2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan

EQS 450+ RWD is the volume/base trim at ~$99,900 with 355 hp; 4MATIC and AMG variants push output much higher.

Instant EV torque delivery; base 450+ produces 419 lb-ft, well above sedan-segment norms.

Manufacturer-quoted 5.9 s for the volume RWD trim; upper trims are notably quicker.

EV powertrain delivers instantaneous, seamless thrust with essentially no noise, vibration, or lag; reviewers consistently praise the serene, luxury-first character across the range.

Single-speed reduction gearbox eliminates shifts entirely; steering-wheel paddles adjust regenerative braking rather than gear selection, yielding uninterrupted power delivery.

4MATIC all-wheel drive is available on three of four trims (450 4MATIC, 580 4MATIC, AMG EQS); base 450+ remains rear-wheel drive. Widely available but not standard.

EV-only lineup with no gas, hybrid, or PHEV alternative — buyers get a single powertrain type, though it is offered in four output tiers from 355 to 751 hp.

EPA combined MPGe for the volume EQS 450 4MATIC (AWD) sedan; the RWD 450+ rates 98 combined and the EQS 580 4MATIC rates 93. Re-verified that 2026 is the last carry-over year of the V297 as sold in the US — the second facelift's 800V/122 kWh rework was unveiled 14 April 2026 and reaches the US in H2 2026 as a MY2027 car — so the 118 kWh, 400V drivetrain and its EPA numbers stand for 2026.

EPA city MPGe for the volume EQS 450 4MATIC sedan; the RWD 450+ rates 98 city and the 580 4MATIC 93. Low in the EV-sedan city band, where regen normally makes city an EV's strong number — the EQS's 2.6-ton curb weight blunts that.

EPA highway MPGe for the volume EQS 450 4MATIC sedan; the RWD 450+ rates 98 hwy. The 0.20 drag coefficient — still among the lowest of any production car — is why the highway figure holds up better against EV peers than the city one.

EPA range for the volume EQS 450 4MATIC (AWD, 118 kWh usable). Re-confirmed against fueleconomy.gov that the 580 4MATIC rates 371 mi for 2026, not the 345–347 mi some secondhand listings still carry. Comfortably above the EV-sedan band floor but short of the Lucid Air and Model S.

Mercedes-Benz USA quotes 200 kW peak DC for the 2026 EQS Sedan on its 400-volt architecture — mid-pack among EV sedans, ahead of the EQE's 170 kW and the i7's 195 kW but well behind the 350 kW that arrives with the 800V MY2027 facelift.

Manufacturer-quoted 31 minutes from 10–80%. Respectable given the 118 kWh pack is one of the largest in the class, but the 400V ceiling means a road-trip stop runs a few minutes longer than the 800V competition's.

The EPA's own published annual electricity cost for the volume 450 4MATIC at 15k mi/yr; the RWD 450+ drops to $750 and the 580 4MATIC to $800. Re-verified unchanged this run.

Raised 3 points to sit alongside its architectural twin: the EQE Sedan carries identical charging hardware (400V CCS1 inlet, 9.6 kW onboard AC charger, NACS adapter included on MY26) and is rated 78, so a 4-point gap was not supportable — the only real difference is $850/yr of electricity against the EQE's $800. No gasoline at all, and 9.6 kW AC refills the pack overnight on an ordinary Level 2 circuit. Held below 80 for the same reason as the EQE: this is still a CCS1 car that reaches the Supercharger network only through an adapter, where the i5, Model S and Taycan peers rate 90+ on native or 800V charging.

EQS Sedan holds a 5-star NHTSA overall rating from the current-generation crash test program, with strong frontal, side, and rollover performance carried forward for the unchanged 2026 model.

EQS Sedan earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with Good ratings across the updated moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength tests, plus Superior front crash prevention. Ratings carry forward for the current generation.

As the S-Class of EVs, the EQS Sedan includes the Driver Assistance Package as standard equipment — Active Brake Assist, DISTRONIC full-speed adaptive cruise, Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Change Assist all standard on the base 450+.

IIHS front crash prevention testing rated the EQS Superior in both vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian evaluations, including nighttime pedestrian detection.

