Mercedes-Benz
EQS SUV
Tesla
Model X
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV vs Tesla Model X: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Tesla Model X comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
EQS SUV
Overall
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.
Best version to buy
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.
Known issues
- ⚠Software 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. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Rapid depreciation: Severe loss in value, enabling deep discounts on new and nearly-new vehicles but negatively impacting original buyers. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Exterior styling criticism: Described as bland, frumpy, ugly, or unappealing, particularly in comparison to competitors. Frequency: very frequent.
Model X
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and generation. Long-term owner reports for high-mileage examples (e.g., 350,000 miles) highlight impressive battery durability with minimal degradation and low maintenance costs, fostering strong positive sentiment regarding powertrain longevity and efficiency. However, there is a very frequent and sharp criticism regarding build quality, reliability, and quality control across multiple model years, particularly for the S and X platforms compared to the Model 3/Y.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best version." Owner discussions indicate important generational divides: post-March 2018 vehicles with the MCU2 (Intel) infotainment are considered the minimum viable for features like Sentry Mode. The May 2019 "Raven" update is noted for improved suspension, motors, and range.
Known issues
- ⚠Poor build quality and reliability: very frequent mentions of squeaks, rattles, odd noises, and various quality control defects affecting the S and X platforms. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠High repair costs and complexity: cited as inevitable for older models, with few independent specialists and expensive Tesla service parts, particularly concerning for "Legacy" models. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Falcon wing door problems: mentioned as a potential failure point to inspect thoroughly before purchase. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Tesla Model X is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV or the Tesla Model X?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and the Tesla Model X. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV or the Tesla Model X?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV or the Tesla Model X?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV or the Tesla Model X?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Tesla Model X than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. See the known issues comparison above.