“Make sure you are comfortable with the controls/electronics. They are complicated and not always intuitive.”
Mercedes-Benz EQS: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a large electric luxury sedan and Mercedes-Benz’s battery-powered alternative to the S-Class. It is known for quiet long-distance comfort, generous driving range, and a dashboard built around three large displays.
The EQS has always put calm, comfortable travel ahead of sporty handling. Its electric power, air suspension, roomy cabin, and extensive driver assistance reinforce that relaxed character. A large liftback opening adds everyday usefulness, while rear-wheel steering helps this big sedan feel easier to maneuver.
Strengths
- The cabin stays quiet and the air suspension is tuned for smooth, relaxed travel.
- Driving range is a clear strength, with 2026 versions rated for 367 to 390 miles.
- The back seat has genuine adult space, with 40.4 inches of rear legroom in 2026.
- Its liftback-style cargo opening makes the EQS more useful than its sleek sedan shape suggests.
- Rear-wheel steering helps make this large car easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
- The three-display dashboard gives the cabin a distinctive, technology-centered feel, and it became standard across the lineup in 2024.
Who it's for
The EQS fits someone who wants a quiet, roomy electric car for commuting and long trips without giving up flagship-level comfort. It especially suits drivers who value a smooth ride, rear-seat space, and immersive cabin technology more than sharp sports-sedan responses.
Mercedes-Benz EQS lineup
The EQS 450+ is the range-focused, rear-wheel-drive model, so it is the natural pick for shoppers who prioritize efficiency and distance. The EQS 450 4MATIC, added in 2023, brings all-wheel drive while sitting between the 450+ and the more powerful 580. Step up to the EQS 580 4MATIC for stronger acceleration, all-wheel drive, and a greater emphasis on front-seat luxury. Since 2024, the three-display dashboard has been standard throughout the range rather than defining only the upper model.
Mercedes-Benz EQS generations
From 2022 to 2026, the EQS spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2022.
1st Generation (2022–2026)
The first EQS is a dedicated-platform electric luxury sedan with a liftback-style cargo opening. It launched with rear- or all-wheel drive, air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and a large screen-focused cabin, then gained broad technology updates for 2024 and a battery and styling refresh for 2025.
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2026
Adds two standard acceleration-linked cabin sound programs. The battery, powertrains, suspension, safety hardware, and dashboard carry over.
2025Mid-cycle update
Gains a larger 118-kWh battery, revised energy-recovery software, updated grille styling, soft-close doors, and more comfortable rear seats.
2024
The three-screen dashboard becomes standard, alongside broad efficiency, braking, safety, and rear-seat comfort upgrades. AWD models also gain a system that disconnects the front motor to reduce drag.
2023Trim changes
The EQS 450 4MATIC joins the lineup with dual-motor all-wheel drive, sitting between the EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4MATIC.
2022New generation
The all-new EQS launches as Mercedes-Benz’s first U.S. electric luxury sedan built on a dedicated electric-car platform.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQS fully electric?
Yes. The Mercedes-Benz EQS is fully electric in every model year covered here. It uses a large battery and either one or two electric motors, with no gasoline engine.
How is the EQS different from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The EQS is the electric, comfort-focused alternative to the S-Class. It has its own dedicated electric platform, a quiet cabin, extensive dashboard technology, and a liftback-style cargo opening.
Is the EQS a sedan or a hatchback?
Mercedes-Benz calls the EQS a sedan, but its rear glass and trunk lid rise together like a hatchback. That liftback design provides easier access to the cargo area than a conventional sedan trunk.
Is the EQS good for long road trips?
Yes. Long-distance comfort is one of the EQS's main strengths. It combines a quiet electric drivetrain, smooth air suspension, supportive seating, and substantial driving range. Newer versions have a larger 118-kWh battery.
Is the EQS roomy enough for passengers and luggage?
Yes. Newer EQS sedans seat five and provide 40.4 inches of rear legroom. The liftback cargo area holds up to 63 cubic feet when configured for maximum cargo space.
Does the EQS have rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
It has been sold with both. The EQS 450+ uses one rear motor and rear-wheel drive. The EQS 450 4MATIC and EQS 580 4MATIC use two motors and all-wheel drive.
How many generations of the EQS are there?
The 2022 through 2026 EQS belongs to the first generation. These years share the same basic electric platform and comfort-focused design, although battery capacity, dashboard equipment, styling, and power output changed during the run.
Is the EQS meant to feel sporty?
The EQS leans toward comfort rather than traditional sports-sedan handling. Its strengths are quiet power, a smooth ride, long-distance relaxation, and easy low-speed maneuvering from rear-wheel steering.
Mercedes-Benz EQS Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
4.3
Mercedes-Benz EQS
(1,290 reviews)
“Navigation system screen graphics too complex. Need to simplify to park with greater confidence.”
“Consider the opportunity cost savings of charging at home during off peak hours (11 pm - 6 am). Also, no oil changes, transmission, alternator, starter, battery to jump off, radiator, spark plugs, pistons, etc...”
“Extremely comfortable and highly recommend it for someone who drives a lot like me.”
“You will wait for an obscenely long time for replacement parts to include recommended tires, and windshield”
“The vehicle is luxurious with all the modern amenities, and built with the highest standards.”