Tesla has been killing the EV market for about a decade now. Mercedes gave us an answer in the form of the EQS, and now, we know all about the trim levels and pricing. Will it be priced competitively enough to dethrone the Tesla Model S?
Power and drivetrains
The EQS is available in two different power configurations: 450+ and 580 4Matic.
Additionally, the EQS will come standard with 10-degree rear steering to help maneuver the 17-foot long behemoth around a cramped parking lot.
Features
One of the most prominent features is that Mercedes is offering complimentary maintenance and free unlimited 30-minute DC-Fast Charging sessions with Electrify America included for the first two years. We will have to see how this works out as the Electrify America system does not have a reputation for stellar reliability.
The infotainment on the 450+ will be in the form of a 12.8-inch portrait screen. While the 580 4Matic will be fitted with the massive 56-inch curved piece of glass containing three displays spanning the entire length of the dashboard.
Regardless of which model you end up with you will use the latest version of MBUX, which may be the most intuitive infotainment yet. The idea is that there are no layers, meaning no sub-menus. Think of your phone having all the apps and programs listed on the home screen.
This system is supposed to be able to determine which features and options are most beneficial at any given moment. It also has a program that puts you on the most economical route based on traffic, topography, temperature, necessary heating and cooling, and speed.
The EQS also comes standard with a Burmeister Surround Sound System, which at over $100,000, it probably should.
Other comforts and luxurious features include the double module panorama roof, which effectively makes the entire roof glass, rapid-heating and ventilating front seats, and a filtration system that can eliminate "99.65% of particles of all sizes."
Trim levels and pricing
The EQS will also come in three trim levels; Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle.
The former starts at $102,310 for the 450+ and $119,110 for the 580 4Matic, Exclusive starts at $105,710 for the 450+ and $122,510 for the 580 4Matic, and lastly, the Pinnacle has a starting price of $108,510 for the 450+ and $125,310 for the 580 4Matic.
The Exclusive trim, in addition to everything in the Premium trim, includes the rapid heating front seats, the air balance package, and massaging front seats.
The Pinnacle trim includes heated and ventilated rear seats, additional USB-C ports, and everything that is included in the two other trims.
The EQS is expected to arrive on showroom floors in the fall of 2021.