Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic 2021 first drive

Mercedes has put a lot of effort into the interior of the EQS, which combines bespoke elements with those already used in other models. As standard, it has a layout similar to that of the S-Class up front, with 12.3in and 12.8in digital displays for the instruments and infotainment system, in combination with a steering wheel that features touch-sensitive controls on its upper spokes.

Buyers can also specify the EQS with the new Hyperscreen: a one-piece curved display that stretches across the width of the dashboard, housing three digital screens: one for the dials, one for the infotainment and one for the front passenger.

It’s impressive, no doubt, but the 1410mm-wide display is prone to reflections in sunny conditions, despite the inclusion of a sensor that alters automatically its brightness. It does work with impressive speed, mind you, thanks to an eight-core processor and 24GB of memory.

It’s all controlled by the latest generation of Mercedes’ MBUX operating system, which has both touch controls and ‘Hey, Mercedes’ conversational speech input as standard. It also supports over-the-air software downloads, so owners can update various features and tap into a new subscription-based service available via the Mercedes Me app. What’s more, there’s a head-up display with augmented-reality functions for the sat-nav directions.

A high-set centre console divides the front seats, providing various oddment storage possibilities. The seats themselves are broad and magnificently comfortable, if a little short on lateral support. They can be ordered with up to 19 adjustment motors and 10 massage programs.

The rear can be configured with either a three-person bench or two chairs. Accommodation is excellent, especially for legs and shoulders. While the EQS does without a ‘frunk’, unlike some EVs, its 610 litres of boot space is 60 litres more than that offered by the S-Class, and the space extends to 1770 litres when the split-folding rear seats are collapsed.

Two EQS variants are available initially. Opening proceedings is the 2480kg EQS 450+, which has one motor that develops 329bhp and 419lb ft, affording a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.2sec. It gets a range of 485 miles from the 107.8kWh battery pack used by all models at launch, equating to efficiency of between 3.1 and 3.9 miles per kWh.

There are a range of recuperation strengths to choose from, including three manually selectable modes and an automatic one. Additionally, you can opt for a gliding function in which the EQS will roll for truly impressive distances without any perceptible mechanical drag.

The automatic regeneration mode’s set-and-forget qualities makes it the preferred option, with the motors generating combined power of up to 389bhp in optimal conditions.

Another standout is the drivetrain refinement, which is striking and very much at the centre of this car’s driving appeal. We’re used to the silent qualities of EVs by now, but the EQS takes things to a whole new level, proving wonderfully relaxing, whether you’re threading through traffic around town or cruising at higher speeds out on the open road.

All of this is backed up a precise and a fittingly flowing feel to the handling. The EQS is a big and heavy car, yet its responses are more like those of a sports saloon than a limo.

The steering is lightly weighted, but there’s still sufficient tactility to the variable-ratio system to ensure you feel involved. The EQS is very reminiscent of the S-Class in this respect, with fluency and accuracy that let you confidently place it on the road. There’s a well-engineered delicacy to the whole steering process, making this a very relaxed car in everyday driving conditions.

Again like the S-Class, the EQS comes with the choice of two rear-wheel steering systems. The more advanced set-up (as fitted to our car) provides up to 10deg of counter or parallel steering to virtually shorten and lengthen the wheelbase at below and above 37mph respectively. So configured, the EQS delivers excellent low-speed manoeuvrability around town, with a turning circle smaller than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class’s (10.9m).

The car also changes direction quite eagerly in Sport driving mode, feeling much more agile than you would expect, considering its heft.

Its body movements are very well controlled, the increase in lean being very progressive in proportion to the build-up of lateral forces once you’re committed in corners. The overall balance is excellent, allowing you to generate a good deal of cornering speed before the tyres lose their grip.

It’s all helped by a relatively low centre of gravity and near 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution – although this is not to take away from the superbly struck tuning of the suspension. This controls the EQS’s mass with great authority yet remains terrifically supple at all times, no matter the driving mode.

An electronically controlled four- wheel drive system that’s claimed to apportion power faster than any of Mercedes’ electromechanical set-ups provides the basis for outstanding traction, allowing you to deploy a good deal of the EQS’s reserves for fast but controlled exits from corners. A torque-vectoring function also individually channels power to each of the rear wheels, dependent on the prevailing traction and wheel speeds.

The Airmatic air suspension with standard variable damping control is superbly compliant, endowing the EQS with great composure and truly impressive comfort. It doesn’t quite match the S-Class for overall resolve, because it gets a bit floaty over undulating roads owing to the weight it is asked to control, but its absorption is very good, isolating shocks from the surface very well.

There’s very little wind noise, but even more impressive is the way the EQS avoids road roar. Our car’s 21in 265/40-profile tyres were whisper-quiet on smooth-surfaced roads, further adding to the serenity of the virtually silent powertain. One might buy the EQS on the strength of its refinement alone.

Brake feel is good: there’s a nice progression in the pedal action and a more defined bite point than in Mercedes’s latest petrol-electric PHEVs, allowing you to wipe off speed with confidence, despite the myriad recuperation functions bundled with the friction brakes.