Peter Lyon
April 16, 2023
- EQB 250+ SUV
- EQE 350+ Sedan
- EQE 350+ SUV
- EQS 450+ Sedan
- EQS 450+ SUV
Mercedes-Benz’s EQ series of battery electric vehicles (EVs) first previewed at the Paris Motor Show in 2016 in the shape of the Generation EQ concept vehicle. When the first production model—the EQC—was launched in 2018, then Daimler AG chairman Dieter Zetsche said the company planned to launch up to 10 EVs (including 3 from the Smart brand) by 2025, representing between 15% to 25% of the company’s global sales.
So far, we’ve seen the EQC, EQV, EQA, EQB, EQS, EQS SUV, and the EQE and EQE SUV. However, as of spring 2023, only the latter five, which all employ a specially dedicated platform for electric drivetrains, are on sale at U.S. dealers.
EV sales for Q4 2022 in the U.S. were strong, reaching a new record of 5,656 units (compared to just 433 a year ago), a figure that translates to 6.4% of total volume. As Mercedes adds more models to its EQ lineup, the brand expects sales to grow exponentially.
In this buyer’s guide, we will look at the five EVs currently on sale in the U.S., namely the EQB SUV, EQE Sedan, EQE SUV, EQS Sedan and EQS SUV. Please note that the range figures given below are manufacturer numbers so maybe a little higher than the real-world range.
Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ SUV
- Price (MSRP) : Starting from $52,750
- Range: 245 miles
- Power/Torque: 188 hp / 284 lb-ft
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 8.0 secs
- Passengers: Seats 5 (7 optional)
Apart from its luxury leather interior, the EQB’s power front seats can be heated or ventilated. Dual-zone climate control filters cabin air for dust, pollen, and odors and a giant Panorama roof is available for stargazing. The 40/20/40-split second-row reclines and slides fore-aft, and when folded all the way down creates 61.8 cu ft of space. The steering wheel, console and central display all offer intuitive touch controls and the MBUX infotainment system uses Artificial Intelligence that gets to know you better as you use it.
Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sedan
- Price (MSRP): Starting from $74,900
- Range: 305 miles
- Power/Torque: 288 hp / 416 lb-ft
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.2 secs
- Passengers: Seats 5
The EQE 350+ entry-level model develops 288 hp, as does the all-wheel-drive EQE 350 4Matic option, while the flagship EQE 500 4Matic packs 402 hp, and the 617 hp AMG EQE will sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. With available 4-wheel steering, the rear wheels can turn up to 10 degrees to tighten low-speed turns by up to six feet. At speed, all the wheels can turn the same way for more stable, swifter lane changes and evasive maneuvers
Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ SUV
- Price (MSRP): Starting from $52,750
- Range: 279 miles
- Power/Torque: 288 hp / 416 lb-ft
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.3 secs
- Passengers: Seats 5 (7 optional)
Over-the-air updates means the EQE SUV can get newer in the future. You can customize hundreds of preferences in-car or via the Mercedes me app on your phone, and call up your profile with your fingerprint. A new feature can change lanes automatically to overtake slower traffic on divided highways, or to get you closer to an upcoming exit. Available AIRMATIC® suspension can adapt ride height and comfort from off-road to enhanced highway aerodynamics, while up to 10° rear-axle steering can tighten low-speed turns by five feet, or make lane changes.
Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Sedan
- Price (MSRP): Starting from $104,400
- Range: 350 miles
- Power/Torque: 355 hp / 419 lb-ft
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.9 secs
- Passengers: Seats 5
The EQS’s base trim starts with the 450+, with the all-wheel-drive 450 4Matic and 580 4Matic and AMG EQS sedan also available. The cabin takes luxury marques to a whole new level with its so-called ‘Hyperscreen,’ a design that integrates no less than three large high-definition screens (including one in front of the front passenger!) under a single dashboard mounted panels, incorporates Mercedes’ MBUX system and the latest AI. Paddles on the EQS’s steering wheel let you vary the intensity of energy recuperated by deceleration and braking during normal driving. Three levels of recuperation are selectable: normal, increased (which can allow one-pedal driving), and none (effectively coasting when you let off the accelerator).
Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ SUV
- Price (MSRP): Starting from $104,400
- Range: 305 miles
- Power/Torque: 355 hp / 419 lb-ft
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.5 secs
- Passengers: Seats 5 (7 optional)
Offering a third row seat to cater to 7 passengers, the EQS SUV also employs paddles to vary the intensity of energy recuperated by deceleration and braking. ECO Assist can intelligently process data from the vehicle’s driving assistance and navigation systems to help you maximize your efficiency and energy recuperation from braking or coasting. Three drive modes (ECO, Comfort and Sport) alter the drivetrain response, steering effort, and AIRMATIC® suspension to suit your driving. Popular enhancements include massaging front seats, front-cabin gesture control, and 4-zone climate control with fragrance and an ionizing purifier.
CONCLUSION
Given that all five of these Mercedes employ the same platform, the level of ride, refinement, quietness and quality is standard across the lineup. Basically, it all comes down to your budget and whether you need a 7-seater, with the EQB starting at $52,750 and offering 7 seats, as does the EQE SUV and the EQS SUV. However, if you want the absolute latest and best interior appointments on any EV, I’d lean towards the superbly designed EQS’s instrument panel boasting the rather spectacular Hyperscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. Read about our EQS test drive here.
