If you’re looking at top-shelf luxury EVs, the **2023 Mercedes EQS** is probably on your shortlist right next to the Tesla Model S, BMW i7, and Lucid Air. It’s Mercedes’ electric flagship, quiet, fast, and dripping with tech, but it’s also a complex first-generation EV that you should understand before you buy, especially on the used market.
Sedan vs. SUV: This review covers both
2023 Mercedes EQS overview
For 2023, the EQS line sits at the top of Mercedes’ electric range. The sedan arrived first, followed by the EQS SUV. Both ride on a dedicated EV platform with a big ~108 kWh usable battery, air suspension, and available **rear-axle steering** that makes this long car surprisingly maneuverable in tight parking lots.
Key 2023 Mercedes EQS numbers (sedan)
On paper, the EQS aims to be the electric S-Class: whisper-quiet, ultra-refined, and loaded with tech. In practice, it largely delivers, especially in ride comfort and cabin quality, while falling a bit short of the best in class for driver engagement and fast-charging speed.
Trim levels and original pricing
The 2023 EQS lineup can be confusing because Mercedes mixes trims with "4MATIC" all-wheel drive and separate Premium/Exclusive/Pinnacle equipment packages. Here’s how the core **sedan** and **SUV** models break down in the U.S. for 2023:
2023 Mercedes EQS trims and original MSRPs
Core 2023 Mercedes EQS sedan and SUV models and their approximate original starting prices before options and destination.
| Model | Drivetrain | Power | EPA range (est.) | Original MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQS 450+ Sedan | RWD, single motor | 329 hp / 417 lb-ft | ~350 mi | $105,550 |
| EQS 450 4MATIC Sedan | AWD, dual motor | 355 hp / 590 lb-ft | Low 300s mi | $108,550 |
| EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan | AWD, dual motor | 516 hp / 631 lb-ft | ~340 mi | $127,100 |
| AMG EQS Sedan | AWD, dual motor | 649 hp / 700 lb-ft | High 200s mi | ≈$147,000 |
| EQS 450+ SUV | RWD, single motor | ~355 hp | Low 300s mi | ≈$104,000 |
| EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | AWD, dual motor | 355 hp / 590 lb-ft | High 200s–low 300s mi | ≈$107,400 |
| EQS 580 4MATIC SUV | AWD, dual motor | 536 hp / 633 lb-ft | ~285 mi | $125,950 |
Actual transaction prices varied widely with options; many examples stickered $10,000–$20,000 above base.
Which trim hits the sweet spot?
Range, battery, and charging performance
All 2023 EQS models share a large **lithium-ion battery pack around 107.8 kWh usable**, giving them impressive range for a big, heavy luxury EV. Official EPA numbers vary slightly by motor configuration, but the theme is clear: this thing goes far on a charge.
- EQS 450+ sedan: up to about 350 miles of EPA-rated range
- EQS 580 sedan: around 340 miles of range
- EQS SUV models: generally in the 280–305 mile range depending on trim
- Real-world highway tests have matched or even beaten the EPA figure in some 450+ and 580 sedans when driven efficiently
That kind of range means true road-trip capability. Where the EQS stumbles a bit is in **fast-charging performance**. It can accept DC fast charge rates up to about **200 kW**, and Mercedes claims a 10–80% charge in the mid-30-minute range under ideal conditions. In reality, charge curves tend to be less aggressive than the best from Tesla, Hyundai/Kia, or Lucid, so plan on stops that are usable, but not class-leading, on long trips.
Home charging is where the EQS shines
On-the-road performance and comfort
Performance
- EQS 450+ sedan: Smooth, quiet, and quick enough, with 0–60 mph in the mid-5-second range.
- EQS 450 4MATIC / SUV: Extra traction and noticeably stronger shove, especially from a stop.
- EQS 580 & AMG: Genuinely fast; passing power is effortless, but you pay in price and efficiency.
Comfort & refinement
- Standard air suspension soaks up broken pavement beautifully.
- Optional rear-axle steering makes this long car feel surprisingly agile in town.
- Cabin remains almost eerily quiet at highway speeds, even on larger wheels.
If you’re expecting sports-sedan steering feel or Taycan-like sharpness, the 2023 EQS may leave you a bit cold. Mercedes tuned this car for **effortless, relaxed progress**, not back-road thrills. Driven that way, it’s deeply satisfying: effortless torque, serene isolation, and a sense that you could drive all day without getting tired.
Where the EQS truly feels like an S-Class
Interior, tech, and that giant Hyperscreen
Inside, the 2023 EQS feels every bit the flagship. Materials are rich, assembly quality is high, and the **ambient lighting and quiet cabin** create a cocoon-like atmosphere. Where things get polarizing is the tech, specifically, the optional **MBUX Hyperscreen**.
Two very different cockpit experiences
Your choice of screen layout changes how the EQS feels from the driver’s seat.
Standard MBUX setup (EQS 450+)
- 12.8-inch vertical central touchscreen.
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
- Clean, modern look without overwhelming the dash.
- All core functions still available, navigation, drive modes, driver-assist controls.
MBUX Hyperscreen (EQS 580 & some 450s)
- 56-inch glass panel housing three screens: driver, center, and passenger.
- Looks spectacular and wows passengers.
- Can feel a bit "always on" and busy if you prefer a calmer cabin.
- More complexity means more software to keep updated.
