2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Sedan

Granted, the EQS isn’t a direct replacement for the S-Class. However, it serves as the S-Class equivalent in the fully electric Mercedes EQ range.

So what makes reviewing an S-badged Mercedes such a daunting task? For one, there has never been a bad Mercedes S-Class - ever. It sets the benchmark for the next seven years of luxury motoring and serves as the technological trailblazer for lesser cars to aspire to over the next decade or more. While we are not afraid to call out bad apples, missing an important feature or misinterpreting one on a car that is brimming with cutting-edge technology would mean we miss out on the new world order in motoring. So I’m happy to report that I have cracked it.

First Impressions

When I first saw the Mercedes EQS in pictures and videos, I was slightly taken aback by its smooth, rounded curves - a distinct departure from the sharper, more traditional Mercedes designs I was used to, leaving me uncertain at first. But those curves have a clear purpose: the EQS is the most aerodynamic volume production car ever made, with an incredible drag coefficient of 0.20.

Over time, the design has grown on me. This particular car, finished in a sleek dark grey and paired with 21-inch multi-spoke rims, adds a slightly sinister yet refined character. Amid Colombo’s aging traffic, the EQS stood out effortlessly, commanding just the right kind of attention wherever it went. I’m counting on the facelift to include slimmer headlights and taillights, which would make the car look even sharper.

Behind the Wheel

Stepping into the car, it feels no different from any top-tier Mercedes in terms of functionality. The traditional Mercedes gear selector is right where you'd expect it. Shift into drive, ease off the brakes, and the car gently creeps forward. The Mercedes EQ range offers a selectable creep function, a welcome feature on any EV. Once on the move, there's little to remind you that you're in an electric vehicle, but everything reinforces that you're in a flagship Mercedes.

The heads-up display, often a weak point in many cars, is surprisingly effective here. It gives the illusion of being 10 to 20 feet away and remains visible in any lighting condition while conveying all critical information. The car is filled with small touch pads where buttons existed on Mercedes of old. But these can be depressed giving much-needed tactile assurance a function was activated. The 56” Hyper Screen which consists of three screens, for the driver, for the passenger, and on the center of the dashboard dominates the cockpit. Basic climate control functions are always visible at the bottom of the center screen ensuring quick access when needed. The rest of the functions are all intelligently grouped, ensuring you won't feel overwhelmed despite the car being filled to the brim with tech.

The EQS 450+ delivers power from a rear-mounted motor that generates 360 bhp and 568 Nm of torque, available at any speed. Despite its substantial two-and-a-half-ton weight, the electric motor effortlessly propels the car forward whenever required. With a 0-100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds, it may not rival supercars in raw speed, but on our roads, you’ll rarely feel the need for more. The 108 kWh battery, tucked beneath the floor, offers an impressive 700 km range—enough to last weeks on a single charge or, if you prefer, take you from Dondra Head to Point Pedro nonstop, without any range anxiety.

The four-wheel steering system in the EQS is a standout feature, enhancing both agility and stability. During slow city driving, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front, making the almost eighteen-foot car as easy to maneuver as a compact A-Class. At higher speeds, the system reverses this behavior, subtly turning the rear wheels in the same direction as the front. This alters the steering geometry, giving the EQS the handling characteristics of a much longer, more stable vehicle - perfectly balancing maneuverability and confidence-inspiring control.

Being an EV, the EQS loses the six-plus-cylinder engine notes traditionally associated with the S-Class. To compensate for the absence of a characterful engine the EQS offers Mercedes Sound Experience; two settings that react to throttle inputs: Vivid Flux, a futuristic, spaceship-like sound, and Silver Waves, a more conventional rumble that mimics the feel of a petrol engine. These sounds are directed into the cabin as well as outside, adding an extra layer of theater to the driving experience.

Comfort

Luxury is what owning an S-tier Mercedes, no pun intended, is all about. Gone are the days when luxury was merely about plush interiors and soft, wallowy suspensions. Today, the definition of luxury goes beyond tactile and visual comfort to encompass a sense of relaxation and peace of mind with every drive. Modern luxury cars aren’t only about being comfortable, they’re about offering an escape from the stresses of everyday life.

The EQS in this sense is a sanctuary-on-wheels concept for the weary executive. Designed to absorb the pressures of driving and also modern life, this car takes much of the physical and mental effort out of the equation. It even handles the driving itself, a feature we’ll explore in the tech section. When it’s time to unwind, simply activate your preferred massage function, and let the concert-hall-quality Burmester sound system serenade you with soothing classical music.

Mercedes has long offered programmable seat and steering position memory, but the EQS goes a step further with a fingerprint scanner, allowing for up to seven personalized modes that extend beyond seating position well into driving modes.

While the 21-inch rims on our test car slightly reduced the comfort typically associated with air suspension, especially on rougher surfaces, they still maintained the car’s signature "magic carpet" ride. On the plus side, the smaller sidewalls eliminated some of the initial wallow found with larger tires, making lateral movements smoother and more controlled.

