The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS is chock full of luxury and tech features. Now we know it will be competitive with some of its six-figure rivals in regards to range, as the official estimates are finally in from the Environmental Protection Agency.
According to the agency, the rear-wheel-drive variant should be able to go approximately 350 kilometers on a single charge. Buyers of the all-wheel-drive version should anticipate going approximately 340 miles. That’s about comparable to Tesla’s new triple-motor Model S Plaid, which the EPA claims can travel 348 miles on a single charge on 21-inch wheels. Tesla claims that the Model S Plaid on 19-inch wheels will travel closer to 400 miles, but the EPA has yet to evaluate that claim. A dual-motor Long Range Model S is expected to exceed 400 miles, but it appears the car has been deferred in favor of the Plaid.
Audi’s E-Tron GT, which is based on the electric drivetrain of the Porsche Taycan, is likely to be rated for even less, somewhere in the mid-to-low 200-mile range. The Lucid Air is the only EV that easily outperforms the EQS in terms of range. In September, the EPA gave that sedan an astounding 520-mile rating.
When the EQS goes on sale in the US later this year, a significant question will be whether consumers compare it to these other EVs or if they want a Mercedes-Benz and happen to choose electric. If it’s the latter, the EQS’ beginning price is actually less than that of the gas-powered S-Class it will most likely one day replace. While an additional 100 miles of range would be ideal, going into the mid-300s should be sufficient for most purchasers’ daily and weekly demands.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is an electric S-Class sedan with over 400 miles of range and a massive 56-inch touchscreen. The interior is packed with luxuriantly appointed features, and ride quality is refined. But do we really need more luxury EVs?
