design and Build

You would have to know the EQS pretty well to spot the exterior visual changes made to this further updated model. But if you do, then you might spot the changes made to the illuminated front grille with its chrome slates and backlit three-pointed star pattern. The 'DIGITAL LIGHT' LED headlights now get the brand's three-pointed star lighting signatures. As before, this EQS saloon (it's actually a five-door hatch) shares all its engineering and cabin luxury with a separate crossover model, the EQS SUV. Also as before, there's an uber-slippery drag coefficient of just 0.20Cd. Smooth surfaced panels devoid of creases help here, as does the coupe-like profile, the short overhangs and the frameless doors with their flush fitting handles. There's a large fastback-style tailgate. And the clamshell-style bonnet can't be opened. Mercedes has now standardised its 55.5-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, which gives you three separate displays housed beneath a single, curved panel that's 141cm wide. Of these, the driver gets a 12.3-inch instrument screen, there's a 17.7-inch central infotainment monitor and a third 12.3-inch display sits ahead the front passenger. The infotainment part of this set-up has been enhanced with a 'Zero Layer', which helps display the most-used functions in the customisable short-cut bar. Another change with this update comes with heated seatbelts, which can warm to 44-degrees C in cold weather. Rear seat space is of course generous, thanks to the long wheelbase enabled by the EV underpinnings. You can add reclinable rear seats. And a removable tablet can be specified for back passengers, along with a pair of now-larger 13.1-inch MBUX screens. There's a huge 610-litre boot, extendable to 1,770-litres with the seats folded.

Market and Model

You're going to need to think in terms of a price starting point of around £92,000 for EQS ownership; that's for the base EQS 400 model which has a 112kWh battery and 367hp. Prices start from around £105,000 for the other rear-driven EQS, the 450+ model, which has a 122kWh battery and 408hp. You'll need around £126,500 for the 122kWh dual motor EQS 580 4MATIC (585hp). With all the drivetrains there are three trim levels - 'Premium', 'Premium Plus' and 'Premium Plus Executive'. Base 'Premium' spec has 20-inch wheels, 'DIGITAL LIGHT' adaptive LED headlights, AIRMATIC suspension, rear-axle steering and an illuminated front grille. All EQS models now get the brand's 'Hyperscreen' dashboard layout where three displays merge under a continuous glass surface. Avoid base trim and you get an 'Exclusive Nappa Leather Package'. All versions get the brand's latest MB.Drive parking assist system. This uses 27 sensors to identify spaces and park quicker and comes with a reversing function that can memorise 150-metres of a previously-travelled route - ideal if you're at a narrow dead-end for instance. If you like technology, a key option (£2,625) is the new 'Steer-by-wire' set-up with its sharper responses and aeroplane-style steering yoke. But most customers will prefer to spend first on the optional 'Rear Comfort Pack Plus' package which gives you reclining rear seats; ideally paired with the 'MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System' with its twin 13.1-inch screens.

Cost of Ownership

Almost everything has changed about the EV drive system with this further improved EQS. Mercedes calls it a 'generational leap forward'. We told you about the larger 122kWh battery in our 'Driving' section. Well the original EQS model's 400V electrical architecture has now been ditched to pair this with a far more up-to-date 800V set-up. Which is why DC charging speeds have risen massively, from 200kW to 350kW. Meaning that a 10 minute recharge now adds up to 198 miles of range. A 10-80% DC charge takes 25 minutes with the EQS 400; or 27 minutes for the 450+ and 580 4MATIC. All variants need 11 hours 30 minutes for a full AC 11kWh recharge; it's 19 hours if you've a 7.4kW AC supply - or 17 hours for the EQS 400. We like the cleverer choice of different charging programmes - 'Standard', 'Home' and 'Work', each of which allows you to pre-set things like departure time, maximum charge level and air conditioning settings. There's also a feature that Mercedes calls 'Eco-charging', which lowers the load on the battery during charging in a way that improves the longevity of the lithium-ion cells. As usual with an EV, you can lower the battery's charge state to a pre-set limit; or delay charging take advantage of off-peak electricity.

Summary

Just as the Mercedes S-Class was in many ways the original boardroom level large luxury saloon, so in future years, the EQS will be seen as being the first car to fill that role for EVs. And it's been considerably improved in this enhanced 800V form. You might think that the looks lack the traditional gravitas that a car in this class is expected to have. But that's because nothing - not even the crucial issue in this class of pavement presence - has been allowed to get in the way of the relentless engineering drive towards efficiency that characterises this car. The luxury limo of the future must have less environmental impact on its surroundings than the supermini of the past. And for that to happen, a big saloon of this kind must change; radically. The EQS epitomises the need for that. It's different because going forward, cars of its kind will have to be. Of course, as a top-level executive, you may not be quite ready for this level of radical change. If so no, no problem: that's why Mercedes still makes the S-Class. But if you are, in this car, the future awaits.