2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+: The Future of Luxury, or Just the Future?

Introduction

Car enthusiasts, gather round. I know you're all passionate about the rumble of a V8, the sweet, symphonic growl of a turbocharged engine, and the satisfying clink of a manual transmission. But before you start clenching your fists, hear me out. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ might just have you reconsidering your allegiance to gas-guzzling beasts. No, I’m not joking—an electric vehicle (EV) from the people who brought you the S-Class.

Yes, you read that right. This isn’t just a glorified toaster on wheels or one of those “eco-friendly” cars that only someone with a green thumb would appreciate. This is a luxury electric sedan that manages to combine futuristic tech, effortless elegance, and sublime driving performance. But don’t worry, I’ll also point out how they tried to turn your car into a mobile spa and somehow gave it a very questionable “hypnotic” setting.

Get ready to dive into the wild world of the EQS 450+—a car that proves electric doesn’t have to mean boring.

Exterior: The Future Has Never Looked So Good

First things first: let’s talk about the exterior. The EQS 450+ doesn’t look like a regular sedan. Oh no, no, no. This thing is futuristic—and I’m not talking about the kind of “futuristic” where it looks like a prop from a 90s sci-fi movie that hasn’t aged well (we’re all thinking of that neon-blue, chrome-plated disaster).

Instead, the EQS has a sleek, sculpted body that looks like it was shaped by lasers fired from the future. The first thing you’ll notice is the smooth, flowing lines that make it look like it’s cutting through the air even when parked. The absence of traditional grilles, replaced by a smooth, one-piece black panel in front, lets you know that this is no ordinary car. The car’s body, with its generous curves and dramatic roofline, practically whispers “I glide effortlessly,” even when it’s stuck in traffic.

And let’s talk about those headlights. Mercedes has truly flexed here. The Digital Light system isn’t just for illumination; it’s almost like the car’s eyes are actively judging you for not going electric yet. Seriously, the tech here is borderline sentient, with each headlight having the ability to project symbols and assist with navigation. It's as if the headlights are trying to tell you “don’t worry, I got you,” while also implying “yes, I’m better than your current ride.”

From the side, the EQS stands out with its aero wheels that look like something you'd see on a spaceship, while the rear features a spoiler that has more curves than a Kardashian family reunion. The rear end is understated but still manages to say, "I’m important, but I don’t need to shout about it."

But here's the thing: the EQS is so perfectly aerodynamic, it could practically glide across the ground on pure wishful thinking. It’s a design that balances form and function beautifully, and while it might make some of us enthusiast types long for a roaring exhaust, it also makes us think: “Hey, maybe silent, effortless gliding isn’t such a bad thing after all.”

Interior: Space-Age Comfort (and a Lot of Buttons)

Now, onto the part where things get really interesting: the interior. This is where Mercedes-Benz truly struts its stuff. The inside of the EQS 450+ feels less like a car and more like a high-end spa—if your spa came with 350 horsepower and enough tech to make you feel like you're living in 2042.

The first thing that slaps you in the face (in the most pleasant way possible) when you step into the EQS is space. The cabin feels wide, open, and uncluttered. It's as if they removed everything that didn’t scream luxury. Forget the traditional dashboard layout, because the EQS comes with a Hyperscreen that spans almost the entire width of the cabin. This glass panel houses a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch center touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger display. In other words, it’s a massive, glassy rectangle of tech wonder that looks like it could double as a futuristic video game console.

So, what's it like to use? Well, let's just say if you were wondering where all those old-school buttons and knobs went, they were apparently too old-fashioned for this tech wizardry. You can control everything—climate, navigation, music, and even the ambient lighting—via this touchscreen or the MBUX voice assistant. You know, because turning a dial or pressing a button is so last decade. This whole system is intelligent, and I’m using that word because it feels like the EQS might actually be smarter than you.

Speaking of intelligence, the ambient lighting is so next-level, it might be distracting. It can change based on your mood, your driving style, and even the time of day. One minute, you're driving with a cool, calm blue glow; the next, you’ve got a cozy, warm amber enveloping you like a luxury blanket. It’s the automotive equivalent of having your own personal DJ in the backseat. Except, the DJ also understands you. It’s weirdly intimate.

