Mercedes EQS 450+

Overview

The Mercedes EQS 450+ was Stuttgart's all-electric flagship saloon, a true S-Class of the EV world, produced until 2024. This rear-wheel-drive variant prioritised impressive range and sublime comfort over outright speed. As a pioneer in luxury electric motoring, it boasted advanced tech and a slippery, aerodynamic design. Originally commanding a premium price point from around €107,000 in Europe, it’s now an intriguing option on the used market, representing a significant slice of zero-emission opulence. Its blend of efficiency and luxury made it a standout limousine.

What's New for 2024?

For its final 2024 model year, the EQS 450+ saw some crucial refinements. A heat pump became standard equipment across the EQS range, enhancing real-world efficiency, especially in cooler European climates – a welcome upgrade! While the jaw-dropping MBUX Hyperscreen wasn't always standard on the 450+, its availability, often as part of popular packages, continued to define the EQS's high-tech cabin experience. Minor software updates also aimed to keep the user experience slick and responsive, solidifying its position before this particular configuration was discontinued.

Design & Exterior

The EQS 450+ glides with a distinctive "one-bow" cab-forward design, looking like it was sculpted by the wind itself for maximum slipperiness. Its massive 5216 mm length, 1926 mm width (excluding mirrors), and 1512 mm height give it serious road presence. Features like flush door handles and the signature (optional) black panel front grille contribute to its futuristic yet elegant aesthetic. Standard alloy wheels on the 450+ were typically aerodynamically optimised, complementing its sleek profile, while sophisticated LED lighting front and rear ensured it looked the business, day or night.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the EQS 450+ and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s pure futuristic luxury. Materials are top-notch, with ample space for five occupants. The dashboard is dominated by Mercedes' MBUX infotainment, with the expansive, optional Hyperscreen being a true tech-lover's dream, though the standard large central screen is also brilliant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are seamlessly integrated. Luggage? A generous 620-litre boot expands to a massive 1700 litres with seats down. There's no frunk, but the rear space is properly practical for a sleek saloon.

Performance & Driving Experience

The EQS 450+ offers a truly serene driving experience. Its single rear-mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivers a smooth 245 kW and a hefty 568 Nm of torque, whisking this big saloon from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 6.2 seconds. Being rear-wheel drive, it feels traditionally Mercedes-like, prioritising wafting comfort over sporty agility, although it handles neatly. Standard air suspension soaks up bumps beautifully. Multiple regenerative braking modes, including an intelligent auto mode, allow for efficient one-pedal driving if you wish. It's effortlessly quick and exceptionally refined.

Range, Battery & Charging

Long journeys are a doddle in the EQS 450+ thanks to its substantial 108.4 kWh usable battery. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of around 587 km, which is seriously impressive, backed by an efficiency of 5.42 km/kWh. Charging is flexible: the standard 11 kW AC onboard charger fills it up overnight (around 10 hours), with an optional 22 kW unit halving that. Find a DC fast charger, and its CCS Type 2 port can gulp down electrons at up to 207 kW, zapping from 10-80% in about 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is paramount in the EQS 450+, reflected in its 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Mercedes packs it with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems. Expect features like adaptive cruise control (Distronic), active lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and attention assist to be standard fare, making motorway slogs a breeze. More advanced functions, potentially including sophisticated parking assists or enhanced semi-autonomous driving capabilities, were often available through optional packages, ensuring you're cocooned in a high-tech safety net. This thing practically drives itself sometimes!

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As a premium Mercedes, the EQS 450+ typically came with a comprehensive European warranty, often 2 years with unlimited kilometres for the vehicle, though this could vary by country. Critically for an EV, the high-voltage battery usually benefits from a separate, longer warranty – think 10 years or 250,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Powertrain components are covered under the main vehicle warranty. Maintenance is generally less than petrol counterparts, focusing on checks and consumables, with service packages often offered by dealers.