2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Review

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia officially launched the German brand's flagship electric vehicle, EQS, on July 20,2022, in a star-studded event at Bukit Bintang.

Prior to the public unveiling where the EQB and EQC were also previewed for a launch later in the year, MBM had teased its imminent arrival by leaving a very colourfully (think Paddlepop Rainbow ice cream) wrapped unit at a Petronas station in Gambang along the East Coast Expressway, a location where 180kW DC fast charging is available thanks to a partnership between Energise and Mercedes-Benz.

It was actually part of a much longer road trip between KL to Johor Bahru and back up north to Penang before heading back down south to MBM headquarters in Puchong. This was equally meant to get the word out about the car's launch but also to put to rest any doubts about the discrepancy between claimed and real-world range.

For those unfamiliar with the EQS, the electric vehicle is inspired by the Vision EQS first unveiled in 2019. It is Mercedes' first flagship all-electric member of the new S-Class range and the flagship model of the company's EV brand, EQ.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Specifications

The EQS rides on Mercedes-Benz's dedicated EVA electric vehicle platform and, at least for now, is sold here in its highest range variant: the EQS 450+. In this configuration, the car uses a 120kWh (107.8kWh usable) lithium-ion battery built into the vehicle's floor for an optimally low centre of gravity and weight distribution.

It feeds single electric motor at the rear axle (that's also steerable) to deliver an output of 333PS and a range up to 782km on the WLTP test cycle. Peak torque of 565Nm is, of course, delivered near-instantaneously making for a quoted 0-100km/h sprint of just 6.2 seconds despite its 2,480kg kerb weight. Top speed, meanwhile, is electronically capped at 210km/h.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Charging

In terms of refilling the car's electron reserves, the EQS 450+ supports up to 200kW from a DC rapid charger that should be able to restore 300km of range after just 15 minutes spent plugged in. A charge to 80%, though, would take close to 35 minutes.

AC charging is also supported, naturally, via is onboard 11kW AC-to-DC converter to match the majority of home wallbox solutions and publicly available charging stations, claiming a charge to 100% taking up to 10 hours.

Exterior of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

The sporty, low and slim front of the EQS forms a coupé-like silhouette with a bow (one bow) stretched tightly over the shell. The A-pillar, which has been moved far forward, and the C-pillar at the rear generate space for a generous passenger compartment. 

Unique in this segment is the cab-forward design: the overhangs and the front-end assembly are short, the rear is smoothly rounded. In Malaysia, the flush-positioned 19-inch wheels give the EQS a sporty character especially when paired up with its muscular shoulder section.

The front is combined into a 'Black Panel' unit. Innovative headlights connected by a light band and the deep black radiator grille (Black Panel) form the distinctive face. 

The round, coupé-like rear end is sensuously designed. In contrast to this is the rear spoiler with a sharp spoiler lip. The highlight at the rear however are the innovatively designed LED lamps: Their insides have the shape of a curved and illuminated 3D helix. As at the front, the EQS also has a continuous light band at the rear - a distinguishing feature of Mercedes-EQ vehicles.

The EQS can be had in seven different colours, Polar White, Obsidian Black, Nautic Blue, Graphite Grey, High-tech Silver, Sodalite Blue, and Onyx Black.

Interior of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

Inside, the EQS has its dashboard dominated by the new MBUX Hyperscreen that features three integrated high-resolution displays for seamless and expansive infotainment and multimedia experience. 

The high-resolution screens merge seemingly seamlessly under the shared glass cover. The graphic appearance of their MBUX content is tailored to each other. The MBUX Hyperscreen is integrated into the instrument panel in a minimalist fashion.

Materials and finishing is as superbly high quality as you might expect, so much to that it's clear that Mercedes-Benz is using the EQS as a statement piece in addition to its status as a flagship vehicle - perhaps more so than the S-Class.

The EQS has ambient lighting dotted all around the cabin, where occupants can choose 64 different colour options. The seats are upholstered in black Nappa leather, and the interior is finessed in an Anthracite line structure lime wood trim and an anthracite open-pored line structure line wood centre console. The luxury theme continues all the way down to the carpets and headliner, as the EQS 450+ adds velour floor mats and a roof liner in black fabric.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Safety Features

The EQS 450+ comes with an array of safety and convenience features, including:

-Driving Assistance Plus Package including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC.

-Active Lane Keeping Assist.

-Active Steering Assist with evasive manoeuvre support.

-PRE-SAFE impulse side and rear sensors for the lane departure assistant.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Pros and Cons

The EQS's range and build quality is definitely the two strongest points of the car. With a driving range up to 782km, it definitely trumps most EVs in Malaysia, and the build quality is up there with the S-Class.

Speaking of S-Class, the rear seats in the EQS is smaller than Mercedes' flagship I.C.E car, which might disappoint those who are familiar with the top-of-the-chain Mercedes-Benz passenger car.

The EQS' shape is also a bit like marmite, where some will either love it or hate it. With most EVs offering a frunk (front trunk), it's surprising that the EQS has no such feature.

2022 Mercedes-Benz Price In Malaysia

The EQS is offered at a price starting of RM698,888. This price will increase based on the number of optional extras chosen.

The price includes a 10-year/250,000-km warranty for its battery, which is a global standard for Mercedes-Benz EVs. 

Key Features of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

Going forward, and in relatively short order, the EQS 450+ should be joined by some other variants in the range such as the lesser EQ5 350, the EQS 580 4Matic, or maybe even the sportier AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ with 761PS and 949Nm on tap.