The fastback design of the EQS had the potential to impact rear seat comfort and ease of access, a common issue with many German four-door coupes. However, the EQS delivers a pleasant surprise: the second-row seats are easy to access and extremely comfortable, offering ample legroom and sufficient headroom. The rising shoulder line may obstruct rear visibility, but opening the blinds on the panoramic roof transforms the cabin into a light-filled space, reminiscent of Mercedes' traditional airy interiors.

The EQS also features a noise cancellation system that detects unwanted sounds and neutralizes them by playing a reversed signal. Even at highway speeds - perhaps even a little higher - the cabin remains impressively quiet.

Additionally, this car was equipped with a rear-seat tablet, providing the occupants with a range of functions almost identical to those available to those in the front.

Mech & Tech

Autonomous driving has been a buzzword in the automotive world for nearly a decade. While it works well in countries with advanced infrastructure and disciplined driving habits, it poses greater challenges in places like Sri Lanka, where road markings can be unclear and drivers often make unpredictable maneuvers. The Mercedes EQS offers a practical solution with a feature called Intelligent Recuperation, a regenerative braking system that enhances both comfort and safety.

Regular recuperation modes range from low to high with the highest setting facilitating one pedal operation. The intelligent recuperation setting utilizes the cameras and radars around the car to detect what is in front of the vehicle and start applying appropriate amounts of brake progressively.

This system is especially beneficial for luxury limousines, where swift yet smooth travel is often a priority for VIP passengers. Mercedes was always known for gently easing the passengers into the seat before unleashing the full force of its torque. Now, with Intelligent Recuperation the EQS is able to do the opposite. It minimizes squatting and sudden weight shifts during deceleration, making the car more predictable and comfortable for occupants as they can gradually brace for changes in velocity. I’ve never driver a car that accelerates and decelerates so seamlessly. Even in emergencies, the EQS begins braking smoothly before the driver even touches the pedal. Using progressive regenerative braking.

Ambient lighting, a signature feature for Mercedes since 2005, takes on a new form in the EQS with lighting strips integrated into the seat bolsters. These strips do more than just look good—they convey information such as climate adjustments and door status, while also playing an active role in reducing occupant stress by complementing the other comfort features.

The EQS’s active LED headlights now function like precision projectors. They dim the light directly in the path of oncoming vehicles, ensuring that traffic is not disturbed, while still providing a broad and powerful beam of almost daylight-like illumination for the driver.

For added comfort, the EQS is equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air filter that removes particles as small as 2.5 microns from the cabin air. Mounted under the bonnet, this system is especially useful in busy cities or during long trips, where it can refresh the cabin with a quick burst of fresh air, while the activated carbon filter eliminates any odors.

Living with the EQS

Owning a luxury car in today’s tech-heavy era can seem daunting, especially without strong dealer support. This is where the EQS offers unparalleled peace of mind, particularly in terms of warranty and maintenance. As a Mercedes, it embodies over a century of engineering expertise, delivering the confidence that, when properly cared for, it’s as durable as a commercial vehicle. This sets it apart from many of the newer entrants in the EV market.

Every button and every surface finish on the EQS exudes meticulous engineering and durability, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. No other top-tier luxury EV in Sri Lanka enjoys the level of support that DIMO provides for Mercedes’ entire EQ range. With a 10-year warranty on the EV battery and a two-year unlimited mileage warranty for the rest of the car backed by DIMO’s stellar reputation for aftersales service, you can drive the EQS with complete peace of mind.

As a car, its comfort is unparalleled particularly with refinements such as intelligent recuperation and particulate filter giving it that extra edge on longer trips. As a driver’s car, the instant torque and the lack of gears leave you with accessible power from any speed in any traffic situation, which was always an area of contention for the small-engined larger Mercedes model. While it doesn’t have razor-sharp handling associated with lighter cars the superb maneuverability makes up in this department.

Despite the large battery capacity, once you have installed the 22 kW fast charger that is supplied with the car at your preferred location, the battery can be brimmed within five to six hours.

Verdict

Owning an EQS is like having a beautifully self-tending garden, a dependable right-hand assistant, and a luxurious spa day all rolled into one—accompanied by the harmony of a well-orchestrated symphony. It’s a sanctuary that provides respite between life’s stressful moments, where every detail is taken care of, allowing your heart to beat a little slower and your mind to rejuvenate. You step out the other side refreshed and ready to tackle your next challenge— which, honestly, is worth way more than the LKR 93.1 million price tag of the EQS 450+.

The EQS seamlessly transitions Mercedes’ elite clientele into the world of EV ownership, blending signature Mercedes-Benz practicality with the advantages of electric propulsion. It retains the essence of a conventional Mercedes, differing only in how you refuel it. For EV enthusiasts, it represents what’s possible when the world’s oldest car manufacturer works its magic on an electric vehicle.

As a luxury EV, the EQS isn’t just in a class of its own - it’s raising the bar and redefining what the future of luxury driving can be.