Let’s not forget the seating—oh, the seats. They’re heated, ventilated, massaging, and will even move you into the perfect position like a personal trainer who’s also into upholstery. Just sit down, hit a button, and you’ll be gently massaged until you forget that you’re in a car and not at an exclusive, AED1000-a-session wellness retreat.

Also, the materials inside the cabin are out of this world—Nappa leather, open-pore wood, and brushed aluminum all scream luxury in a language you can’t quite place, but you feel deep in your bones. You know this car could house an ancient artifact or a secret message from the future. It's that classy.

Driving Experience: Quiet, Smooth, and Definitely Not Boring

Okay, I get it. This is where some of you might start wondering, "Is it really a driver’s car, or is it just for someone who prefers being driven?" Fair question. And I’m here to tell you that the EQS 450+ is surprisingly fun to drive. While it’s not going to tear up a racetrack like a Porsche Taycan, it’ll certainly give you a run for your money in terms of comfort and quiet elegance.

The 450+ version comes with a 329-horsepower electric motor that delivers power to the rear wheels. That might not sound like much in comparison to other electric sedans, but trust me, it’s more than enough to send you rocketing from zero to sixty in 5.5 seconds. It’s fast, but in a way that’s effortless. You push the pedal, and the car just glides forward like it’s made of pure silk. No drama. No noise. Just smooth, refined acceleration.

You’ll also love how silent the ride is. The EQS is so quiet, you could literally hold a conversation at full volume without raising your voice. It’s almost unsettling at first, but soon you realize: This is what luxury should feel like. You're cocooned in comfort and serenity, with not a peep from the outside world.

Handling? Oh yeah, it handles like a dream. The air suspension keeps things smooth even on rough roads, and the car’s precise steering makes it feel like you're in control of a high-end spaceship, not just an electric sedan. The steering is light yet responsive, making it perfect for weaving through tight city streets or cruising down the freeway.

Oh, and for those who love gadgets, the driver assistance systems are like having an extra pair of eyes (or three) helping you stay on course. Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated parking are all part of the package. But don’t worry, the EQS isn’t trying to do everything for you—it’s just there to help you, should you need it.

Tyres and Brakes: The Unsung Heroes of the EQS 450+

Alright, let's talk about the unsung heroes of any car: tyres and brakes. You may not spend your whole day daydreaming about them (unless you’re the type who has way too much time on your hands), but these two components are absolutely essential for making sure your luxurious, futuristic ride doesn’t turn into a hunk of high-tech scrap metal.

And lucky for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+, its tyres and brakes are just as sophisticated and well-engineered as the rest of the car. Let’s dive into the details, shall we?

Tyres: The Silent Performers

In the EQS 450+, Mercedes has wisely chosen Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, designed specifically for electric vehicles. So right off the bat, you're not just getting any ordinary rubber slapped on the wheels. These tyres are crafted to handle the unique demands of an EV, where the instant torque and near-silent operation require a different kind of grip and durability.

The Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres offer an optimal balance of traction, comfort, and efficiency. These tyres are engineered with the EV experience in mind, especially for those of you who might be worried about range anxiety (it’s okay, we’ve all been there). These tyres are designed to be low rolling resistance, meaning they help improve the overall efficiency of the car, contributing to better range. So, every time you take the EQS for a spin, you can rest easy knowing the tyres are working overtime to stretch every drop of electricity out of that battery.

But it’s not all about range. These tyres are also built to handle the heavy weight of the EQS. With all that battery tech packed in, the EQS is a hefty beast (we’re talking close to 5,500 pounds). The Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres are designed to support that weight without sacrificing handling or performance.

What does this mean for you, the driver? Well, it means that when you punch the accelerator and feel the instant surge of torque, these tyres will grip the road like your coffee addiction grips your soul on a Monday morning. Whether you’re taking a hard corner on your Sunday drive or just accelerating onto the freeway, you can rest assured that these tyres will give you a smooth, controlled ride with minimal road noise. And yes, we’re still talking about electric tyres—we’re living in the future, people.

On top of all this, the tread patterns are designed to minimize the wind noise, helping keep the EQS as quiet as possible. So not only do the tyres enhance performance, they also make sure your ride stays as peaceful as a high-end meditation retreat.

