What the car is and where it came from
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a battery-electric full-size luxury liftback, launched in September 2021 in Germany and Q4 2021 in the US, and the first model built on Mercedes-Benz’s MEA electric-dedicated platform.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
It uses a water-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor (one in the 450+, two in the 580 4MATIC) sending torque to the wheels via a single-speed reduction gearbox.
What it gets right
It gets right the integration of low-drag form and electric function: its 0.20 drag coefficient was the lowest in production at launch, enabling range and stability without compromising liftback utility.
What it does not
It does not offer driver engagement through mechanical feedback or variable gearing. Its single-speed layout prioritises efficiency and silence over tactile response.
What it changed
It changed how Mercedes-Benz builds large electric cars: the EQS was the first model on the MEA platform, establishing the template for future EQ saloons.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for buyers prioritising silent, stable, aerodynamically optimised electric travel in a spacious, tech-forward liftback. It is not for those seeking dynamic steering feel, gearshift drama, or compact urban agility.
Is it worth your time
Yes — if you need a full-size luxury electric liftback built on a dedicated EV platform with class-leading aerodynamics and early autonomous capability, it remains a foundational reference.