One week experience with EQS 450+
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2021
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EQS 450+
One week experience with EQS 450+
Bought a dealer lot EQS 450+ last week from the NYC metro area. $117K MSRP but no hyperscreen. Here’re some experiences from a week of ownership that I thought were unexpected and I have not seen mentioned elsewhere, in no particular order. Some items are fairly in the weeds but hopefully there's something of interest for everyone.
- The extended mobility tires are Pirelli P-Zero Elect A/S 265/40R21. 500 A A rating. I believe this is a brand new line of tires from Pirelli. They’re very grippy, even at near-freezing temperatures. But they do seem to ride a bit firmer at the recommended 41 PSI than similarly sized Michelin PS4 summer and Latitude A/S tires I’ve had on other cars.
- The ride height is not user-adjustable. This was a surprise as the website and even owner’s manual prominently mentioned this feature. I confirmed with my local dealer and the selling dealer that this is true for all US-spec (non-review) cars. They said there needs to be a code for the “suspension plus” feature which US cars don’t have. I wasn’t able to get confirmation on whether the ride height lowers at high speeds or if the suspension is self-leveling. The damping does seem to be adjustable as advertised.
- There is an enormous cavity under the hood in the 450+. It is beneath the massive HEPA filter and connecting air ducts but could easily be converted to a frunk for at least carry-on sized luggage if the packaging of the filter had been slightly different. But it seems reasonable that the empty space will at least partially be occupied in the dual-motor EQS models which is why there's no frunk.
- Related, the hood opens normally with a lever underneath the driver-side dash. The HEPA filters (there are two sequential filters) is front and center under there and can be changed with just 3 clips, so much easier than a regular cabin air filter that often lives in hard-to-reach corners.
- The acceleration from a standstill and above around 75MPH is amazing. The motor seems to have lots of torque off the line and sustained torque higher in the rev-range. Compared with my other car, a Tesla Model Y with a faster 0-60 time, the EQS feels faster at low and high speeds. The Tesla is faster in the midrange, roughly 30-60 MPH.
- The brakes are genius. The Vehicle Info screen shows that the first 40% of pedal travel applies 10% of brake pressure, with the remaining 90% brake applied by the last 60% of pedal in a very predictable manner. It’s very easy to drive smoothly by using the first 40% of brakes and easy to drive in a sporty manner by mostly braking with the remaining 60%.
- The ride in “Comfort” mode feels much firmer than the W223 S-class that I test drove earlier. There is no mistaking an EQS for an S-class if someone were to ride in them blind-folded and with earplugs. The may be partially caused by the 21in wheels on the EQS.
- All parts of the car I could reach, including all exterior body panels, don’t stick to magnets. So they’re likely all Aluminum, or other lighter metal/alloys/carbon material.
- The rapid heating seats take about a minute to warm up from near-freezing temperature.
- There is a traditional H6-sized 12V lead-acid battery under the hood.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 825
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From: NE KY, on the Ohio River
2018 S560; 2022 EQS450+
Supposed to take delivery on my 450 tomorrow, Mon. 12/27. IF they haven’t jacked up the price. Despite their promises, I have had a leery feeling since the car reached the dealer.
Your report is encouraging.
Your report is encouraging.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 289
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From: Japan
Mercedes Benz AMG GLC 63s
I’ve only had the experience of driving one for an hour here in Japan, so any impressions are rather superficial at best. What I will say though is that the battery tech is just not there yet and I would wait for a few more years before I’d consider purchasing one.
Member
Joined: Oct 2018
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Likes: 22
E450
I doubt they will jack up the price. Dealer inventory here in Sacramento hasn't changed since November when they started getting their cars. Which means no one is buying. at least here in my area.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 378
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From: Boston and SWFlorida
2025 GLC300 white, 2023 Taycan RWD black
Congratulations on your new car and thank you for the informative writeup. Have you had any experience yet with Electrify America and high speed charging?
Does the car elicit much reaction from others? Do people realize that it is electric?
Does the car elicit much reaction from others? Do people realize that it is electric?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Atlanta
2022 Mercedes EQS 580
my dealer listed a 450+and it sold in 90 minutes. Was a very nice color combination though
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Audi
Great review write-up. So glad to hear the hood can be opened….I had fears of a $500+ charge to change the hepa filter.