Brakes: Stopping in Style (and Efficiency)

Now, let’s talk about brakes—specifically, how Mercedes-Benz made sure they don’t just stop the EQS 450+ but do it with the kind of finesse that you’d expect from a high-end luxury brand.

The braking system in the EQS 450+ is a blend of traditional and electric tech, which makes for a truly elegant stopping experience. The car comes with a combination of regenerative braking and traditional friction brakes. Regenerative braking is what helps this car do the whole “green” thing by recovering energy when you brake, turning it into electricity and feeding it back into the battery. It’s like your brakes are doing double duty, acting as eco-friendly superheroes, all while giving you the satisfying feel of slowing down without wasting any energy.

Now, don’t panic if you’re a fan of strong, reliable braking. The EQS still comes with a full-fledged disc brake system—and not just any disc brakes, but adaptive, high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes. These are engineered to handle the added weight of the vehicle (remember, it's heavy) and provide smooth, confident stopping power even under the most demanding conditions. Whether you're coming off the Autobahn at 150 mph or just cruising through city traffic, these brakes will have you slowing down with style and precision.

But here's where things get really fun: the regenerative braking system in the EQS 450+ allows you to adjust the intensity of the braking via the car’s drive modes or even paddle shifters on the steering wheel. That’s right, folks, the EQS lets you literally “dial” in how much regeneration you want. If you’re in the mood to coast down a hill like a majestic glacier, you can set the regen to a lower setting for a smooth, free-flowing ride. Or, if you want to feel like you're in a high-performance sports sedan while still driving an electric luxury barge, you can crank up the regenerative braking intensity to a point where it feels almost like you’re driving with the handbrake on (don’t worry, the car’s smart enough to not let you actually ruin your tyres).

The real magic here is how the regenerative braking works seamlessly with the regular braking system, offering a driving experience that feels entirely natural. You get all the benefits of regeneration (energy recovery, longer range) without the dreaded “jerky” braking feel that some electric vehicles suffer from.

Braking in the Real World: Don’t Worry, It’s Got You Covered

When it comes to the real world, this dual-braking system means the EQS 450+ will stop just as effectively and safely as any traditional car. Even though it’s running on electric power, the performance feels consistent with any other luxury sedan you'd expect from Mercedes-Benz. Whether you're making an emergency stop, slowing down for a red light, or doing your best impression of an F1 driver while navigating around a winding backroad, the EQS's brakes will respond with the same precision and refinement you’ve come to expect from the brand.

And don't forget, all of this is happening while you’re gliding along in absolute silence. You won't hear the telltale screech of hot tyres or squealing brakes, either—just a smooth, controlled deceleration that leaves you wondering if you were just in a scene from Star Trek: The Next Generation. The future is here, and it stops as elegantly as it drives.

Range and Charging: The EV Part You’ve Been Waiting For

Let’s get to the part that has electric car fans and critics alike buzzing: the range. With its 107.8 kWh battery, the EQS 450+ offers an impressive 350 miles on a full charge (EPA estimate). So, no, this isn’t a car you have to constantly worry about plugging in. With its fast-charging capabilities, you can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes at a DC fast charger. It’s the kind of charging power that makes the Tesla Supercharger network look like it’s operating on dial-up.

In short, this car has the range to get you from your swanky urban condo to your weekend getaway, with plenty of juice left over to impress your friends. If the future of electric cars looks like this, we can safely say the future’s looking pretty bright (and quiet, and luxurious).

Conclusion: The EQS 450+ is the Luxury Sedan We All Deserve (and Need)

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ is more than just a luxury sedan—it’s a glimpse into the future of

transportation. It combines cutting-edge tech with the timeless elegance Mercedes-Benz is known for, delivering a driving experience that’s smooth, silent, and full of surprises. If you can look past the fact that it’s not powered by fuel (and maybe even embrace that fact), you'll find that the EQS is a truly remarkable car.

So, to all the car enthusiasts out there: don’t write off the EQS just because it’s electric. It’s got performance, luxury, and tech that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about EVs.

And hey, if you do miss the sound of an engine, the EQS comes with a feature called "Artificial Engine Sound"—because why not add a little artificial noise to your silent, futuristic ride?