Mercedes-Benz
EQS
Porsche
Taycan
Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Porsche Taycan: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Porsche Taycan comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz EQS 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
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with significant criticism focused on value, design, and perceived quality. The vehicle is acknowledged for its advanced technology, including the first SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system (Drive Pilot) on certain highways, and its comfortable, quiet ride as a long-distance cruiser. However, it is heavily criticized for its exterior styling, described as an "ugly" blob, and its interior, which some owners feel has a "cheap feeling" with glossy plastics that creak, failing to match the expected luxury ambiance of a traditional S-Class.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific trim. One mention suggests the AMG version takes a "severe range hit," implying non-AMG versions might be preferred for efficiency.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe depreciation: one-year-old models with low mileage reported to lose approximately 60% of value. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Interior material quality and build: "cheap feeling" interior compared to S-Class, use of glossy painted plastics that creak, piano black trim. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Software stability issues: key submodules require frequent hard reboots; system requires regular software updates. Frequency: recurrent.
Taycan
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between driving experience and ownership reliability. The vehicle is universally praised for its exceptional driving dynamics, handling, and performance, described as "the best road-legal e-car thus far," "elegant and great fun to drive," and a "very good sports car." Owners highlight its rock-stable high-speed stability, insanely good road grip, and the significant benefit of its two-speed gearbox. The instant torque and direct, responsive EV driving experience are frequently cited as major positives, with some stating it has "ruined me for gas." However, this is heavily counterbalanced by very frequent and severe criticisms regarding reliability, software, and service.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Discussions mention various trims (4S, GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, Turbo GT) with different performance levels.
Known issues
- ⚠Major reliability and component failures: including transmission replacement, rear differential replacement, heater replacement, and high-voltage battery replacement (with a cited out-of-warranty cost of approximately $52,000).
- ⚠Software and infotainment bugs: system freezes, slow response, navigation failures, profile memory issues, charge planner glitches, Android Auto/CarPlay connectivity problems, and lack of software updates for older model years.
- ⚠Poor software support and updates: manufacturer does not update older model years to newer software versions, leaving navigation systems broken for extended periods (e.g., 8 months in Europe for 2020-2024 models). Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Porsche Taycan, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mercedes-Benz EQS are a dealbreaker, the Porsche Taycan is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Mercedes-Benz EQS or the Porsche Taycan?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mercedes-Benz EQS than the Porsche Taycan. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Mercedes-Benz EQS or the Porsche Taycan?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Mercedes-Benz EQS is classed as a Liftback, the Porsche Taycan as a Sedan, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Mercedes-Benz EQS or the Porsche Taycan?
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 or the Porsche Taycan?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mercedes-Benz EQS than the Porsche Taycan. See the known issues comparison above.