Try both screen setups before you commit
Beyond the screens, you get a long list of luxury features available or standard depending on trim: **heated and ventilated seats, massaging front seats, Burmester audio, 4-zone climate control, and even pillow-style headrests** on some models. The user interface can be deep and occasionally fussy, but voice controls are good once you learn the commands.
Space and practicality: sedan vs EQS SUV
EQS Sedan
- Sleek liftback body gives a huge trunk opening and good cargo depth.
- Rear headroom is compromised for taller adults because of the dramatic roofline.
- Best if you mainly carry two adults and occasional rear passengers.
EQS SUV
- Taller roof and seating position improve rear headroom and ease of entry.
- Available third row makes it more family-flexible than the sedan.
- Ride height and AWD tuning make it more confident on rough roads and light trails.
Family-hauler verdict
Reliability, recalls, and ownership costs
The 2023 EQS is a **complex first-generation EV**, and that shows up in early reliability reports. The core battery and motors have held up well so far, but software and minor hardware glitches are more common than you’d hope in a $100,000-plus car.
- Owners report scattered issues with infotainment freezes, sensor glitches, and occasional climate-control bugs.
- Multiple recalls have addressed drivetrain software and high-voltage battery monitoring, usually fixed with software updates at the dealer.
- Like other big German luxury cars, parts and labor are expensive once you’re out of warranty. Tires in particular are large and pricey.
Check recall status before you buy
On the plus side, EVs skip many routine service items (no oil changes, fewer moving parts in the drivetrain). On the minus side, you’re dealing with a highly integrated tech platform where nearly everything, from seat controls to door handles, talks to a computer. If you buy one, budget for an extended warranty or plan to part ways when the factory coverage winds down.
Used 2023 EQS prices and value
Because it launched expensive and depreciation on six-figure luxury EVs has been steep, the **2023 Mercedes EQS can be a relative bargain on the used market** compared with its original MSRP.
Typical used pricing for 2023 EQS sedans (U.S.)
Snapshot of national average used pricing compared with original MSRPs for 2023 EQS sedans, assuming typical mileage and condition.
| Model (Sedan) | Original MSRP (approx.) | Typical used asking price |
|---|---|---|
| EQS 450+ | $105,550 | Around $40,000 |
| EQS 450 4MATIC | $108,550 | Low $40,000s |
| EQS 580 4MATIC | $127,100 | Low–mid $50,000s |
Actual values vary widely with mileage, options, region, and condition. Use these as ballpark figures, not offers.
That’s a huge drop in just a few years, and a big part of why shoppers are eyeing the EQS now. You’re essentially getting S-Class-level luxury and range for well under half of what someone paid new.
Falling prices cut both ways
Who the 2023 EQS is (and isn’t) for
Is a 2023 EQS right for you?
Match the car’s strengths and weaknesses to your real life.
Perfect fit if…
- You want a whisper-quiet, ultra-comfortable EV above all else.
- Most of your driving is commuting or long highway trips.
- You have reliable Level 2 home charging.
- You value a rich, tech-forward cabin and driver-assist features.
Think twice if…
- You expect rock-solid, low-drama reliability for 10+ years.
- You don’t have easy access to home or workplace charging.
- You’re sensitive to software quirks and complex interfaces.
- You want sports-sedan handling more than comfort.
Best EQS strategies
- Shop used at a deep discount versus new.
- Look for remaining factory warranty or consider extended coverage.
- Prioritize clean service history and completed recalls.
- Have the battery and charging health independently verified.
How Recharged helps you shop a used EQS
Because the 2023 EQS is such a sophisticated EV, going in with clear, verified information matters more than ever. That’s exactly what Recharged was built for.
Buying a used EQS with Recharged
1. Verified battery health
Every EQS we list comes with a <strong>Recharged Score battery health report</strong>, so you can see how the pack has aged and how much real-world range to expect.
2. Transparent, fair pricing
We benchmark every car against current EV market data, original MSRP, mileage, and condition to surface **fair, transparent prices**, no guesswork required.
3. EV-specialist support
Our EV specialists live and breathe electric cars. They’ll help you compare EQS trims, explain charging options, and decide whether a sedan or SUV fits your life better.
4. Financing and trade-in options
From payment plans to instant trade-in offers or consignment, Recharged can help you structure the deal in a way that keeps your monthly costs predictable.
5. Nationwide delivery & digital process
Browse, ask questions, sign paperwork, and arrange delivery, largely online. If you’d rather see and feel an EV first, visit our **Experience Center in Richmond, VA**.
2023 Mercedes EQS FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the 2023 Mercedes EQS
Final thoughts: 2023 Mercedes EQS review
The **2023 Mercedes EQS** isn’t perfect, but it is deeply impressive in the areas that matter most to luxury EV buyers: range, comfort, and serenity. You get true long-leg capability, a stunning cabin, and that uniquely Mercedes blend of isolation and confidence, wrapped in a body that still turns heads.
Its drawbacks are just as real: mixed early reliability reports, charging performance that lags the very best EVs, complex tech that won’t delight every driver, and steep ongoing depreciation. That’s why doing your homework, and buying the right car at the right price, matters so much with the EQS.
If you value **calm over cornering**, have reliable home charging, and are shopping smart on the used market, a well-chosen 2023 EQS sedan or SUV can be a phenomenal daily partner for years. And if you want help sorting the winners from the question marks, Recharged is here with battery-health diagnostics, transparent pricing, and EV-savvy guidance every step of the way.
