If you’re eyeing a **used 2023 Mercedes EQS**, you’re probably wondering whether the mix of S‑Class luxury and EV tech is worth the price, especially now that depreciation has kicked in. The short answer: the 2023 EQS can be a **very good buy** if you care most about comfort, quiet, and range, and you’re realistic about software quirks, charging limitations, and resale value.
Key takeaway in one sentence
Bottom line: is the 2023 Mercedes EQS a good buy?
2023 Mercedes EQS used-buy verdict at a glance
Where it shines, and where to be cautious
Why it’s a good buy
- Big depreciation means you can often find 2023 EQS sedans in the low–mid $50,000s instead of the original ~$100k+ sticker for well‑equipped trims.
- Excellent range for a full‑size luxury EV: the EQS 450+ sedan delivers up to ~350 miles EPA and strong real‑world numbers when driven efficiently.
- High comfort and refinement with S‑Class levels of quiet, smooth ride, and a premium cabin that still feels very current in 2026.
Where it struggles
- Depreciates hard and may continue to fall as newer EVs arrive and tax credits favor other models.
- Charging experience depends on third‑party CCS networks, which are improving but still less seamless than Tesla’s Supercharger system.
- Software and electronics glitches show up in some owner reports, annoying bugs more than catastrophic failures, but still worth vetting.
Who it fits best
- Buyers who value quiet luxury cruising over cutting‑edge performance or track handling.
- Drivers with reliable home Level 2 charging and occasional road trips on major corridors with good CCS coverage.
- Shoppers who want a flagship luxury EV for the price of a new mid‑range SUV, and who plan to keep it for several years.
Recharged perspective
2023 Mercedes EQS trims and key specs
For 2023, the EQS lineup in the U.S. centered on a large, slippery electric sedan with multiple powertrain options, all built around a big ~107.8 kWh usable battery pack. There’s also an EQS SUV, but most used listings, and most of the value conversation, revolve around the sedan, so that’s our primary focus here.
2023 Mercedes EQS sedan: core trims at a glance
Approximate specs for major 2023 EQS sedan variants in the U.S.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Power | 0–60 mph (approx.) | EPA range (approx.) | Battery usable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQS 450+ | RWD | ~329 hp | ~6.0 sec | ≈ 350 mi | ~107.8 kWh |
| EQS 450 4MATIC | AWD | ~355 hp | mid‑5 sec | low–mid 300s mi* | ~107.8 kWh |
| EQS 580 4MATIC | AWD | ~516 hp | ~4.1 sec | ≈ 340 mi* | ~107.8 kWh |
Always verify exact specs by VIN; packages, wheels, and options can change efficiency and performance.
Sedan vs. SUV
Pricing & depreciation: how much should you pay?
Used 2023 EQS market snapshot (U.S., 2025–early 2026)
Luxury EVs, and especially large German flagships, tend to depreciate aggressively. That’s bad news for original buyers, but very good news if you’re shopping used now. By 2026, a fairly loaded 2023 EQS sedan that may have stickered near or above $110,000 can often be found in the **low–mid $50,000s**, with higher‑miles units dipping below that.
- EQS 450+ and 450 4MATIC: typically the **most affordable** entries, especially with standard wheels and more modest option packages.
- EQS 580 4MATIC: commands a **notable premium** for the extra power, but depreciation is still heavy, making it a performance bargain versus a new gas S‑Class.
- EQS SUV models: often priced slightly higher than sedans at similar mileage, reflecting 3‑row practicality and SUV demand.
Target price bands to watch
Range and efficiency: real world vs EPA
One of the strongest arguments that the 2023 EQS is a good buy is its **range**. The 450+ sedan, with its big battery and sleek aero profile, delivers an EPA‑rated range of about **350 miles** and can match or exceed 3.3–3.5 mi/kWh in real‑world highway driving when driven sensibly. That’s still competitive with many 2025–2026 luxury EVs.
