The 2022 Mercedes EQS was the brand’s first true electric flagship, a battery-powered counterpart to the legendary S-Class. If you’re researching a 2022 Mercedes EQS review today, chances are you’re eyeing one on the used market, where prices have fallen sharply and value has gotten very interesting.
Key takeaway
2022 Mercedes EQS overview
For 2022, the EQS launched in the U.S. as a large, ultra-aerodynamic luxury hatchback built on a dedicated EV platform. Two main trims were offered:
- EQS 450+: single rear motor, rear-wheel drive
- EQS 580 4Matic: dual motors, all-wheel drive
2022 Mercedes EQS key specs at a glance
Both trims share the same big battery; power and range differ slightly.
EQS 450+ (RWD)
- Power: 329 hp / 406 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: ~5.5 seconds
- Battery (usable): about 107.8 kWh
- EPA range: up to 350 miles
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive
EQS 580 4Matic (AWD)
- Power: 516 hp / 631 lb-ft (approx.)
- 0–60 mph: ~4.1 seconds
- Battery (usable): about 107.8 kWh
- EPA range: up to 340 miles
- Drive: All-wheel drive
Trim choice tip
Powertrain, range and efficiency
Every 2022 EQS uses a large lithium-ion battery pack with about 107.8 kWh of usable capacity. That’s big even by today’s standards, and it underpins one of the car’s strongest selling points: long real-world range.
2022 EQS range and efficiency highlights
In independent highway testing at around 75 mph, the EQS has been able to meet or even slightly exceed its EPA numbers, which isn’t always true of big luxury EVs. In practice, you can plan on roughly 300–340 miles of comfortable highway range and more around town if you’re gentle with the accelerator.
Wheel-size warning
Charging experience: home and on the road
On paper, the 2022 EQS’s charging specs are solid rather than class-leading. AC charging is capped at about 9.6 kW on Level 2, and DC fast charging peaks at around 200 kW. Where the Mercedes shines is in its flat charging curve and polished software, which can make real-world charge stops easier than the numbers suggest.
2022 EQS typical charging times
Approximate times from low state-of-charge under ideal conditions. Actual results vary with temperature, charger, and driving style.
| Charging type | Power | 0–100% estimate | 10–80% estimate | Best use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V wall outlet) | 1–1.5 kW | 2+ days | Not practical | Emergency top-ups only |
| Level 2 (240V home / public) | Up to 9.6 kW | ~11–13 hours | ~7–8 hours | Overnight home charging |
| DC fast charging | Up to 200 kW | ~60–70 minutes | ~30–40 minutes | Road-trip stops |
Use these numbers for planning, not as promises, always build in a buffer on road trips.
Mercedes included free DC fast-charging sessions on Electrify America for early EQS buyers, and many used cars may still have some of that benefit left depending on transfer policies. Regardless, the EQS is compatible with major CCS public networks across the U.S., and many owners now also use select Tesla Superchargers with an appropriate adapter where supported.
Home charging tip
At Recharged, our EV specialists can help you understand what size home charger makes sense for your driving and how that affects your total cost of ownership. When you shop a used EQS with us, you can pair the car with financing and a home-charging plan in a single, streamlined process.
Interior, comfort and technology
If the Tesla Model S feels like a minimalist tech product, the 2022 EQS feels like stepping into a high-end lounge. This is where Mercedes plays its strongest hand.
Inside the 2022 EQS: strengths and weaknesses
An ultra-luxurious, ultra-digital cabin, with a few caveats.
Comfort
- Exceptionally quiet cabin, even at highway speeds
- Standard air suspension glides over most roads
- Optional Executive-style rear seats on some builds
Technology
- Available 56-inch "Hyperscreen" spanning the dash
- MBUX voice assistant and OTA updates
- Augmented-reality navigation on select trims
Weak points
- Touch-first controls with few physical buttons
- MBUX can feel busy and occasionally laggy
- Hatchback styling limits rear headroom for tall adults
Hatchback practicality
Driving impressions: how the 2022 EQS feels on the road
Behind the wheel, the 2022 EQS emphasizes serenity over sport. Even the more powerful EQS 580 is quick, but it never feels like a performance EV in the way a Taycan or Model S Plaid does. Instead, Mercedes tuned the car to feel almost weightless in everyday driving.
What the EQS does best
- Ride quality: The air suspension and adaptive dampers soak up most imperfections, especially on 20-inch wheels.
- Noise isolation: The cabin is hushed, with little wind or road noise even on coarse pavement.
- Rear-axle steering: Standard on U.S. cars, it dramatically shrinks the turning circle and makes this big sedan surprisingly maneuverable in tight parking lots.
Where it falls short
- Steering feel: Accurate but light and somewhat remote; enthusiasts will find it numb.
- Braking feel: Early cars can have slightly inconsistent pedal feel as the system blends regeneration and friction braking.
- Body control: Push it hard on a back road and you’re reminded this is a heavy car focused on comfort first.