Active Blind Spot Assist with steering intervention plus exit warning (cyclist/vehicle door alert) and Active Cross-Traffic Assist with autonomous braking are standard on the EQS Sedan as part of the standard Driver Assistance Package.

Active Steering Assist is standard and delivers smooth, confident lane centering that reviewers rate among the better hands-on systems, though it remains behind Ford BlueCruise / GM Super Cruise for hands-off usability.

DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist is standard with route-based speed adaptation using nav data, curve slowing, and smooth stop-and-go — one of the most refined ACC/highway assist implementations in the class.

EQS Sedan is one of only two vehicles in the US (with S-Class) certified for Mercedes Drive Pilot — the country's only SAE Level 3 conditional-automation system, allowing eyes-off driving. Coverage is limited to approved highways in California and Nevada at up to 40 mph in daylight, so real-world use windows are narrower than Ford BlueCruise / GM Super Cruise even though the capability is more advanced.

Standard MULTIBEAM LED headlights with adaptive high-beam assist and individually addressable pixels; optional DIGITAL LIGHT with 1.3 million micromirrors can project navigation and hazard cues on the road. IIHS Good headlight rating on tested configurations.

The one-bow cab-forward silhouette that gives the EQS its class-leading aerodynamics also produces notoriously compromised sightlines — thick C-pillars, a small letterbox rear window, and a high beltline create real blind zones. Standard 360-degree camera and available surround view help at low speed but do not fix highway lane-change visibility.

Two sets of lower LATCH anchors in outboard rear seats plus a center top tether; generous full-size rear-seat room and wide door openings help with car-seat installation, though anchors sit somewhat deep in the bolstered cushions.

Standard 2+3 seating for five across both EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4MATIC trims. Executive Rear Seat Package rearranges the rear bench but does not reduce capacity below five in the US-spec sedan.

Manufacturer front headroom for the 2026 EQS Sedan; well above the sedan band ceiling despite the fastback roof.

Manufacturer front legroom for the 2026 EQS Sedan. Adequate but not class-leading — the EQS trades front stretch-out room for its extreme rear cabin length.

Rear headroom for the 2026 EQS 580 4MATIC (volume US configuration). Panoramic roof or EQS 450+ trims give up about 0.9 in.

Manufacturer second-row legroom for the 2026 EQS Sedan; among the roomiest in the full-size luxury sedan class thanks to the flat, dedicated-EV floor and long wheelbase.

Fastback liftgate rather than a trunk lid gives the EQS an unusually large cargo hold for a sedan — well above the sedan band ceiling. Maximum with the 40/20/40 rear seat folded is 63.0 cu ft, but the sedan spec item scores off the seats-up figure.

Competent everyday storage — split-lid center console with wireless charging tray, deep door bins, and a usable underfloor cargo well under the hatch — but no true frunk (the hood is sealed) and nothing as headline-grabbing as Lucid Air's dual trunks or Rivian's gear tunnels.

Nappa leather standard, multicontour front seats with massage available (standard on EQS 580 4MATIC), heated/ventilated front and rear, and ENERGIZING Comfort seat/massage programs. Reviews repeatedly praise long-haul comfort as flagship-grade.

AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping is standard on both trims, and rear-axle steering (up to 4.5°, 10° with the optional package) gives the 5,600 lb sedan a compact turning circle plus S-Class-derived isolation over broken pavement. Some reviewers note firmness on the optional 21-inch AMG wheels.

EV powertrain plus dual-pane acoustic side and rear glass, extensive sound-deadening, and Active Noise Cancellation via the Burmester 3D system make the EQS one of the quietest cabins on sale — routinely called 'library quiet' at highway speed.

Standard four-zone climate, HEPA-grade ENERGIZING Air Control Plus cabin filter, heated/ventilated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, remote preconditioning, and the ENERGIZING Comfort programs orchestrating seat, climate, lighting, and audio. The MBUX Hyperscreen adds a passenger touchscreen and biometric authentication.

Flagship full-size luxury EV sedan pricing well above sedan-band ceiling ($55k). 2026 refresh retained aggressive pricing after prior year cuts, but still nearly double the ceiling.

