To much fanfare (mainly on social media platforms), Mercedes-Benz last week revealed the EQS; the electric version of the latest S-Class, their flagship luxury, executive saloon.

First impressions? With its opulent, six star interior and striking futuristic exterior design, it is easy to work out that the luxury end of the market is the target here. Think private jet runway arrivals and being whisked off to your house in the hills, you get the picture……

The entry level model is the ‘450+’, which comes with a motor to the rear that drives the rear wheels. The EQS 450+ sprints to 60mph in 6.2seconds – pretty quick, but not as quick as the Porsche Taycan rear-wheel-drive. The performance model, the ‘580 4Matic’ comes with 2 electric motors that produce 523hp, which allows the vehicle to power to 60mph in 4.3 seconds. This is just 0.3seconds slower than the Porsche Taycan 4S.

Mercedes have also paid special attention to the new high capacity battery, which has increased cell energy density compared to previous EQ batteries 385Kw system power. Using a DC quick charger, up to 300km range can be gained in only 15 minutes – this is phenomenal and shifts the charging landscape significantly.

Both EQS models come with a 108kWh battery as standard. This will give drivers up to 478 miles of range. This is 290 miles more than what you would expect from the Porsche Taycan 4S. But, it’s still no match for the 520 miles the range of Tesla Models S Plaid Plus can give you.

Let’s go back to the interior….  

As standard, the EQS will mirror the look and design of the new S-Class Limousine. The interior is customisable with different options for upholstery and veneers for the dashboard and centre console.

But, more importantly, the options list includes the new MBUX ‘Hyperscreen’. It’s a single massive panel incorporating three separate screens in one: the driver’s digital instruments, a large central display and one for the passenger, too. The systems beneath the surface of the EQS are run off eight CPUs and 24GB of RAM.

The passengers aren’t left out either. The rear seat entertainment package adds 11.6inch screens to the back of each front seat, allowing its rear passengers to take control of the navigation and media, or use it as a personal entertainment device.

Unsurprisingly, the liftback-style luxury saloon, comes a luxury price tag too. UK sales will get under way in the second half of 2021, with prices roughly in line with the standard S-Class, starting at around £90,000. 

If your purchase research has led to the conclusion that you’re lucky enough to be in the market for a Tesla Model S, a Porsche Taycan or an Audi e-tron GT, you may want to wait just a little longer before opening your cheque book. The new EQS sits more than comfortably in this company and, in some quarters, will undoubtedly be viewed as the go-to, or preferred, option in its class.

We can’t wait for the launch of this impressive new entrant to the luxury EV arena.