MOTORING REVIEW: Mercedes EQS is in a league of its own for Limerick motorists

EQ IS the name given to the Mercedes-Benz electric car range and the EQS is the electric equivalent of the ICE-powered S-Class. It brings luxury and electric power together to the very top of the car maker’s model range and is beautiful to behold outside and in, especially with a black exterior and those 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. It is offered in standard and long wheelbase versions.

The car has a cab-forward design and coupe-like rear with the downward sweep of the roof contributing to the exceptional aerodynamics (a Cd value from 0.20) that helps bring its huge range. My review car also had the AMG exterior package which really sets it apart.

The interior is the most beautiful of any car I have had the pleasure to drive. Nappa leather beige upholstery with some grey leather, as well as a lime wood centre console, combine to offer a warm and welcoming feel. Lovely padded soft cushions are built into the head restraints. The gorgeous front and rear seats can be heated and the front ones get memory seat settings. Those seated in the back have acres of space to stretch out their legs. However, sitting there to experience it for myself, I found the curved lower part between the seatback and cushion not very kind on my lower back. Maybe this was just me, and no fault of the seats.

The main feature was the futuristic-looking MBUX infotainment ‘hyperscreen' billed as ‘big in-car cinema. This unit is the brain and nervous system of the car. Its curved surface floats across the full width, the three displays seamlessly blending together under a single glass panel. They consist of a 12.3-inc driver’s screen, a 17.7-inch infotainment screen that may look complicated but its features are really easy to use, and a 12.3-inch passenger display.

Equipped with artificial intelligence which 'learns' your habits and preferences, the screen can proactively display the right functions at the right time to operate audio and phone controls, or to access maps without the need to scroll through menus or use voice commands. It is a stunning addition, but I honestly found all that screen activity and colour proved a big distraction when driving. At night, the whole dash becomes a kaleidoscope of colour. Hyperscreen is an optional extra that will set you back €12,213. You can choose between a collection of mood-enhancing soundscapes including an optional ‘driving sound’ that can be heard inside.

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Sitting in huge comfort and able to achieve a remarkably good driving position, I found the steering a bit on the light side but after a short time with the car, that didn’t matter at all. The EQS has superb power and just glides along over all types of roads.

Customers have a choice of two variants, this EQS 450+ and an EQS Mercedes-AMG 53 4Matic+ AWD with motors on front and rear axles. The long list of standard driver assistance equipment includes pedestrian protection and a host of high-tech features. Extras on my car included ambient lighting, an air balance package, dashcam, the ‘hyperscreen’, radiator grille with the Mercedes-Benz pattern and a Premium Plus Package at €17,776 which added a surround sound system, an excellent head-up display, panoramic sliding sunroof, and a parking package with 360 deg camera. All added considerably to my enjoyment of the car but took the price from very high to very much higher.

My 450+ had a rated range of up to 735kms (WLTP), a power output of up to 333bhp, and a big 565Nm torque that allows a 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h. Electricity consumption is given at up to 18.9kWh/100km. There's a charging cable for domestic socket and another for Wallbox and public charging stations. Luggage capacity is 610 litres expandable to 1,770 litres.

The EQS 450+ starts at €129,965; my car as tested €168,000; the AWD version from €180,015.