I’m in the market for a lightly used EQS and I am confused by how much depreciation there already appears to be. Used 2022 EQS with low miles are now almost $30k off the new prices - for example here’s a 450+ for $79k with only 4k miles:-



Is this normal or is demand low for EQS? Should I wait for prices to drop further before buying?

 

just over $20k off not $30k and that one you posted is a lemon.

 

Ok fair enough. But it isn’t hard to find others that are $20k off MSRP with even lower miles (3,200 mile example below). My question still stands - is demand lower than expected?

 

I think the days of cars holding their value or appreciating are over (with a few exceptions). I assume you were familiar with the car markets pre-Covid?? Most new cars, including Mercedes, could be brought brand new at a nice discount. As soon as you drove the car off the lot is was worth 20-30% less. it is a depreciating asset and the used car market is in a steady decline.

 

Little or no knowledge on car depreciation but I’m not at all surprised by this, given what appear to be rapid advances in battery and other technologies, and governmental push into an ill-prepared environment
In fact, it’s what I expected.

 

These cars are basically appliances and will drop like a rock. Also, looks wise will age quickly.

 

They are not selling well, unfortunately thus affecting the secondary.

We had had an untitled (so tax benefits applicable) Certified Pre-Owned EQS 450+ that was only used as a service shuttle to showcase the tech for a few weeks then offered for sale.
That FINALLY ended up selling for something like $21k below INVOICE price. It was tough not to jump on for myself.

 

Drive and enjoy. Don't worry, be Happy!

 

How is the used market for the 580?

 

These are below the carfax value but it’s hard to tell what the original invoice was. Prior to April, invoice could have been 122k. 11k off seems expected.

 

One of those has a branded title, but the other one does not.

 

Crazy, I've never seen a dealer sell a car with a branded title.

 

Me neither - but I think it is a good idea. Once a lemon has been repaired and certified as repaired by Mercedes, I don't see why a dealer shouldn't sell it. Some of these cars were lemoned because a part wasn't available for 30 days.

If a branded title is because of frame damage or flooding, then that is a different story.

 

I have owned 3 branded title MBZs. All were "project cars" that became daily drivers because they ran so well. All were less than a year old and with less than 10k miles and I bought the cars from auction at a fraction of the value and even after repairs only spent 50% of the value of the vehicle.

Bottom line, a branded title car is typically worth 60-70% of the blue book value, and the factory warranty is cancelled and some insurance companies will not write comprehensive or collision insurance (only liability).

It's also why I bought the eqs suv brand new because with all the new technology I don't expect 3rd party independent shops will be able to repair the cars properly for sometime.

 

Do you have any insights why that might be? Is the electric drivetrain a concern for typical ICE S-Class buyers? Is the interior seen as too tech/gadget-y versus a traditional MB? The outside styling?

Some of these issues I am ok with - the outside styling doesn’t bother me, the technology is great, battery drivetrain too. Interior fit and finish seems a bit more spartan when compared to my W222 S63 but I think I can get over it. Road testers/owners here seem very positive except for the funky brake pedal/regen.

Just trying to understand the dynamics before I jump in with both feet.

 

I can only speak anecdotally as to the conversations I've had but I'm sure other SAs have heard similar things.

6 figure MB buyers do not seem to want to deal with the inconvenience of charging. A lot of long time customers in my area are snow birds and drive back and forth from here to FL a few times a year.
MB and Tesla buyers are usually of a different demographic when shopping in that price point. The MB buyers I have dealt with are not interested in making the switch to new, foreign technology.

The EQS models that I have sold have all been Tesla owners either adding another electric vehicle or converting for more creature comforts.

With those negatives being said, the EQB orders have been doing quite well. They all seem to be an entirely different buyer, a lot of them for the first time with MB. It certainly helps with a price of entry half that of the EQS sedan and SUV.

 

Thanks for that explanation - makes sense. Too “different” for traditional S-Class owners and too expensive for many younger/first time MB buyers. EQB addresses both of those - looks and functions more like a regular ICE B-Class and sells for half the price.

 

His points are understandable…I have to have an EQS version due to my body’s bulk.

Same reason for buying S cars instead of Es, Cs, or As.

 

I do not know whether it is by the design, size or weight but nothing in the Mercedes line up rides like the S class series. I’ve had C’s and E’s as loaners over the years and to me they just don’t compare to the S class. If the last C class I drove didn’t have the Mercedes star in the center of the steering wheel I wouldn’t have known what brand it was at all. It was actually pretty terrible to drive

 

I agree. I traded in a S560 for my eqs580. The EQS is very nice and I really like it but the ride and the seat comfort don’t compare to the S class.

 

If you had to do it again would you have chosen another S Class instead?

 

That’s a good question. I’ve only had my EQS for a week. I really like the hyperscreen on the EQS and hate the tablet on the S class. That’s one of the reasons I looked elsewhere when buying a new car. So far I would say no, I’m very happy with the EQS.

 

The EQS450+ without 4MATIC is the least desirable version in the EQS lineups. The lack of 4MATIC will also hurt resale value, particularly in areas like the northeast.

 

4Matic is actually an unwanted feature in the South where it never snows. 4Matic vehicles cost more for operating and maintenance versus non-4Matic vehicles. I'd buy an EQ450+ before an EQ450 or EQ580.

(I have not driven in snow or ice since I was in high school over 60 years ago.)

 

Hear, hear!

Here in northern Kentucky, we usually get some snow, but it is seldom a driving problem,thanks to very good snow condition road maintenance. I went through last winter with my '22 450+ easily - If it's really bad, we don't go out at all, or use our Lesus RX with active 4 wheel power.

I understand and accept the snow problems farther north, having lived in New England and New York and worked in MN, ND, SD, and WI.