Road-trip champion
Reliability, common issues and running costs
We now have a few years of real-world data on the 2022 EQS. As with many first-generation EV flagships, early cars saw more software gremlins than serious mechanical failures. When you’re shopping used, you want to separate nuisance issues from genuine red flags.
Common 2022 EQS owner reports to watch for
Software and infotainment glitches
Frozen screens, occasional reboots and connectivity hiccups have been reported, especially on early build cars before software updates. These are usually fixable with updates, but confirm the car is up to date.
Charging-station communication issues
Some owners have experienced handshaking issues with certain public DC fast chargers. Often the fix is as simple as trying another stall or network, but it’s worth testing the car at your local stations during a pre-purchase drive.
Tire and wheel wear
The EQS is heavy and powerful. On 21-inch wheels especially, expect faster tire wear and a higher risk of wheel damage on rough roads. Inspect for bent or cracked rims and uneven tire wear.
Squeaks and rattles
A super-quiet cabin can make minor trim noises more noticeable. Test on rougher pavement and listen for buzzes around the dash and doors, which are often fixable under warranty but still worth noting.
Warranty and service reminder
On the cost side, electricity is generally cheaper than premium gasoline on a per-mile basis, and the EQS is quite efficient for such a large, luxurious car. However, factor in high-end tire replacements, potential out-of-warranty repairs to complex tech, and higher insurance costs compared with a mainstream EV.
This is where a Recharged Score battery and vehicle health report can save you money and headaches. When you shop a used EQS through Recharged, you get a third-party-style view into the car’s battery state of health, charging history indicators, and fair-market pricing, information that’s hard to assemble on your own from a classified listing.
2022 Mercedes EQS vs Tesla Model S, Lucid Air and others
In 2022, the EQS entered a fiercely competitive space dominated by the Tesla Model S, and increasingly challenged by the Lucid Air and Porsche Taycan. Each of these cars comes at the luxury EV question from a slightly different angle.
How the 2022 EQS stacks up against rivals
Strengths and trade-offs vs other flagship EV sedans.
Mercedes EQS
- Pros: Superb comfort and quiet, excellent range, lavish tech, practical hatchback cargo.
- Cons: Conservative performance, polarizing styling, slower peak DC charging than some rivals.
Tesla Model S
- Pros: Strong performance, very fast charging on Supercharger network, mature software.
- Cons: Interior quality not as rich, service experience is hit-or-miss for some owners.
Lucid Air
- Pros: Class-leading range and efficiency, sharp driving dynamics, airy cabin.
- Cons: Newer brand, evolving service network, early software still maturing.
Porsche Taycan / Audi e-tron GT
- Pros: Incredible handling and braking, top-notch build quality, very fast DC charging.
- Cons: Shorter range, tighter rear space, more sports sedan than luxury lounge.
Who should choose the EQS?
Used 2022 Mercedes EQS buying advice
Depreciation has hit the 2022 EQS hard, which is painful for the first owner but a real opportunity for a savvy second buyer. You’re now looking at a car that originally carried a six-figure MSRP but trades on the used market for far less, depending on mileage, options and condition.
Checklist for buying a used 2022 EQS
1. Prioritize battery health
Ask for documentation of state-of-health checks or a third-party battery report. At Recharged, every car comes with a Recharged Score that quantifies remaining battery capacity and flags any concerns.
2. Verify software update history
Have the seller or dealer print the software update log, or ask a Mercedes dealer to confirm updates. Many early issues were fixed by later software; you want a car that’s been kept current.
3. Inspect wheels, tires and suspension
Look closely at 21-inch wheels for bends or cracks, and check for uneven tire wear or alignment issues. On a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks over bumps.
4. Test charging on your preferred network
If possible, plug the car into a local Level 2 charger and a DC fast charger you plan to use regularly. Confirm charging starts reliably and watch for unusual error messages.
5. Evaluate interior wear and tech
Cycle all seat adjustments, climate zones, and the entire infotainment system. Make sure all screens are free of dead pixels and that haptic touch controls respond consistently.
6. Understand total cost of ownership
Price out insurance, home charging installation if needed, and a reserve for premium tires and potential out-of-warranty repairs. A lower purchase price leaves more room in your budget for these realities.
How Recharged can help
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2022 Mercedes EQS FAQs
Is the 2022 Mercedes EQS worth it today?
Viewed in the rearview mirror of a few model years, the 2022 Mercedes EQS looks like what it was always intended to be: a rolling technology flagship that delivers S-Class levels of comfort with truly modern electric range. It isn’t the quickest charger in its class and won’t thrill track-day fans, but for the buyer who wants a serene, high-tech luxury EV, it hits far more than it misses.
On the used market, aggressive depreciation transforms the 2022 EQS from a pricey statement piece into a compelling value, provided you’re thoughtful about which car you choose. Focus on battery health, software history, and condition, and you can end up with an exceptional long-distance EV for the price of a new midsize luxury car.
If you’re ready to take the next step, consider browsing EQS listings on Recharged. Our Recharged Score, EV-specialist guidance, financing, and nationwide delivery work together to take the guesswork out of buying a sophisticated electric flagship like the 2022 Mercedes EQS.