About 9 minutes into this video, the salesman opens the front hood -
About 9 minutes into this video, the salesman opens the front hood -
Last edited by dhilbe; Dec 29, 2021 at 12:51 AM.
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From: Florida
Great write up, you seem to be the first person here on the board that has actually taken delivery of an EQS. Be sure to keep us updated on your range and efficiency findings as you start driving the car more.
Thread Starter
Newbie
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EQS 450+
A couple of items were unincluded. The $200 integrated toll pass is there but was not charged. The emergency charging cable was missing and the $250 for it was credited back.
VIN ends with NA0047XX
Production date is Oct. 2021
Arrived at the port in Baltimore, MD around Dec. 7th 2021. I picked it up from the dealer the following week.
For the regen braking, I’ve been using mostly normal and intelligent recuperation. Strong regen felt similar to Tesla and is sufficient for one-pedal driving. Intelligent mode is quite magical and feels like having adaptive cruise all the time but the follow distance is a bit tight for me in stop and go traffic and not configurable.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2021
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EQS 450+
The car was able to seamlessly connect to the chargers and the sessions available for free. The initial set up of Mercedes Me Charge on my iOS Mercedes Me app was pretty seamless too.
The car was at 30% charge and both stalls were unoccupied. I did not precondition the battery but it seems like at least 50KW should still be possible. Temperature was about 35F.
In terms of reactions, I got a hearty thumbs up from an E-tron GT driver once; that's pretty much it. The EQS seems to fly under the radar more than the Tesla Y that gained a lot of attention when I got it around this time last year.
Last edited by bobbob; Dec 27, 2021 at 12:41 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 133
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E450
Sure! It's an Exclusive trim with all functional options and most of the interior and exterior cosmetic options available for this trim.
A couple of items were unincluded. The $200 integrated toll pass is there but was not charged. The emergency charging cable was missing and the $250 for it was credited back.
VIN ends with NA0047XX
Production date is Oct. 2021
Arrived at the port in Baltimore, MD around Dec. 7th 2021. I picked it up from the dealer the following week.
For the regen braking, I’ve been using mostly normal and intelligent recuperation. Strong regen felt similar to Tesla and is sufficient for one-pedal driving. Intelligent mode is quite magical and feels like having adaptive cruise all the time but the follow distance is a bit tight for me in stop and go traffic and not configurable.
A couple of items were unincluded. The $200 integrated toll pass is there but was not charged. The emergency charging cable was missing and the $250 for it was credited back.
VIN ends with NA0047XX
Production date is Oct. 2021
Arrived at the port in Baltimore, MD around Dec. 7th 2021. I picked it up from the dealer the following week.
For the regen braking, I’ve been using mostly normal and intelligent recuperation. Strong regen felt similar to Tesla and is sufficient for one-pedal driving. Intelligent mode is quite magical and feels like having adaptive cruise all the time but the follow distance is a bit tight for me in stop and go traffic and not configurable.
Thanks for this!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 821
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From: New England/Florida
2005 SL 500. 2015 S550. 2016 GLE400 2018 S560
My dealer here in the northeast has orders for 10 EQS’s. All have been 580’s. Said absolutely no interest in the 450. They have a couple of 450’s on order which are unsold. All the 580s have been pre-sold. Got their first 580 in last week.
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From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
Why would anyone want a 450 wherever it snows is beyond me.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 825
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From: NE KY, on the Ohio River
2018 S560; 2022 EQS450+
I can understand your feelings, but as I stated, I chose Magic Body Control over 4-Matic for my ‘18 S because if it snows, I have another vehicle to drive.
We don’t get a lot of snow, and I wanted my EQS.
The Cincinnati dealer is writing orders for 450s.
I didn’t want to wait for a 580.
You cannot be expected to understand everyone’s thinking.
We don’t get a lot of snow, and I wanted my EQS.
The Cincinnati dealer is writing orders for 450s.
I didn’t want to wait for a 580.
You cannot be expected to understand everyone’s thinking.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
Bought a dealer lot EQS 450+ last week from the NYC metro area. $117K MSRP but no hyperscreen. Here’re some experiences from a week of ownership that I thought were unexpected and I have not seen mentioned elsewhere, in no particular order. Some items are fairly in the weeds but hopefully there's something of interest for everyone.