EQS 450 4MATIC is the volume US configuration; base ~$109,550 with destination, and most buyers add Pinnacle / Executive Rear Seat / MBUX Hyperscreen option packages pushing effective transaction near $115k. Way above sedan-band ceiling ($58k).

EV drivetrain reduces routine service vs S-Class ICE, but Mercedes flagship dealer labor rates, complex AIRMATIC air suspension, MBUX Hyperscreen electronics, and expensive out-of-warranty HV component repairs push projected 5-year maintenance + repair costs to the top of the sedan band. 2 years included maintenance offsets early-life expenses. Slightly higher than EQE due to added flagship complexity.

Flagship EQS depreciation has been among the harshest in the market — 2022-2023 EQS models have shed 55-65% in 2-3 years on the used market. New buyers project ~35% residual after 5 years, at the very bottom of the sedan band. Aggressive Mercedes discounting and repeated MSRP resets accelerate depreciation. Worse than EQE.

Standard Mercedes-Benz EQ basic coverage — mid-pack for luxury segment.

EV high-voltage battery gets industry-leading 10-year/155,000-mile coverage — top of the sedan-band ceiling. (Combustion-style powertrain coverage on the electric drive unit is 4 yr / 50k, but the battery — the highest-cost EV powertrain component — is the meaningful figure.)

Two years of scheduled maintenance included plus complimentary 30-minute Electrify America DC fast-charging sessions with every new EQS, Mercedes me Connect trial with EV routing, and standard roadside assistance. Flagship EQ perk package matches EQE offering. Substantial charging perk on top of maintenance is a genuine differentiator vs most luxury rivals.

$115,000 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (35% retained, or about $40,250) leaves about $74,750 in depreciation. Add the projected $9,000 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $83,750 in total.

Consumer Reports has flagged the EQS Sedan as below-average predicted reliability every year since its 2022 launch, driven by in-car electronics (MBUX Hyperscreen freezes/reboots), drive-system BMS/charging complaints, and body-hardware issues (frameless doors, panoramic roof). Slightly below the EQE Sedan (55) because the EQS has a longer complaint history on more complex hardware (rear-wheel steering, active air suspension, standard Hyperscreen).

Mercedes-Benz sits in the lower half of J.D. Power VDS and Consumer Reports brand rankings — not bottom-tier, but well behind Lexus/Toyota/Buick and marginally behind BMW. Same brand baseline as the EQE Sedan and E-Class.

The V297 EQS Sedan has accumulated one of the heaviest recall loads of any current luxury EV since its 2022 launch — 20+ NHTSA campaigns spanning the high-voltage contactor, eCall/MBUX software, seatbelt anchors, panoramic sunroof retention, and rear axle steering — plus a broad software campaign for the drive system. No fires or catastrophic drivetrain issues, but notably worse than the EQE Sedan (68) and BMW i7 (72).

EQS Sedan runs Mercedes' first-generation EVA2 permanent-magnet drive units and the largest 108.4/118 kWh NMC pack, in service since 2022 across EQS/EQE. Fewer wear items than an ICE Mercedes but the platform is only ~4 years old with early charging/BMS software fixes still shaking out; less proven than BMW's 5th-gen eDrive on the i7 or Tesla's 100 kWh pack on the Model S.

The EQS cabin is class-benchmark for full-size luxury EV sedans: standard MBUX Hyperscreen (three integrated displays under one glass panel), Nappa leather, open-pore wood, backlit trim, active ambient lighting, and Burmester 3D/4D audio. Reviewers rate it on par with the S-Class and clearly ahead of the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air on tactile richness.

Sindelfingen-built EQS delivers S-Class-tier assembly integrity — tight panel gaps, hushed cabin, solid door thunk — but MBUX Hyperscreen software glitches and 12V/electronics complaints keep J.D. Power IQS results below segment average. On par with the EQE Sedan (84) for build execution, behind the S-Class and BMW i7.

~380 Mercedes-Benz dealers across all 50 US states, denser than BMW (~340) and Audi (~300), with EQ-certified service capability at the vast majority. Luxury service satisfaction sits mid-pack in J.D. Power CSI, behind Lexus and Cadillac. Same brand baseline as the EQE Sedan and S-Class.

