The 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS450 4Matic arrives with a handful of tweaks aiming to bring the German brand’s electric flagship closer to true S-Class status. For years, critics and enthusiasts alike have called out the EQS for being more tech showpiece than luxury icon. Now, Mercedes responds—but is it enough to make the EQS a real contender in the six-figure EV club?
Let’s look past the spec sheet and dig into why these small changes matter—and what they signal for Mercedes’ electric future.
Why This Matters
- The EQS sets the tone for Mercedes’ electric ambitions. If their top-tier EV doesn’t impress, what does it say about the rest of the lineup?
- The luxury EV arms race is heating up. Tesla’s Model S and the Lucid Air are setting benchmarks for range, performance, and tech. Mercedes can’t afford to lag behind—not just for image, but for survival in the next-gen luxury market.
- Consumer expectations are climbing. Range anxiety still haunts buyers, but so does the fear that EVs can’t deliver true luxury or driving satisfaction. The EQS450 4Matic is Mercedes’ answer.
What Most People Miss
- It’s not just about numbers—it’s about feel. The original EQS was quiet and comfy, but lacked the magic Mercedes ride and tactile confidence. This refresh focuses on the experience, not just raw specs.
- Incremental changes can make or break luxury cars. A slightly better brake pedal, a more predictable ride, and even a hood ornament can shift the whole ownership perception. That’s the world of six-figure sedans.
- Charging speed is quietly crucial. Fast-charging up to 200 kW means less time at chargers—an underrated, real-world benefit for road-trippers. For context, 150 miles in under 20 minutes is competitive even with Tesla’s network.
Key Takeaways
- Range matters, but so does real-world usability. The 2025 EQS450 4Matic hits 400 miles on a 75-mph test, matching the best from Tesla and Lucid, even with luxury features and all-wheel drive.
- Refined ride and improved brakes finally give this EV the confidence expected from a Mercedes flagship. Predictable, smooth, and quieter than almost any rival.
- Luxury isn’t just about more screens. The massive “Hyperscreen” might wow with size, but it divides opinion—some will miss traditional elegance amidst all the glass and touch controls.
- Price and value lag behind. The EQS450 4Matic, at $108,550 base, is outperformed (and out-styled) by the Lucid Air Touring, which brings more power and curb appeal for less money.
Pros and Cons: 2025 EQS450 4Matic
- Pros:
- Outstanding range (400 miles on highway test)
- Ultra-quiet, cocooned cabin with plush headrests
- Rear-wheel steering makes maneuvering easy
- Predictable, improved braking feel
- Cons:
- Still not as engaging to drive as Tesla or Lucid
- Overwhelming screens can dilute the luxury feel
- Expensive for what it offers versus top rivals
- Design remains polarizing—function over form
Timeline: How Mercedes-Benz EQS Evolved
- 2022: EQS debuts with big promises, but leaves many critics cold—floaty ride, odd brakes, and uninspired design.
- 2025: Mid-cycle refresh brings updated battery (118 kWh), improved brakes and suspension, and subtle design tweaks—plus the classic hood ornament returns.
- 2026: Rear-wheel steering standardization changes, small price drops, but competition (especially Lucid Air) keeps moving the goalposts.
Industry Context & Comparisons
- Tesla Model S: Remains the benchmark for performance and charging, but interior luxury still trails Mercedes.
- Lucid Air: The new disruptor—better performance, lower price, and arguably more style. The EQS matches range but not excitement.
- Traditional S-Class: The gold standard for luxury sedans. The EQS is still chasing that feeling, especially in ride and finish.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS450 4Matic is a clear improvement over its predecessor. It’s closer than ever to delivering the comfort, range, and technological wow-factor expected at this level. But in a segment where “almost” isn’t good enough, Mercedes still has work to do before its electric flagship truly rivals the best from Tesla and Lucid.
Will these incremental upgrades be enough to keep loyal buyers and lure new ones in a fiercely competitive luxury EV market? Only time—and more road tests—will tell.