Typical 2023 EQS sedan range expectations
Approximate real‑world range estimates in mild conditions with 19–20" wheels.
| Model | EPA range (mi) | Comfortable highway range (mi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQS 450+ (RWD) | ≈ 350 | 280–320 | Best choice if maximum range matters and you’re okay with RWD. |
| EQS 450 4MATIC | low–mid 300s* | 250–290* | Slight range penalty for AWD; exact EPA figure depends on wheels/options. |
| EQS 580 4MATIC | ≈ 340* | 260–300* | More power with only modestly lower real‑world range when driven calmly. |
Actual range will vary with speed, temperature, terrain, wheels, and driving style.
Watch wheels, climate, and speed
Charging experience: home and DC fast
The EQS uses the **CCS** (Combined Charging System) standard, not Tesla’s NACS plug, so your fast‑charging experience will depend on **non‑Tesla networks**, Electrify America, EVgo, and others. At home, its onboard charger can take advantage of a 48‑amp Level 2 station, making overnight refills straightforward.
EQS charging: what to expect day to day
Home is painless, road trips are good but not class‑leading
Home charging
- On a **240V Level 2 charger**, expect a 0–100% refill in roughly **11–13 hours**, depending on amperage.
- Most owners simply top up overnight from 20–80% or 30–90%, which is easy within a normal sleep window.
- If you’re stepping out of a Tesla, note that you’ll likely need a new wallbox with a J1772 plug or a capable universal unit.
DC fast charging
- The EQS can accept up to ~200 kW on a strong DC fast charger, with a healthy **10–80% window in roughly 30 minutes** under good conditions.
- Because the battery is large, it’s quick enough, but not class‑topping in terms of miles added per minute compared with some newer 800V rivals.
- Your experience will hinge heavily on the reliability and speed of the CCS station you plug into.
Future‑proofing note
Reliability issues and owner complaints
Mechanically, the EQS’s electric drivetrain and battery pack haven’t generated widespread catastrophic failure stories. Where most complaints cluster is around **software, electronics, and build‑quality quirks**, exactly the sort of thing you’d expect on an early‑generation flagship EV packed with technology.
- Infotainment and MBUX glitches such as frozen screens, slow boot‑ups, or random reboots.
- Occasional driver‑assist warnings or camera/sensor errors that clear after restarts but require service if persistent.
- Charging‑port or charge‑door issues on some early builds, including sensors misreading the door as open or intermittent DC fast‑charge handshakes.
- Rattles or trim noises in a few vehicles, which stand out more because the cabin is otherwise so quiet.
Why a pre‑purchase inspection matters
EV + luxury car depreciation is harsh, but I still love this car. Most of my issues have been annoying software things, not major mechanical failures.
Comfort, tech, and driving experience
If your idea of "good buy" is a **quiet, effortless, long‑distance cruiser**, the 2023 EQS scores very high. Air suspension, rear‑axle steering, and a hushed cabin make it feel like an electric S‑Class, especially at highway speeds. It’s not as sharp or playful as a Porsche Taycan or some sportier rivals, but that’s not really its mission.
How the 2023 EQS feels on the road
Strengths and tradeoffs you’ll notice in daily driving
Ride & refinement
- Air suspension soaks up most imperfections, especially in Comfort modes.
- Cabin isolation is excellent; wind and road noise are very well controlled for a big hatchback.
- Rear‑axle steering makes parking lots and tight streets surprisingly manageable.
Tech & UX
- Hyperscreen and MBUX look impressive, with crisp graphics and deep configurability.
- The flip side: menus can be complex and occasionally laggy; expect a learning curve.
- Over‑the‑air updates have improved behavior over time, but experiences vary by build and software level.
Performance
- EQS 450+: brisk but relaxed, entirely adequate for highway merging and passing.
- EQS 580: genuinely quick, with instant torque and smooth, silent acceleration.
- Brakes and regen feel natural once you’re used to them, though some drivers wish for stronger one‑pedal modes.
Ownership costs: insurance, maintenance, and warranty
A used 2023 EQS combines the **lower routine maintenance** of an EV with the **high running costs** typical of a German flagship. That means far fewer oil changes, spark plugs, and exhaust repairs, but still expensive tires, glass, bodywork, and out‑of‑warranty electronics if something fails.
