Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Traditional elegance meets visionary design. Both the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the EQS-Class are at the top of the brand's range (disregarding Maybach) but each adopts a unique philosophy of luxury. The S-Class continues to set the benchmark for uncompromised engineering and timeless design while the EQS leads Mercedes-Benz’s efforts to establish an EV lineup that is equally distinguished yet free of binding traditions.

There are no losers here, but which one is best for you? Here's a brief comparison of key specs and features to help you decide which one to buy.

What the Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class Gets Right

The EQS embraces the desirable EV characteristics with incredibly responsive and linear acceleration and agile handling. EQS also takes advantage of the emerging segment’s freedom of expression with an exterior shape that is instantly recognizable and aerodynamically efficient, and an interior that can be had with a glass panel that stretches across the entire dash.

The 56-inch wide display houses three display screens - one is the familiar digital gauge cluster, the second is a very large (17.7-inch) infotainment touchscreen, and the third is a 12.3-inch touchscreen residing ahead of the front passenger that includes many of the same entertainment, comfort, and navigation controls as the central display. A 12.8-inch center touchscreen is standard and what you would find in the S-Class.

Like the S-Class, the EQS offers different powertrains and drive configurations. A 107.8 kWh battery pack is at the heart of the EQS 450+ and 580 4MATIC. The single-motor (rear-wheel drive) 450+ generates more torque (417 pound-feet) than the standard S-Class’ turbocharged six-cylinder (384 pound-feet) and enables turbo-lag-free get-aways.

The EQS’ uprated all-wheel-drive version puts out 631 pound-feet of torque compared to the 516 pound-feet from the turbocharged V8 found in the S580 4MATIC. And because of its single-gear transmission, the EQS hasn’t a chance of an abrupt gear change - which, no matter how finely tuned the S-Class’ nine-speed automatic is, will happen.

The EQS 450+ achieves 350 miles on a single charge which is good for an EV but nearly 200 miles short of the S-Class’ range. Still, the EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4MATIC earn 97 and 95 MPGe, respectively, which blows the gasoline-powered S500 4MATIC and S580 4MATIC’s 24 and 19 MPG out of the water.

Read Our Overview of the Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class

What the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Gets Right

Both of these Mercedes-Benz models are large cars, measuring well over 17 feet, but the traditional three-box shape of the S-Class provides more rear-seat headroom and a more comfortable seat back angle.

In terms of technology and impressive features (adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering, adaptive cruise control with lane change assist, a head-up display, multi-contour massaging seats, rapid heating, LED exterior and interior lighting, a high-quality sound system, etc), the EQS and S-Class are mostly aligned and set to impress. The S-Class, however, uniquely offers a crisp 3D gauge cluster and an active body-roll system that scans the road ahead to pre-set the dampers.

Read Our Overview of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Our Verdict

If an EV fits your lifestyle, the EQS rightfully fits the bill as the S-Class of electrics. Its refinement and technology go beyond your typical luxury car standards. However, if the reassurance of available gas pumps and quick refueling are requirements, the S-Class’ supremely comfortable and classic design cues will reassure you of your decision.

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