Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (210 km/h)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between strong praise for luxury, comfort, and refinement, and significant criticism for exterior styling, software/electronic bugs, and rapid depreciation.
7 problems reported (3 very frequent, 1 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentSoftware and electronic glitches
Infotainment screen failures (Hyperscreen not turning on), system freezes, buggy interfaces, and recalls for software errors causing potential loss of drive power.
- Very frequentRapid depreciation
Severe loss in value, enabling deep discounts on new and nearly-new vehicles but negatively impacting original buyers.
- Very frequentExterior styling criticism
Described as bland, frumpy, ugly, or unappealing, particularly in comparison to competitors.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentExcessive wheel and tire issues
Rapid tread wear, and bending or cracking of the standard cast alloy wheels (especially 21-inch), attributed to the vehicle's heavy weight and poor road conditions.
- IsolatedBuild quality inconsistencies
Isolated reports of creaks, rattles, or panel misalignment, though other owners report exemplary build quality. No widespread consensus on manufacturing defects.
- IsolatedWinter driving instability
Reports of slipping, swaying, and ice buildup in the wheel wells during snow and ice conditions, even with AWD.
- IsolatedHyperscreen passenger display utility
Criticism that the passenger-side screen is largely useless or redundant.
The version owners recommend
EQS 580 trim level, particularly when fully loaded. The higher power output of the 580 is noted as providing adequate performance, addressing criticisms of the lower-powered 450 models feeling underpowered. Fully loaded configurations are emphasized as necessary to achieve the peak luxury experience, with specific mention of the Acoustic Comfort package for cabin quietness and the massaging seats. The Hyperscreen receives mixed feedback; some owners appreciate its aesthetics and expansive map view, while others find the passenger screen useless and note it can be a source of bugs.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Tesla Model X, BMW iX, Rivian R1S, Audi e-tron and Lucid Air.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between strong praise for luxury, comfort, and refinement, and significant criticism for exterior styling, software/electronic bugs, and rapid depreciation. The vehicle is consistently described as exceptionally quiet, smooth, and possessing a luxurious, well-built interior, often cited as the most comfortable and refined electric SUV available. However, the exterior design is frequently criticized as bland, frumpy, or ugly. Very frequent mentions highlight substantial discounts and rapid depreciation, making used or heavily discounted new vehicles an attractive value proposition. Recurrent reports cite software glitches, infotainment issues (particularly with the Hyperscreen), and electronic reliability concerns, though powertrain reliability is generally viewed favorably. The consensus positions it as a top-tier luxury cruiser with notable compromises in aesthetics and technology robustness.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the luxury and comfort leader against more dynamic or software-focused rivals. It is consistently described as quieter, smoother, and more refined than the Tesla Model X, which is acknowledged for superior software and charging network but inferior interior quality and ride comfort. Compared to the BMW iX, the EQS SUV is viewed as more focused on plush ride and traditional luxury, while the iX is noted for more dynamic driving engagement. The Rivian R1S is seen as a more capable off-roader and family adventure vehicle, while the EQS SUV is considered better for grand touring and pure comfort. It is often compared to the Audi e-tron for smoothness and quietness, with some owners preferring the e-tron's driving dynamics. The vehicle's value proposition shifts dramatically on the used market, where heavy depreciation makes it competitive with lower-priced new EVs.
Recommended configurations
AWD is recommended, with specific notes on its necessity for traction in snowy conditions. The Acoustic Comfort package is strongly recommended for maximum cabin quietness, though its effectiveness is noted to be variable between individual vehicles. Massaging seats are highlighted as a desirable feature. For those concerned with reliability, seeking a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle is advised to avoid "buy-back" vehicles with branded titles. When purchasing used, a meticulous review of the vehicle's equipment and history is recommended. An extended warranty is frequently suggested due to concerns over electronic component reliability outside the battery warranty period.
General recommendations
Highly recommended for buyers prioritizing supreme ride comfort, cabin quietness, and interior luxury over engaging dynamics or striking exterior design. Best purchased used or with significant discounts ($30,000+ off MSRP) due to rapid depreciation, which dramatically improves its value proposition. Not recommended for buyers sensitive to software bugs or those who place a high priority on exterior styling. Essential to test drive on highways to evaluate road noise and test all infotainment functions thoroughly. For winter driving, proper winter tires are advised, and drivers should familiarize themselves with the vehicle's drive modes for low-traction conditions. Given the high cost of out-of-warranty repairs for electronic components, a strong warranty (CPO or extended) is considered crucial for long-term ownership peace of mind.
Remarks
The market context is dominated by substantial manufacturer and dealer discounts, making transaction prices far below MSRP. This has led to a high volume of low-mileage used and CPO vehicles, creating a strong buyer's market. A significant portion of non-CPO used inventory consists of manufacturer buy-back vehicles, which may have branded titles and can complicate financing and resale. Discussions indicate that early production models (2022-2023) may have had a higher incidence of software-related issues, with some suggestion that later production and software updates (e.g., version 1.3.18+) have improved stability. The powertrain and battery are generally trusted, with the 10-year/155,000-mile battery warranty providing confidence, while concerns are focused on the long-term reliability of complex electronic subsystems and screens. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices2 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery:management system/energy control module (bms/becm):softwarecampaign 24V372000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2024 EQE 350 4MATIC, EQE 350+, EQE 500 4MATIC, EQS 450 4MATIC, EQS 450+, EQS 580 4MATIC, AMG EQE 53 4MATIC, AMG EQS 53 4MATIC, 2023-2025 EQE SUV 350 4MATIC, EQE SUV 350+, EQE SUV 500 4MATIC, EQS SUV 450 4MATIC, EQS SUV 450+, EQS SUV 580 4MATIC, 2024-2025 EQS SUV 680 4MATIC, and AMG EQE SUV 53 4MATIC vehicles. The battery management system software may cause the high-voltage battery to shut down, which can result in a sudden loss of drive power.
2025 · back over prevention:warnings:external/pedestrian alertcampaign 25V366000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022-2025 S-Class, EQE SUV, EQE, EQS SUV and EQS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. Software in the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) may cause an incorrect external pedestrian warning sound while reversing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid Electric Vehicles."
Specifications
Enthusiast code: X296
EQS 580 125 kWh 4MATIC
Electric · 544 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2023–2026