Luxury and electrification often don’t blend seamlessly, but Mercedes-Benz has been working hard to prove otherwise. The 2025 Mercedes EQS embodies the German marque’s ambition to lead the premium EV market while staying true to its heritage of elegance, comfort, and prestige. Positioned as the electric counterpart to the legendary S-Class, the EQS is more than just a sedan—it’s a statement of where luxury mobility is heading.
Australian buyers looking at the EQS will weigh its appeal against growing competition from Tesla’s Model S, Porsche Taycan, BMW i7, and the Lucid Air. But Mercedes aims to set itself apart with a unique mix: timeless luxury, benchmark EV technology, and unmatched long-distance cruising range.
In this in-depth review, we’ll cover design, interior craftsmanship, infotainment and tech, driving dynamics, charging performance, efficiency, safety, ownership costs, and its place in the Australian EV landscape.
Exterior Design – Streamlined Luxury on Wheels
The EQS doesn’t shout aggression like many performance EVs. Instead, it whispers elegance through smooth, flowing lines that almost resemble a sculpture in motion. Mercedes has used what it calls a “one-bow design” – a continuous arc running from the front to the rear, creating a fluid silhouette that prioritises aerodynamics.
Key highlights include:
- Aerodynamic Brilliance: With a drag coefficient as low as 0.20, the EQS is one of the slipperiest production cars ever built. This reduces wind resistance and boosts range.
- Seamless Front Fascia: The traditional grille is replaced by a sleek Black Panel unit, studded with optional Mercedes star patterns, giving the car a futuristic identity.
- Lighting Innovation: The Digital Light headlamps offer advanced projection capabilities and adaptive beams, ensuring visibility and style.
- Wheel Choices: Available in 19- to 22-inch sizes, with designs that balance style and efficiency.
For Australian buyers, the EQS exudes road presence, but not in an ostentatious way. Instead of sharp edges or aggressive flares, it offers a graceful shape—one that reflects sophistication more than dominance.
Interior – A First-Class Lounge on the Road
Step inside, and the EQS immediately separates itself from traditional sedans. This isn’t just a car interior—it’s a digital-first luxury lounge.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Mercedes has spared no expense with the cabin: premium Nappa leather, sustainable wood trims, brushed aluminium, and ambient lighting that feels more like a luxury yacht than a vehicle. Even vegan-friendly material options are available for eco-conscious buyers.
The Hyperscreen
The centrepiece is undoubtedly the MBUX Hyperscreen – a 56-inch curved glass panel stretching across the dashboard. It integrates three displays:
- A 12.3-inch driver display
- A massive 17.7-inch OLED central screen
- A 12.3-inch passenger screen
This system doesn’t just look futuristic—it performs flawlessly with intuitive controls, haptic feedback, and voice command integration (“Hey Mercedes”).
Space and Comfort
Thanks to the dedicated EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform, cabin space is generous. Rear passengers benefit from limo-like legroom, making it a viable chauffeur-driven option. Seats are ventilated, massaging, and customizable to the finest degree.
For Australian conditions, the four-zone climate control, air purification, and whisper-quiet cabin are blessings for both city commutes and long interstate drives.
Performance – Smooth, Silent, and Surprisingly Quick
While luxury is its calling card, the 2025 EQS is no slouch when it comes to performance. Mercedes offers several variants globally, and Australia is expected to receive key trims like the EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4MATIC.
- EQS 450+: Single-motor rear-wheel drive, producing around 265 kW (355 hp) and 568 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
- EQS 580 4MATIC: Dual-motor all-wheel drive with 400 kW (536 hp) and 855 Nm of torque, sprinting to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
Despite the speed, this isn’t meant to be a sports sedan. Instead, its air suspension with adaptive damping prioritises comfort while soaking up bumps. The rear-axle steering (up to 10 degrees) enhances manoeuvrability, making the large sedan feel nimble in tight Australian city streets.
Range and Charging – Built for Long Journeys
One of the EQS’s strongest selling points is its long range. Depending on the variant and wheel choice, it offers between 650 km to 720 km WLTP range—among the best of any EV available in 2025.
Charging details:
- DC Fast Charging: Up to 200 kW, capable of replenishing 300 km of range in just 15 minutes.
- AC Charging: Up to 22 kW, suitable for overnight charging at home.
- Plug & Charge: Simplifies charging by automatically starting and billing without cards or apps.
For Australians who often face long intercity distances between Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, the EQS stands out as a true long-distance electric cruiser.
Technology – The Digital Flagship
Mercedes markets the EQS as a “digital S-Class,” and it lives up to the claim. Beyond the Hyperscreen, the EQS comes with:
- Augmented Reality Navigation: Projecting 3D navigation cues onto the road via the head-up display.
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Ensuring features remain fresh without dealership visits.
- Driver Assistance: Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving, adaptive cruise, lane-change assist, and self-parking.
- Voice and Gesture Control: Expanding convenience for everyday use.
Safety – Mercedes’ Commitment to Protection
Safety remains non-negotiable for Mercedes, and the EQS is designed to excel in ANCAP and Euro NCAP crash tests.
Safety features include:
- 10 airbags, including front-centre airbag.
- Active safety aids such as AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking), blind-spot monitoring, and evasive steering assist.
- Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) that reduce fatigue on long drives.
For Australian families and executives, this translates into peace of mind—luxury without compromise.
Ownership, Costs & Warranty in Australia
Luxury EV ownership comes with its questions: running costs, servicing, and warranty. Mercedes-Benz aims to make the EQS as appealing financially as it is emotionally.
- Servicing: EVs require less maintenance than ICE vehicles, but Mercedes provides service packages tailored for Australia.
- Warranty: Five-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty, plus battery coverage for up to 10 years or 250,000 km.
- Running Costs: Charging at home is cheaper than petrol, and many Australian states offer EV incentives and reduced registration fees.
While upfront pricing is premium (expected well north of AUD $200,000 for higher trims), running costs are competitive for the luxury segment.
The Competition – Where Does the EQS Stand?
In the Australian luxury EV sedan market, the EQS will be judged against:
- Tesla Model S Plaid: Performance king, but lacks the refinement and comfort of Mercedes.
- BMW i7: A closer rival in terms of luxury, but heavier and less efficient.
- Porsche Taycan: Sportier driving dynamics, but less range.
- Lucid Air (if it reaches Australia): Impressive range and power, but lacks brand presence locally.
The EQS differentiates itself with a perfect blend of luxury, efficiency, and heritage trust.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Longest range in its segment
- Stunning interior with Hyperscreen
- Exceptional comfort and refinement
- Advanced driver-assist and tech features
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Conservative styling may not appeal to all
- Large size can feel cumbersome in narrow urban streets
Verdict – A True Luxury EV Flagship
The 2025 Mercedes EQS is more than a luxury sedan—it’s a glimpse into the future of what driving in comfort, style, and sustainability means. For Australian buyers, it offers unmatched long-distance EV cruising, a supremely crafted interior, and the peace of mind of Mercedes engineering.
It may not be the most thrilling car to drive compared to some rivals, but for those who value serenity, prestige, and cutting-edge tech, the EQS is arguably the benchmark luxury electric sedan of 2025.
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