~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

Automobiles have distinct personalities. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4Matic SUV summons images of a powerful National Football League running back dressed in a tuxedo, with the quick moves that leave tacklers flat-footed.

This EQS is a hulk, nearly 17 feet long and weighing more than three tons, that nonetheless delivers a comfortable ride and, with its all-electric drive train, is an economical vehicle that doesn’t pollute the atmosphere. It is among a coterie of new electric vehicles from the German manufacturer.

As might be expected, it doesn’t come cheap. There are two versions: A seven-passenger model and the one driven for this review that carries five passengers and their cargo.

The tested EQS—the EQ initials designate the Mercedes-Benz electric sub-brand—came with a base price of $108,550 and, with options, a bottom-line sticker price of $117,730. There also are EQE and EQS sedans.

With all-wheel drive, the tested EQS 450 gets its power from dual electric motors that deliver a total of 355 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force. The combination enables zero to 60 miles an hour acceleration in about six seconds. City/highway/combined fuel economy certified by the Environmental Protection Agency is rated at 79/77/78 MPGe, or miles per gallon equivalent.

The range is rated at 305 miles, though the tested EQS, on overnight charges on level 2, 240-volt chargers, exceed that by about 50 miles, which should ease owners who may have so-called range anxiety.

Mercedes-Benz estimates 12.5 hours to charge to 100% and, on a commercial DC fast charger, 31 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.

To extend the range, the EQS 450 incorporates regenerative braking, which Mercedes calls recuperative braking. It helps top up the battery pack while driving. There are three modes: normal, strong and no recuperation, controlled by paddles on the steering wheel.

The tested five-passenger EQS 450 is spacious, with 117 cubic feet of interior room for passengers and 23 cubic for cargo behind the back seat. The total of 140 cubic feet is 20 cubic feet more than the EPA’s threshold for a large car. Fold the rear seatback and the cargo area expands to 74 cubic feet. Of course, the SUV then becomes a two-seater.

Standard equipment on the EQS 450 incorporates enhancements for the ride and handling: an adaptive air suspension system for both, and rear-wheel steering to improve handling.

Full safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, the Mercedes Distronic adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, active parking assist with surround-view camera views, 360-degree parking damage warning, and adaptive high beam headlights.

Optional equipment included a head-up display, emergency use 110-volt charging cable, interior air filtering, an acoustic comfort package, range-optimizing summer tires, active interior mood lighting and heated rear seats.

On the road, the EQS 450 was commendably quiet like most electric vehicles, except for a muted rumbling that almost made it seem like a silent-running gasoline-engine SUV. The vibes likely came from an exterior sound generator installed to warn pedestrians.

The tuxedo impression came from the tester’s Emerald Green Metallic paint, the Macchiato Beige and Space Gray perforated leather upholstery, and the Natural Grain Anthracite Linden Wood trim on the dashboard.

Interior features appeared designed for convenience and comfort. There are stash spaces all around in the doors and center console, along with a roomy space for purses and even backpacks beneath the console. A big center screen handles infotainment functions, and a similar large screen displays instruments and controls. Overhead is a large panoramic sunroof with a translucent cloth screen that admits sunlight but not heat.

Front bucket seats have good bolstering to secure the torso in spirited driving. Outboard back seats have similar bolstering. Even the harder rear middle seat, impossible on some vehicles, is adequate for a fifth passenger with plenty of foot space because of a flat floor. The back seats feature power adjustments and individual door locks.

The cargo area is roomy and nicely trimmed. Underneath, the space accommodates tools and the emergency charge cord. There is no spare wheel and tire.

Overall, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 SUV delivers the goods for families who can afford the buy-in price.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4Matic SUV four-door, five- passenger sport utility vehicle.
  • Motor: Dual electrics; total 355 hp, 590 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Direct-drive automatic with all-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 16 feet 10 inches.
  • Height: 5 feet 8 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/ cargo volume: 117/23 cubic feet. (cargo 74 cubic feet with rear seatback folded).
  • Weight: 6,206 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 1,653 pounds.
  • Range: 305 miles.
  • Charging times: On 240-volt charger, 12.5 hours to 100%; on DC fast charger, 10% to 80%, 31 minutes.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 79/77/78 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe).
  • Base price, including destination charge: $108,550.
  • Price as tested: $117,740.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Mercedes-Benz