- Mercedes typically offers an **8‑year / 100,000‑mile high‑voltage battery warranty** on EQ models, so many 2023 cars still have years of battery coverage left.
- Brake wear can be relatively light thanks to regenerative braking, but **tires and alignments** on a heavy, powerful EV are not cheap, budget accordingly.
- Insurance quotes for a $50k–$70k luxury EV can be steep, especially in areas with high repair costs or theft rates.
- Software diagnostics and out‑of‑warranty control‑module replacements at a Mercedes dealer can be pricey, so an extended warranty or Certified Pre‑Owned (CPO) program is worth considering if the price is right.
Use battery health to your advantage
Who should, and shouldn’t, buy a 2023 EQS
Great fit for you if…
- You want an ultra‑comfortable highway cruiser with real‑world range that can still exceed 300 miles in good conditions.
- You have **reliable home Level 2 charging**, so public CCS is mostly for road trips.
- You appreciate Mercedes’ approach to design and cabin quality more than minimalist or tech‑only alternatives.
- You’re value‑oriented enough to let the first owner take the depreciation hit, and you plan to keep the car for several years.
Probably not the right car if…
- You live in an area with poor CCS fast‑charging coverage and can’t reliably charge at home.
- You demand **bulletproof software** and never want to see a warning message or infotainment glitch.
- You want the sharpest handling or track capability; you’d be happier in something like a Taycan or a smaller performance EV.
- You’re highly sensitive to **future resale value**; EQS depreciation has already been steep and could remain above‑average.
How to safely buy a used 2023 EQS
Used 2023 EQS buying checklist
1. Verify battery health and fast‑charge behavior
Request documented **battery‑health data** and, if possible, observe the car on a DC fast charger to confirm it reaches expected power levels and doesn’t throttle unusually early. Tools like the Recharged Score Report can give you an objective read.
2. Review software, infotainment, and driver‑assist systems
On a long test drive, cycle through **MBUX, navigation, audio, and driver‑assist** features. Watch for freezes, random reboots, or persistent warning lights that might hint at deeper electronic issues.
3. Check service records and recall completion
Ask for a **full dealer or service history**, looking for repeat visits for the same concerns. Confirm that any recalls or technical campaigns for your specific VIN have been completed.
4. Inspect tires, brakes, and suspension
The EQS is heavy and powerful, so **tire wear and alignment** matter. Uneven wear patterns, vibrations, or clunks over bumps can indicate suspension or alignment issues that won’t be cheap to address.
5. Evaluate charging options at home and on your routes
Before you sign, make sure you have a plan for **home Level 2 charging** and have checked CCS coverage on your typical road‑trip routes. Apps from major networks can help you spot gaps.
6. Consider CPO vs independent dealers vs marketplace
A Mercedes CPO car can add warranty coverage, but you might pay a premium. Marketplaces like <strong>Recharged</strong> focus specifically on used EVs, combining nationwide delivery, financing, and detailed battery reports, often at more competitive pricing.
How Recharged can help with a 2023 EQS
Ready to find your next EV?
Browse VehiclesFrequently asked questions about the 2023 Mercedes EQS
2023 Mercedes EQS: common questions answered
Final thoughts
So, **is the 2023 Mercedes EQS a good buy?** For the right driver, absolutely. The combination of steep depreciation, strong range, and true flagship comfort makes it one of the more compelling used luxury EVs on the market right now. The tradeoff is that you’re buying an early‑generation software‑heavy Mercedes, so you need to go in with clear eyes about potential glitches and future resale.
If you can line up **home charging**, confirm **battery and software health**, and secure **sane pricing** relative to its original MSRP, a used 2023 EQS can deliver a whole lot of car for the money. And if you’d rather not decode all that on your own, starting your search on a dedicated EV marketplace like Recharged, where every car comes with transparent battery data and EV‑specialist support, can make the decision much easier.