- The extended mobility tires are Pirelli P-Zero Elect A/S 265/40R21. 500 A A rating. I believe this is a brand new line of tires from Pirelli. They’re very grippy, even at near-freezing temperatures. But they do seem to ride a bit firmer at the recommended 41 PSI than similarly sized Michelin PS4 summer and Latitude A/S tires I’ve had on other cars.
- The ride height is not user-adjustable. This was a surprise as the website and even owner’s manual prominently mentioned this feature. I confirmed with my local dealer and the selling dealer that this is true for all US-spec (non-review) cars. They said there needs to be a code for the “suspension plus” feature which US cars don’t have. I wasn’t able to get confirmation on whether the ride height lowers at high speeds or if the suspension is self-leveling. The damping does seem to be adjustable as advertised.
- There is an enormous cavity under the hood in the 450+. It is beneath the massive HEPA filter and connecting air ducts but could easily be converted to a frunk for at least carry-on sized luggage if the packaging of the filter had been slightly different. But it seems reasonable that the empty space will at least partially be occupied in the dual-motor EQS models which is why there's no frunk.
- Related, the hood opens normally with a lever underneath the driver-side dash. The HEPA filters (there are two sequential filters) is front and center under there and can be changed with just 3 clips, so much easier than a regular cabin air filter that often lives in hard-to-reach corners.
- The acceleration from a standstill and above around 75MPH is amazing. The motor seems to have lots of torque off the line and sustained torque higher in the rev-range. Compared with my other car, a Tesla Model Y with a faster 0-60 time, the EQS feels faster at low and high speeds. The Tesla is faster in the midrange, roughly 30-60 MPH.
- The brakes are genius. The Vehicle Info screen shows that the first 40% of pedal travel applies 10% of brake pressure, with the remaining 90% brake applied by the last 60% of pedal in a very predictable manner. It’s very easy to drive smoothly by using the first 40% of brakes and easy to drive in a sporty manner by mostly braking with the remaining 60%.
- The ride in “Comfort” mode feels much firmer than the W223 S-class that I test drove earlier. There is no mistaking an EQS for an S-class if someone were to ride in them blind-folded and with earplugs. The may be partially caused by the 21in wheels on the EQS.
- All parts of the car I could reach, including all exterior body panels, don’t stick to magnets. So they’re likely all Aluminum, or other lighter metal/alloys/carbon material.
- The rapid heating seats take about a minute to warm up from near-freezing temperature.
- There is a traditional H6-sized 12V lead-acid battery under the hood.
As with other airmatic mercs there is a +1 setting for deep snow or rough roads, however, there is no button. The setting is in the car settings menu. An Icon of a car with an arrow on top. It only works at slow speeds. Maybe that particular part of the system is not available here but I seriously doubt it, again its part and parcel of all airmatics.
Last edited by c4004matic; Dec 28, 2021 at 11:33 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
I can understand your feelings, but as I stated, I chose Magic Body Control over 4-Matic for my ‘18 S because if it snows, I have another vehicle to drive.
We don’t get a lot of snow, and I wanted my EQS.
The Cincinnati dealer is writing orders for 450s.
I didn’t want to wait for a 580.
You cannot be expected to understand everyone’s thinking.
We don’t get a lot of snow, and I wanted my EQS.
The Cincinnati dealer is writing orders for 450s.
I didn’t want to wait for a 580.
You cannot be expected to understand everyone’s thinking.
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
Didnt mean to be critical I was trying to explain why 450s wouldnt sell in the NE. I live in an EV in a DC fast charger "desert'. As you I have a GLS 580 as an alternative vehicle. However we have a ton of snow for 4 to 5 mths and a steep driveway ergo RWD is a no no. Its the reason I sold my s2000 In not buying another "fair weather" car.
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
Im guessing the reason to offer a single motor version is simply price, as we all know of late all mercedeses in US have been awd (E and S)
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
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From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
I guess Mercedes' marketers strike again, forcing you into a pricier EQS 580 to get 4Matic lol. It worked. Watch them add AWD to the 450 model later on.
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