Mercedes parts are among the most expensive in the industry and largely dealer-sourced, and the EQS flagship stacks EV-specific and luxury-specific components — 108/118 kWh high-voltage pack, dual drive units, rear-axle steering actuators, active air suspension, and the standard Hyperscreen — on top of the brand's premium pricing. Aftermarket support is thinner than for the EQE Sedan (42), with even higher labor hours per repair.

Standard MBUX Hyperscreen spans the dash under one glass surface; the central touchscreen is 17.7 in, well above the sedan segment band ceiling.

MBUX on the Hyperscreen runs on 8 CPU cores with 24 GB RAM and haptic feedback; MBUX 3.3 adds streaming/gaming on the passenger display. Reviewers rate graphics and speed near class-best, though menu depth still draws some criticism.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard across all EQS Sedan trims via MBUX.

"Hey Mercedes" natural-language assistant handles conversational commands ("I'm cold", "find a charging station") and now integrates ChatGPT via Azure OpenAI for knowledge queries; native nav includes EV route planning with charging stops.

Base system is a 15-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound (710 W) with Dolby Atmos — a premium branded system on the volume trim — with an optional 23-speaker Burmester 4D. 2026 adds new Sound Experience soundscapes.

12.3-inch fully digital driver display is standard as part of the Hyperscreen, with configurable views and high-resolution graphics.

2026 EQS ships with the new MB.OS operating system enabling whole-vehicle OTA updates; MBUX 3.3 delivered new features (streaming, gaming, Sound Experiences) over-the-air. Cadence still trails Tesla but scope is full-vehicle.

Mercedes me connect app offers remote precondition/climate, lock, locate, and charging control, with digital key (iPhone/Apple Wallet + UWB) supported on the EQS. Some services eventually move to paid subscriptions after the trial.

Wireless phone charging is available in both first and second rows, multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin, and a standard NACS DC fast charging adapter now included for 2026.

KEYLESS-GO proximity entry and push-button start are standard; digital key (phone-as-key) supported via Apple Wallet with UWB on iPhone.

360-degree surround-view camera is standard on all EQS Sedan trims, with high-resolution imagery, transparent-hood view, and active parking assist.

A large augmented-reality head-up display is available (optional package on the volume EQS 450+ trim, standard on higher AMG trims). Image quality and AR nav overlay are among the best in the segment when equipped.

Long 126.4-in wheelbase yields generous rear legroom and easy LATCH access, but the very low seat height and sloping fastback-style roofline make loading kids into car seats more awkward than in a traditional three-box sedan or SUV.

Full standard Mercedes-Benz Driver Assistance Package on every trim (adaptive cruise, active brake assist, blind spot, lane keep, rear-occupant alert), but these credentials only come at a $105k+ entry price, well outside family-friendly territory.

Segment-benchmark rear-seat experience: optional Executive Rear Seat Package with power recline and massage, quad-zone climate, available rear MBUX tablets, extremely quiet cabin, and a hatchback that swallows luggage far better than a traditional trunk.

Standard rear-axle steering (up to 10 degrees) shrinks the effective footprint dramatically, and smooth EV torque, one-pedal driving, adaptive cruise, and adaptive air suspension make daily traffic effortless despite the car's size.

EPA rates the EQS 450+ at roughly 97 MPGe combined; electricity is far cheaper per mile than gasoline for comparable luxury sedans, but expensive staggered tires and Mercedes service intervals blunt the savings.

The EQS is 205+ inches long and near 5,700 lb, but rear-axle steering brings the turning circle down to about 35.7 ft — smaller than many compact sedans — and a standard 360° camera helps in tight urban spots.

Not rated for towing in the US market, has no bed, and its low load floor is oriented around luggage rather than tools or materials.

Luxury-oriented interior (Nappa leather, wood/piano-black trim, MBUX Hyperscreen glass) is not designed for abuse, and the EQS has no fleet or work-vehicle heritage.

No bidirectional V2L outlets in the US, no cargo tie-downs or work-oriented cargo provisions, no upfit ecosystem, no washable-surface options.

