Emotionally Intelligent drive? Mercedes Benz EQS 450+ First Drive Impressions!
Couple days ago, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia was expected to launch their flagship EQS electric sedan. What we got instead was a full EV offensive with the introduction of three EQ models: the EQS, EQC, and EQB. The three new models joins the entry-level EQA which was launched here back in March. There’s plenty to digest here, so below is a quick rundown before we get to the highly-anticipated EQS first drive:
Starting with the entry-level EQ model, the GLA-based EQA variant we get locally is the EQA 250 AMG Line. This model gets a 66.5 kWh battery with 188 hp and 375 Nm of torque. Range is up to 429 km (WLTP) which you won’t get close if you try to achieve its 0-100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds and top speed of 160 km/h often. Price is RM278k.
Next in line is the GLB-based EQB 350 4MATIC. Battery capacity is identical to the EQA at 66.5 kWh but with a higher output of 292 hp and 520 Nm of torque, propelling it from a standstill to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds until a top speed of 160km/h. Range is up to 423 km (WLTP) and priced at RM330k.
The GLC-based EQC is the oldest in the EQ family having been in production since 2019, and is Mercedes-Benz’s first EQ model. We first saw the crossover in its concept form back in 2018 called the Concept EQ. Malaysians will only get the EQC 400 4MATIC with a 80 kWh battery making 408 hp and 760 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h time is 5.1 seconds and the top speed is 180km/h. Range is 437 km (WLTP) while price wise it’s estimated at RM390k.
Finally we arrive at the flagship EQS in the form of the EQS 450+ with a 107.8 kWh battery making 333 hp and 565 Nm of torque. While 0-100 km/h time of 6.6 seconds is slower than the EQC, the EQS has the highest top speed of 210 km/h probably due to its slippery drag coefficient of just 0.20, making it the world’s most aerodynamic production car. This would partly explain its generous range of up to 782 km (WLTP). All of this would set you nearly RM700k.
Having had the privilege to get behind the wheel of the EQS 450+ briefly during the launch, we are happy to report that all is good with the latest flagship EV offering from Mercedes-Benz. Let’s start off with its striking futuristic exterior design where it really turn heads. During the short stint, we took a drive up to Istana Negara for a quick photoshoot. We were then approached by a few tourists as well as our own Malaysian Royal Police officers asking us about the car.
Even locking and unlocking the car was an experience where the handles will pop out from the doors and retracts when locked, which looks visually appealing while also helps with the car’s aerodynamics on the move. As the drive was during the day, we weren’t able to test out Mercedes-Benz’s latest Digital Light headlight technology. We look forward to trying them out when we get to test one for longer.
Step into the EQS cockpit and my goodness it’s a tech fest! From the moment you turn on the car, you will be greeted by the latest MBUX user interface displayed on its aptly named Hyperscreen which stretches across the dash. The cleverly integrated ambient lighting behind the screen gives the whole dash a floating appearance which emphasizes its minimalistic look, especially not having a single physical button which will take some getting used to.
This definitely is not your typical Mercedes-Benz for the less tech savvy users, which may put off the traditional Mercedes-Benz customer from the analogue era. Even we had to spend some time stationary to figure out the various menus and haptic touch switches which can be rather unintuitive to use. When it comes to interior quality, first impressions are positive and typical Mercedes-Benz which is a good thing.
We love how comfortable and supportive the Nappa leather seats are as they are as not only endlessly adjustable but also ventilated massage-capable for both front seats. Rear legroom is also ample as one would expect from an “Electric S-Class ” although oddly enough, rear passengers don’t get massage function. The EQS is also more practical than the S-Class as the rear hatch opens up to 610 liter trunk, which is 100 more than a regular S-Class.
During our short drive, we are pleased to report a power delivery that is silky smooth, unlike some EVs where power comes in rather instantly like a switch. The acceleration is very linear which delivers a modest 333hp and 565Nm in an extremely sophisticated manner. Turning radius of the EQS 450+ is also rather impressive for its massive proportions all thanks to its rear-axle steering that helps rotate the car in tight spaces, while also improving high speed stability and handling by having all wheels turning in the same direction.
We have yet to try all the driving aids due to the limited time we had, but one which we got to try was the augmented reality navigation system. With a destination set, the car will utilize its front camera to project a live view on the screen while overlaying virtual arrows to guide you towards the right roads.
As for ride quality, EQS 450+ rides rather well even in 21-inch wheels as it has all-round air suspension with adaptive dampers. Only thing we noticed would be a slight tyre roar as the rest of the car is so quiet. Even wind noise is minimal due to its sleek profile, but a proper highway run is in order when we have our hands on an EQS for longer. The 782 km claimed maximum range is very impressive on paper, but even if you take 20% off the figure to account for unideal situations, 600 km is still plenty to accommodate most journeys for an average Malaysian.
If an electric luxury saloon is exactly what you have been looking for, the EQS is the only player for now until BMW launches its i7 hopefully later this year. Either way, if you can afford the price of entry, best you put in your order sooner rather than later as we can sense the waiting list getting longer as we speak.
