Mercedes EQS 350

Overview

The EQS 350 served as the entry ticket to Mercedes' all-electric S-Class equivalent for a brief stint. Though not officially gracing US showrooms, this rear-wheel-drive luxury barge aimed to deliver that flagship EQS experience with a slightly more accessible powertrain. Think ultimate comfort, cutting-edge tech, and that unmistakable three-pointed star glide, all wrapped in a sleek, futuristic package. As it was primarily an EU offering and quickly discontinued, official US pricing was never announced, but it would have logically sat below the EQS 450+ in the lineup.

What's New for 2022?

For the 2022 model year, the big news for the EQS family in some markets was the arrival of this 350 variant. Essentially, it *was* the new kid on the block, broadening the EQS portfolio at the lower end. This trim offered a smaller battery and a single-motor rear-wheel-drive setup compared to its more powerful and longer-range siblings like the 450+ and 580 4MATIC. It was all about making that groundbreaking EQS design and tech a tad more attainable, even if its production run was short-lived.

Design & Exterior

The EQS 350 rocks Mercedes' "one-bow" design philosophy, making it look like a super-slippery silver bullet cutting through the air – and it is, with an amazing drag coefficient. Its smooth, cab-forward silhouette is pure futuristic luxury. Up front, you'd find the signature EQ black panel grille and piercing LED headlights. Key dimensions measure a commanding 205.4 inches long, 75.8 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 59.5 inches tall. While sharing the core EQS elegance, the 350 likely sported slightly more understated wheel designs compared to pricier trims.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the EQS 350, and you’re greeted by a cabin dripping with luxury, even if it's the entry point. Expect top-notch materials and a serene ambiance for its five occupants. While the headline-grabbing Hyperscreen might have been optional or reserved for higher trims, a large central MBUX infotainment display (think around 12.8 inches) and a digital driver’s display would be standard, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Luggage space is generous, with 21.5 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a massive 62.5 cubic feet with seats down. No frunk here, though!

Performance & Driving Experience

The EQS 350 might be the entry-level model, but it’s no slouch! With its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) sending 215 kW (around 288 hp) and a healthy 417 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, it wafts from 0-60 mph in a respectable 6.3 seconds. Top speed is capped at 130 mph. Expect a supremely smooth and silent driving experience, prioritizing pillowy comfort over outright sportiness – it’s an S-Class EV, after all. Regenerative braking will be strong and adjustable, helping you claw back some precious miles.

Range, Battery & Charging

This Merc is powered by a 90.6 kWh usable battery pack, good for a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 316 miles – pretty solid! Efficiency is rated at 3.49 mi/kWh. For charging, its 400V architecture supports a standard 9.6 kW AC onboard charger, which would juice it up fully in around 9.5 hours. When you hit a DC fast charger, it can gulp electrons at up to 173 kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up could be done in about 32 minutes. In Europe, it used a CCS Type 2 port; a US version would have sported a CCS Type 1 connector.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the EQS 350 itself wasn't tested by NHTSA due to its limited market availability, its EQS siblings generally perform very well, and this model scored a top 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. You’d expect a comprehensive suite of safety tech. Standard kit would likely include active brake assist, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Mercedes’ excellent Driver Assistance Package, bundling features like adaptive cruise control with steering assist and route-based speed adaptation, would almost certainly have been available, making highway cruising an absolute breeze.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Had the EQS 350 been officially sold in the US, it would have likely come with Mercedes-Benz USA's typical warranty. This generally means a 4-year/50,000-mile basic vehicle warranty. Crucially for an EV, the high-voltage battery often gets more extensive coverage, typically around 10 years or 155,000 miles, protecting against significant degradation. Powertrain components are usually covered under one of these. Unlike some rivals, complimentary scheduled maintenance isn't a standard perk for Mercedes in the US market, so budget for that upkeep.