EPA range of roughly 350–390 miles on the volume 450+ RWD trim is class-leading among luxury EVs; supremely quiet cabin, Level 2 hands-on assist (Drive Pilot Level 3 in select states), and cosseting seats make it an excellent mile-eater — though 200-kW peak DC fast charging trails Lucid Air.

4MATIC AWD is available and AIRMATIC air suspension can add limited lift, but ground clearance is under 6 inches, no factory roof rails are offered, and the lack of a US tow rating means bikes/kayaks require a bumper-mounted solution at best.

Rare hatchback layout among full-size luxury sedans gives about 22 cu ft behind the rear seats expanding to ~63 cu ft with the rear seats folded, but there is no frunk and no roof-rack provision, capping the gear-hauling upside.

Heavy (~5,600 lb) but composed thanks to standard 10° rear-axle steering and air suspension; reviewers describe cornering as secure and unexpectedly maneuverable for its size, but comfort-first rather than engaging — a step behind BMW i7 for body control and behind Lucid Air for grip.

Steering is precise on center and light at parking speeds, but consistently criticized as numb and artificial — little road feedback filters through even in Sport mode, and weighting shifts feel synthetic.

Strong stopping power appropriate for the mass; regen blending is generally smooth with selectable one-pedal modes via paddles, though some reviewers note occasional inconsistency at the transition between regen and friction braking.

Single-speed EV drivetrain delivers seamless, instantaneous torque with no shift interruptions or stop/start events; tip-in calibration is smooth and progressive across all drive modes.

Near-silent motor operation with virtually no vibration through the controls; the EQS is repeatedly benchmarked as one of the quietest production cars on the road, aided by double-pane glass and extensive sound deadening.

10° rear-axle steering is standard on US-market EQS Sedan and yields a compact-car-like turning diameter despite the 126.4-inch wheelbase — a signature EQS party trick.

Wide-range power seat/wheel adjustment and excellent front seat support, but low-slung seating position and thick A-pillars compromise forward sightlines, and the Hyperscreen concentrates too many functions into touch menus.

Deliberately isolating and comfort-oriented — the EQS prioritizes serenity over engagement; even in Sport mode with synthetic sound piped in, it lacks the character to reward enthusiast driving. AMG variant is more entertaining but not the volume trim.

Loaded at base — EQS 450+ (~$105K) includes MBUX with large touchscreen, AIRMATIC adaptive air suspension, panoramic roof, heated/ventilated power front seats, Burmester audio, extensive driver assistance, and ambient lighting. Hyperscreen (triple-display dash) remains optional on 450+ / standard on 580, which keeps it from a top-tier score.

At ~$105K start you get best-in-class EPA range (~390 mi on 450+) and full Mercedes luxury content, but Lucid Air undercuts on range-per-dollar and Tesla Model S on performance-per-dollar. Fair value in the segment, not a bang-for-buck standout.

Reasonable spread: EQS 450+ (RWD), EQS 450 4MATIC, EQS 580 4MATIC, and AMG EQS covering roughly $105K to $150K+, with meaningful drivetrain and performance steps plus rich options.

EQS Sedan has been a soft seller — luxury EV demand cooled and Mercedes publicly scaled back EQ ambitions, with the sedan lagging the EQS SUV and its own gasoline S-Class in volume. Not a lineup leader.

Mercedes-Benz remains a top-tier global luxury brand with strong aspirational pull; the EQ sub-brand has been a drag on the halo, but the three-pointed star still carries meaningful prestige advantage over most rivals.

Among the most heavily incentivized luxury cars on the market — MB Financial has run aggressive lease specials, cap cost reductions, and dealer discounts to move EQS inventory. Excellent buyer benefit even if it signals weak demand.

Substantive 2025 mid-cycle refresh (upright grille replacing the closed front, larger battery, interior updates, native NACS port) carries into 2026, but the EVA1 platform is now aging as Mercedes shifts new EVs to the MMA architecture. Current but no longer cutting-edge.

Mixed reception — reviewers praise range, tech, and ride refinement but consistently knock the pre-refresh styling, cabin ambiance relative to S-Class, and pricing. Rarely wins comparison tests against BMW i7 or Lucid Air and has no major 10Best/NACTOY-tier wins.