A silky smooth V12 engine, an interior of wood and bespoke dials and switches. This was the textbook definition of luxury back in the day. Mercedes have thrown everything out of the window and made the EQS into a spaceship of the future! But can it still be called ‘luxury’?
Interior:
Screen rant alert. Just in case, you are not inside an Apple Store. The entire dash is replaced by screens. There is one on the passenger side, the massive center screen, digital instrument cluster, two screens for the rear passengers and another one on the center-armrest. It is a technological overload. All these screens are synced to display the same info like the music, volume, driving data, etc. They are not the smoothest and the millions of menus and submenus make it complicated. Every function of the car is controlled by the screens and I find this scary. You can still play games though!
The rest of the interior is typical Mercedes with high quality and soft-touch materials. Only the front-seats have a massage function, and are ventilated and cooled. Your chauffeur and bodyguard travel in more comfort than you do. The rear-passengers don’t even get sun-blinds! Apart from that, the rear-seats are super-comfortable and the legroom is ample. Yes, there’s a third row as well but the legroom is compromised and it is best for kids.
Exterior:
The EQS 580 has a distinctive design to differentiate the electric range of Mercedes. Personally, I’m not a fan of the design but the curves and the rear-spoiler look aerodynamic. It comes standard with the AMG-line in India. The Velvet Brown paint stood out and suited the car. The shape is more like a minivan than a SUV!
Driving:
The driver’s seat is not the best one. In true S-class fashion, the magic is in those rear-seats. The suspension is pillowy-soft, and since there is no engine, the cabin is eerily quiet. Please whisper while talking. On the rare occasion that you drive it, it’s actually very easy in spite of its dimensions. The rear-wheel steering which can turn up to 10-degrees is a life-saver while parking. The safety systems, energy recuperation modes and 360-degree cameras all hold your hand while driving.
It makes 536 hp and 858 nm of torque and this thing pulls. But, it is not meant to be driven like that and the suspension is too soft to chuck it into corners. Drive it sedately and the suspension rewards you.
Conclusion:
Does it deserve the S in the EQS? I reckon, yes. Mercedes have thrown everything at it and although it is a tech fest inside, it works. You still say ‘wow’ after entering the cabin, it wafts on the road and it is comfy inside. It’s just that those analog dials and switches have made way for screens. Many screens.
